It is normal to worry about being drug tested during pregnancy, even if you have not taken any illegal drugs. The thought of being tested can be stressful, especially if you are unsure if testing is actually done. The good news is that, in most cases, obgyns do not test for drugs unless there is a valid reason to do so.
What is an Obgyn?
Obgyns, or Obstetrician-gynecologists, are medical doctors who specialize in pregnancy, childbirth, and women’s reproductive health. They are responsible for guiding women through every stage of their pregnancy journey, from preconception to postpartum care.
What Are the Responsibilities of an Obgyn?
Obgyns have many responsibilities, including:
- Providing prenatal care and monitoring fetal development
- Performing prenatal tests
- Assisting with delivery and monitoring postpartum recovery
- Diagnosing and treating reproductive disorders and illnesses
- Conducting annual gynecological exams and cancer screenings
Do Obgyns Test for Drugs During Pregnancy?
In general, obgyns do not test for drugs during pregnancy without a valid reason. However, some hospitals might have a policy of testing all pregnant women. It is essential to confirm whether your obgyn or the hospital you choose will test for drugs before you receive any prenatal care.
When Would an Obgyn Test for Drugs During Pregnancy?
An obgyn may test for drugs when:
- The mother has a history of drug abuse
- The mother has symptoms of drug use
- The mother’s behavior or medical history raises concerns about drug use
- The mother has a positive urine or blood test during prenatal screening
- The mother or baby shows signs of drug withdrawal at birth
What Happens if You Test Positive for Drugs During Pregnancy?
If you test positive for drugs during pregnancy, your obgyn will provide you with the necessary support, guidance, and care. Obgyns are not law enforcement officials and will not report you to the authorities. However, they are obligated to report any drug use, especially if they believe the baby is in danger. Reporting is done to protect his or her safety after birth.
What Happens After Birth if You Test Positive for Drugs?
If you test positive for drugs at birth, your baby might need to undergo medical testing and treatment for drug withdrawal. This will occur in the hospital under an obgyn’s supervision. Instructions will be given to the mother and her support network to assure a healthy recovery.
What Happens if You Refuse Drug Testing During Pregnancy?
If you refuse drug testing during pregnancy, it does not necessarily mean your obgyn must report you to the authorities. If there is a reasonable cause, we highly recommend complying with the request to ensure the safety of your and your baby’s health. However, if there is a suspicion of drug use, child protective services may need to be involved.
What Happens if You Test Positive for Drugs During Pregnancy at a Hospital?
If you test positive for drugs during pregnancy at a hospital, the staff may start an investigation into your drug use history. If the baby is in danger, then steps might be taken to protect them after pregnancy. But if the child is healthy, no action will be taken and the family shall be freed.
Should You Be Completely Honest with Your Obgyn About Drug Use?
If you have used drugs during pregnancy, honesty about your drug use with your obgyn is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby. If you are afraid of judgement or repercussions, it is better to disclose your drug use problems so that your medical team can carefully monitor and care for you and your newborn.
Would Drug Testing Affect Your Prenatal Care?
No, drug testing will not affect your prenatal care. Regardless of whether you test positive or negative, it is essential to receive prenatal care and regular check-ups to ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy.
Final Thoughts on Obgyns and Drug Testing During Pregnancy
Obgyns do not test for drugs unless there is a valid reason to do so. They prioritize the health and well-being of their patients and their babies, and they take their responsibility to provide appropriate care very seriously. If you are worried about being drug tested during pregnancy, talk to your obgyn and get the facts about their hospital’s policy on drug testing. As long as you are honest with your obgyn, they will work with you to provide compassionate and comprehensive care through every stage of your pregnancy.
Most Common Questions and Answers
- Do obgyns test for drugs during pregnancy?
- Can you refuse drug testing?
- What happens if you test positive for drugs during pregnancy?
- Will drug testing affect your prenatal care?
It is unlikely for an obgyn to test for drugs during pregnancy unless there is a valid reason to do so, such as if the mother has a history of drug abuse or is showing symptoms of drug use, among others.
Yes, you can refuse drug testing during pregnancy. However, if drug use is suspected, alternative action, such as contacting child protection agencies in the interest of the baby, may be taken.
If you test positive for drugs during pregnancy, your obgyn will provide you with the necessary support, guidance, and care. They will not report you to law enforcement agencies, but they are obligated to report any drug use that might harm you or your baby.
No, drug testing will not affect your prenatal care. Your obgyn’s priority is your and your baby’s health, and it is crucial to receive regular check-ups regardless of whether you test positive or negative.
References
- BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board. (2021). Is it true ob-gyns drug test pregnant moms at every checkup?. Retrieved from https://www.babycenter.com/0_is-it-true-ob-gyns-drug-test-pregnant-moms-at-every-checku_10323595.bc
- Drug Policy Alliance. (2018). Pregnancy and drug use trends and updates. Retrieved from https://drugpolicy.org/sites/default/files/DPA_Fact-Sheet_Pregnancy-and-Drug-Use_FINAL.pdf
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016). Substance use during pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-during-pregnancy