To worry about taking painkillers every day in pregnancy

[TimeToPullMyHairOut]

Apologies posting a little for traffic here but also to get your views and experiences ...

Ive had to give up my usual cocktail of painkillers after falling pregnant (surprise pregnancy) and now on paracetamol every day. I’m sure this must be ten times better for baby than the mix of meds I was on but I feel so guilty and worried about what I know harm it might do to a developing baby. The gp says it’s fine but to take the minimum amount I need to...which makes me think it’s not so fine! I’ve read some studies linking paracetamol to low testosterone levels in boys, undescended testicles and another study linking it to behavioural problems.

Can anyone give me any real life experiences of taking pain meds throughout pregnancy - did everything turn out ok?

I was dosed up on codeine for about half of my first pregnancy. It was upsetting but necessary and was under the supervision of a consultant who didn't take the decision lightly.

It's 15 years ago now and my now teenager has enjoyed excellent health right from the start, there were no complications.

The worst thing about it was all the know it alls who guilt tripped me and said that of course they would never take a painkiller because they aren't selfish. It really upset me at the time but I can guarantee that anyone who says that has never suffered that sort of pain.

Try not to worry. You are under medical supervision and they are very risk averse.

I had cocodamol in my last 3 pregnancies. All babies were fine, slept well, fed well, grew up well. Was prescribed it by GP and consultant

Thank you both.
Yes it’s the guilt not only from me but from other people - my mums the type of person who has never taken a pain killer in her life and I think she will think I should just manage without...but I’ve got my other children to look after so need to be able to function. Sadly I can’t lie in a dark room all day (although I’d like to!)