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Original poster

Did anyone take co-codamol in pregnancy?

23 replies

LeedleLee · 10/03/2022 19:03

Hi all.

Currently 24 weeks pregnant and battling a horrid ear infection. I'm on antibiotics but they've not quite kicked in yet and I'm really suffering with the pain. I've slept maybe four hours out of the last 48. Paracetamol only takes the edge off for maybe two hours and then it's agony again.

I called 111 for advice and my GP rang back to confirm that I can take low dose co-codamol if paracetamol isn't helping. So, obviously she wouldn't have said that if it was unsafe to take, but I did the thing you shouldn't have and Googled it and scared myself Confused

Did anyone else take codeine/co-codamol in pregnancy? Was all okay?

Thank you Smile

OP posts:
TravellingFrom · 10/03/2022 19:05

I did and quite a lot because my GP gave me a prescription for a big box with a ‘take up to 3~4 a day’ Wo actually explaining it might be suitable to do!!

Ds was absolutely fine even though I wouldn’t do it now that I know.
If your GP is saying that a few for a couple of days is OK, then I’d go with it.

TravellingFrom · 10/03/2022 19:06

Sorry
Wo saying it might be UNSUITABLE to do so/ take too many of them.

Sunshinegirl82 · 10/03/2022 20:21

I took codeine when pregnant a few times for migraines, that baby is 3 now and all is well!

If you are taking a small amount for a short period to deal with an acute illness then I would personally be comfortable with that.

Vampirethriller · 10/03/2022 20:26

I had it for the pain when I had pleurisy whilst pregnant, they gave me morphine twice as well. Baby completely fine!

MintyGreenDream · 10/03/2022 20:31

Yes I did

AuntieMaggie · 10/03/2022 20:32

Dihydrocodeine is preferred to codeine when breastfeeding so assume the same in pregnancy...

SecondhandTable · 10/03/2022 20:33

I took it probably a handful of times in my first pregnancy for migraine and probably about three or 4 times that in my second pregnancy for migraine and PGP. No issues, and I was told by the GP and midwife that I could take it.

gamerchick · 10/03/2022 20:33

Yes. It's not suitable in the last month or something due to it could suppress breathing if born early or something like that. It's a bit hazy but it's fine if taken sensibly.

CoffeeDay · 10/03/2022 20:42

Yes I took Solpadeine 1-2 times in the second trimester due to the worst tension headache that wouldn't budge with other painkillers. The relief was worth everything and baby was totally fine.

noideawhattouse · 10/03/2022 20:52

I have a few broken ribs. When I was pregnant I was in excruciating pain with them and was given cocodamol to help by the GP. Never caused any issues

Beachsidesunset · 10/03/2022 20:56

My obstetric consultant prescribed me co-codamol for severe toothache. She said the drug was less risky to the baby than the stress of unmanaged pain. All was well.

Hotpinkangel19 · 10/03/2022 21:03

Yes in 3/4 pregnancies. All fine.

PigeonPigPie · 10/03/2022 21:10

I was given it in triage for a migraine at 37 weeks x

MargaretThursday · 10/03/2022 22:14

I did with #3 for migraines.

hudyerwheesht · 10/03/2022 22:17

Yes, for sinusitis, no problems.

Crossfitwidow · 10/03/2022 22:20

I snapped my ankle at 9 months pregnant. Took lots of codeine. He’s 11 now so I assume it was ok.

IstayedForTheFeminism · 10/03/2022 22:22

I took it for spd with dc2 (prescribed by dr). He's 15 now and absolutely fine.

Lots of meds say not to take if you're pregnant/breastfeeding unless instructed to do so by a Dr.

milkysmum · 10/03/2022 22:31

Yes in both pregnancies.

PinkPlantCase · 10/03/2022 22:36

Yes, just followed the ‘take the lowest dose you can for the shortest amount out time’.

woody87 · 10/03/2022 23:19

I'm currently taking dihydracodiene for a liver injury from too much vomiting in pregnancy.

Co codamol is also safe in pregnancy. Just take what you need (within the dosage stated on the box)

Lulu49 · 10/03/2022 23:24

I took co-codamol from halfway through my last pregnancy til she was 6 weeks old, 8 tablets a day each containing 30mg codeine. My baby came out addicted looking back on it now, twitching and crying the whole time until I went onto tramadol and could therefore no longer breastfeed when she was 6 weeks old. No long term effects so I should imagine low dose over the counter would be fine

Original poster
LeedleLee · 11/03/2022 10:40

Thanks all. I took a codeine last night and amazingly slept for six hours before pain woke me up (normally it's screaming agony after two). I think antibiotics are starting to kick in now as the pain is a lot better today, not felt the need to take any codeine so far!

OP posts:
Freespirit98 · 02/05/2023 13:06

@Lulu49 Hi! I know you might not see this with it being an old thread, but what did they do about baby having withdrawals? I've been prescribed Dihydrocodeine since 19 weeks for my spinal arthiritis and I'm so worried! I was just told me and babe might have to be monitored for 72 hours, but that was it! Just looking for some advice/reassurance if you do manage to see this.
Thank you so much in advance xx

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