Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Are Newborns Tested For Weed?

My sister in law ocassionally smoked weed and did cocaine up until she was dix months pregnant. Now she is worried that the baby will sho positive for drugs and be taken away. How do they normallu test newborns? Through hair or umbilical cord blood?and how long will the druga show up in those places?
Mon, 11 Apr 2016
Report Abuse
Psychologist,  's  Response
Thankfully she has stopped using these substances. Though coke use can be harmful and cause birth defects and premature birth, it is not as harmful as previously thought, but if it causes a birth defect, then that is already too much harm. It is a small molecule and passes readily through the placenta. After 3 months of abstinence it should not show up in tests, and the results are not that reliable. The marijuana should be dissipated after 3 months (assuming the baby comes to term at 9 months). Children's lives, born or not yet born, must be safeguarded and NEVER put at risk.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Cord blood


Loading Online Doctors....
How Are Newborns Tested For Weed?

Thankfully she has stopped using these substances. Though coke use can be harmful and cause birth defects and premature birth, it is not as harmful as previously thought, but if it causes a birth defect, then that is already too much harm. It is a small molecule and passes readily through the placenta. After 3 months of abstinence it should not show up in tests, and the results are not that reliable. The marijuana should be dissipated after 3 months (assuming the baby comes to term at 9 months). Children s lives, born or not yet born, must be safeguarded and NEVER put at risk.