Pain killers? Whilst pregnant?

[icclemunchy]

Ok this is possibly academic and I know I need to see my dr but I'm bricking it!!

Just had a positive preg test. Completely unplanned we have a 3yo DD but I don't work due to sever back pain.

I currently take paracetamol and tramadol with codine for breakthrough pain. An I going to have to stop these? I really don't think I can cope with no painkillers and I don't even know if my body will cope with another baby (although I couldn't face abortion due to history of mc)

Any suggestions on the pain front to stop me panicking before I see my gp?

I don't know any detail on opiates in pregnancy but I believe that morphine can be taken if it's absolutely necessary for the mother. In some cases it might be tapered down before birth or the baby might need help to be weaned from it after birth but that can be managed. being in severe pain can be deterimental to the baby, so it isn't as straightforward as having to suffer for the baby's sake.

I think that yes, you'll need to see your GP, but you will probably be offered Consultant led care for this pregnancy, and the obstetrician will have experience of managing pregnancies in which mothers need to take medication and have chronic health conditions.

There is a regular back pain support thread on this board, some posters there might have experience of managing a pregnancy?

I took opiates throughout pg with dd2, the anaesthetist told me growth restriction was a bigger issue than potential addiction - though I'd had morphine daily from 4 months (preg induced kidney stones) dd2 was fine.

Talk to a doctor (I'd advise an obstetric anaesthetist) about the medication options.

Dd2 is now 10 and driving me daft - but not with medication!!

I'll already get consultant led due to diabetes (I'm blooming falling apart me!!)

I feel better knowing there's options though. We'd decided no more kids due to money/health and this has completely blindsided me. Not even told OH yet

So sorry to heat about your pain. I'm a midwife no longer working due to spinal problems. Firstly do please talk to your partner about the pregnancy so you can discuss your options. Then see your GP. If it's very early days there's no immediate rush to make decisions. In the first trimester, especially, avoid anti inflammatories. Paracetamol is fine and codeine and other opiates should be discussed with your GP and obstetrician. I see you have diabetes which in terms of close supervision in pregnancy is good because you will have lots of support.

Please join us on the Back Support thread, there are several people who have survived pregnancy and lived to tell the tale. Whatever you decide we will offer support and our experience with the agony that is back pain.