dihydrocodeine when pregnant?

[Saphwoodman]

Anyone know if I can take dihydrocodeine if pregnant? I asked a midwife during my last pregnancy and she said "it's fine, we give it to ladies during labour so it is safe for use in pregnancy" although read contradiction online.

I take them because I get severe migraines and they are the only thing that help. Last night I had a bad one but I've been holding off taking them and it's gone now but I think it was just the start, I expect a full blown one later :(

A side effect of this pregnancy seems to be migraines and I don't want to end up taking them every week as can it cause addiction for the baby? Just don't know what else to do when in that amount of pain. My migraines are sereve, not some thing peacetamol could cover. I have been given pethedine and been hospitalised for my migraines before, they are not mild.

[Nicky333]

I don't know the one you mention but the doctor told me that the pink Migraleve are fine to take.

[Saphwoodman]

These are prescription only, they are prescribed for things other than migraines just pain in general I think common after surgery on your teeth

[ShowYourSeams]

I was prescribed codeine phosphate for migraines and SPD when I was pregnant. I took them daily because I couldn't walk without them. I'm not sure about dihydrocodeine though.

[sepa]

I have taken cocodamol up until my 3rd trimester. Seen an obstetrician who said I can take in 3rd trimester but baby will need extra care when it comes should I take it.
Not sure if the the same thing but it's the codeine in cocodamol which is the but the baby could get addicted to

[hellsdells82]

I take cocodamol 30/500 for hypermobility. My normal pre-preg dose woukd be 2tabs upto 4xdaily... ive never had that many though.
I do however have half a tab when needed,mainly by evening and night/bedtime as i cant cope with the pain. I do make myself suffer alot though before having any. Nothing else works with pain and i wont take anythi g stronger as baby can get addicted. If you do take your tabs then make sure its the bare minimum to help you cope and ony take when absolutely needed. And make sure you are clear of them from your system for a week or two at least before having baby. Also be aware that they will no doubt affect babys movements too,giving baby a lower heart rate, meaning it can be hard to follow any sort of pattern. If you are really concerned then go and speak to a doctor or consultant. Or even a different midwife.
Migraines are awful and i hope you get sorted with them xx

[hellsdells82]

Oops...im 30wks pg too amd up to yet baby is fine and low dosage hasnt affected baby. Xx

[JessieMcJessie]

You MUST ask a doctor. Nobody on MN can give you this sort of medical advice.

[lilac3033]

I was given it in labour but I would check with another midwife or dr personally.

[kiki22]

If they are the dosage you get on prescription and you have been prescribed them you can take them. I took them throughout my pregnancy with DS the stress the pain put on my body and the risk of becoming depressed due to immobility would be a lot higher than any risk from the pain killers. During the last 3 months I believe the baby can be born addicted however this was not the case for DS I think it's more likely if you take the full maximum dosage every single day, I took only when necessary to get through the day and no more than 4 a day. My gp has already gave me a lower dose plus the higher usual dose for this pregnancy.