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Original poster

Codeine in pregnancy

33 replies

Mamacita191 · 20/10/2021 09:32

Hi all. Wondering if I could get some advice. I just found out I’m pregnant, I suffer from really bad SI joint pain and back pain since giving birth to my first child 20 months ago, due to my hypermobility. The flare ups are horrendous. I spoke to a GP today and asked if there was any pain relief I could take as paracetamol doesn’t touch the sides. She said the next one up would be codeine, she read different studies out to me:

  1. A study said not to take near labour as baby may be dependant
  2. A study said regular use may cause addiction /withdrawal when baby is born.

She said it should be fine to take if I just take the minimum as and when I need it on a bad flare up.

I didn’t feel confident after the call. She’s prescribed me it anyway. But I was just wondering if anyone else has successfully taken codeine in pregnancy and all has been okay?

Thank you.

OP posts:
Macauley · 20/10/2021 09:48

I had to have codeine in my last pregnancy due to really bad sciatica. I just used it when it was really bad and the pain unbearable. Baby is one now and no issues from taking codeine during pregnancy.

Tempusfudgeit · 20/10/2021 09:48

My obstetric consultant prescribed codeine for toothache. She said the pain and stress hormones would be worse for the baby than the medication. I was in the third trimester though, so maybe safer than the first?

WhatisanODP · 20/10/2021 09:44

I used it when I needed it. Obviously tried not to take the 60mg 4 times a day and only use it when I was desperate, but I could rest in the last few weeks so the pain wasn’t as horrific.

The child is now 3.5 and had no ill affects at any point.

I remember sending my husband in to get me some co-codemol from the pharmacist, as because I was pregnant they wouldn’t let me have it 😂

RedMarauder · 20/10/2021 09:43

@kw1091

The best thing you can do is speak to your midwife
Midwives know very little about drugs.

I had a disagreement with my booking one about a supplement I had been prescribed then told to just buy myself by my GP. Both the GP, different GP but same practice, I saw and my obstetrician told me she was completely wrong to tell me to stop taking it.

RedMarauder · 20/10/2021 09:40

Actually the best people to speak to about drugs are a pharmacist.

So when you fill your prescription or even if you have already go back to speak to them.

They are trained in who to give particular drugs to, and actually alert practices if any of their prescribers are prescribing patients drugs they shouldn't have before taking it further if necessary.

Fieldings15 · 20/10/2021 09:39

I took it a couple of times in my first trimester as it was prescribed due to a severe dvt. Didn't take it beyond a week though. I also took it once in my 3rd trimester due to a cracked rib. Now 37 weeks and everything seems fine, I would just be cautious about how much you take as I believe it can be addictive. Good luck, it's so hard in pregnancy when you can't get the right medication!

Original poster
Mamacita191 · 20/10/2021 09:38

@kw1091

The best thing you can do is speak to your midwife
I don’t have one yet, but from what I remember in my last pregnancy they mainly deferred to GP and asked me to check things with them
OP posts:
kw1091 · 20/10/2021 09:37

The best thing you can do is speak to your midwife