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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To take cocodamol when 31 weeks pregnant

16 replies

Owchyleg · 23/05/2014 10:43

I dislocated and broke my ankle in 2 places as well as tearing all the ligaments on Monday. I am 31 weeks pregnant and due to have surgery next week with a spinal anaesthetic. I am in significant pain and paracetamol isn't cutting it. I have been prescribed cocodamol but am reluctant to take it. Aibu to take it?

OP posts:

Bluetonic123 · 23/05/2014 10:46

You've been prescribed it so the medically trained dr obviously thinks it's safe.

wigglesrock · 23/05/2014 10:50

I know it's not recommended, but I took it in the later weeks of my 3rd pregnancy for the same type of pain (it was a recurrent injury from a car accident a few years previously). I talked to my Dr about it, the ligament pain was so bad I couldn't see. I'd tried other methods of pain relief & they didn't touch it - the cocodamol did help.

gamerchick · 23/05/2014 10:51

If it's been prescribed then take it.

They don't like you taking co codamol in later pregnancy as it can have an effect on breathing if the babys born. I'm sure you have a bit of time yet though.

stargirl1701 · 23/05/2014 10:52

I know how you feel. I have been prescribed it too and I'm 28 weeks. If you need it, take it. Call your midwife for reassurance if that would help.

Original poster

Owchyleg · 23/05/2014 10:54

Thank you. I can't see any alternative. It's agony so I will take it as needed. I am dreading te post surgery period though as I anticipate the pain getting even worse!

OP posts:

Weegiemum · 23/05/2014 10:54

Take it! I had severe pain in pregnancy and the lovely anaesthetist who did the pain clinic said that the pain/stress hormones you produce are worse for the baby than the painkillers! It might make you constipated, though! Just don't take anti-inflammatory stuff in pregnancy.

Poor you with your ankle! I fell 3 weeks ago and broke my leg just above the ankle and it was in several bits. I'm now the proud owner of a large piece of metalwork and 5 screws, as well as a massive cast and a Zimmerman. Hope you heal up before baby makes an appearance. After my operation I was on morphine for a couple of days, then co codamol and ibuprofen, and now I'm not taking anything at all.

Original poster

Owchyleg · 23/05/2014 10:58

Sorry to hear about your accident weegiemum. It sucks doesn't it! You have made me feel hopeful that things will improve in a few weeks. Hopefully long before baby makes an appearance!

OP posts:

Weegiemum · 23/05/2014 11:03

It's been a pain in the leg neck! But it is starting to heal. I was in hospital for 10 days .

Luckily I have older dc (they're 10, 12 and 14) who can do lots of helpful things (like this morning they're off school and have put on the dishwasher, put on a washing and hung laundry out. The main problem is I'm bored!!

Arsebadger · 23/05/2014 11:09

I was prescribed codeine phosphate... They wouldn't prescribe anything harmful and discuss dose reduction closer to due date. My baby is very healthy and happy and never had any respiratory issues
I hope your pain levels reduce soon!

Selendra · 23/05/2014 14:50

You might also have some luck with a TENS machine. I think the thing with codeine is if you are taking it when you give birth it can be problems for baby breathing, but if you don't go into labour you're fine!

stargirl1701 · 23/05/2014 19:56

Remember to get Lactulose and prunes, OP.

DamnBamboo · 23/05/2014 19:58

OP if it's been prescribed, then just take it.
What on earth are you expecting a bunch of random non-clinicians on the web to say, and why would you even pay attention.

iamsoannoyed · 23/05/2014 20:16

I'm a Dr- your injury is fairly serious and as you've been prescribed co-codamol by your doctor (who knows your condition and presumably also your past medical history), it is perfectly sensible to use it if you require to do so. If you are in pain, then you will not be mobilising and that brings other risks in pregnancy, as well as potentially slowing the healing process (although don't overdo it either!).

Co-codamol is safe at 31 weeks for the vast majority of people. It can be given at term if required. After all, we give people tramadol during pregnancy, and diamorphine during labour. Both of these are more potent opiates than co-codamol.

The issue is the length of time you take it for- if you are going to be using it every day for months, then discuss it with your obstetrician (as there is a risk of dependency for both you and baby with long-term use). If it's every day for a few days/a week or so, and then only when needed, it should be fine.

CrohnicallyHungry · 23/05/2014 20:21

Sorry to hijack, but iamsoannoyed I thought tramadol shouldn't be used during pregnancy?

I have both codeine phosphate and tramadol at home for emergency use. When I was pregnant, I asked the pharmacist if either of them was Ok to use. She looked it up in the little book and told me that tramadol might be harmful (though I can't remember exactly what she said), and if I needed a strong painkiller I would be better off using the codeine.

iamsoannoyed · 23/05/2014 21:44

It is not used as a first line drug and if other options are available it is preferable to use them- but yes, it can be used. Unlike NSAIDs, which are never used. The BNF (which is what the pharmacist probably consulted) would say to avoid- it does for many, many drugs that can be used in pregnancy. It's principally a safety thing.

About 10-15% of the population will not respond to codeine, so sometimes you don't have much choice but to use tramadol (short of oramorph).

SabrinaMulhollandJjones · 23/05/2014 22:19

I was prescribed codeine at 30wks pregnant. It was v nice fine.

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