Prescribed 15/500mg co-codemol at 25 weeks pregnant

[cremedelacreme]

Hi

I'm suffering badly with SPD. I'm waiting for one NHS physio appoointment (I've waited for six weeks and have another 3 to go) but the pain has got so bad I'm getting no more than a few hours sleep each night.

Doc prescribed me co-codemol and was going to prescribe 30/500mg strength, but when he told me they'd knock me out big time, I asked for lower strength (I have a 2yo DC and need to be a bit on the ball!)

Went to Boots to collect and pharmacist was very concerned but in the end relunctantly said, well, ok, but do try paracetamol first (I did, and it didn't touch the sides).

Internet research suggests that it's ok to take co-codemol, but not after 27 weeks or, ok to take later, as long as you're not taking it all day, every day.

So, a bit confused and any advice welcome!
(Didn't help that, when I questioned doc originally, and said that I'm sure it's ok to take codeine-containing meds while pregnant, he laughed and said, ooh, never trust a doc!)

Thanks in advance.

Thanks everyone, especially for links through to additional info. I won't have time to read until tmw. DC is poorly with hacking cough, blocked nose etc and in my bed, poor mite, so I need to go be with her now.

Just thought I'd add from my Iphone that I haven't taken meds tonight, while dd in my bed. Just in case anyone worried!

I know most of you may know this but just in case there is any confusion - co-codamol does contain paracetamol so be careful, even if the co-codamol is the over the counter dose of 8/500 it still contains the usual 500mg of paracetamol.

I see a lot of women suffering with SPD and it is such a tricky one re pain relief. Most women are concerned about taking high doses of opiates as they are worried about the baby yet are in agony with SPD. The real experts on chronic pain relief in pregnancy are the hospitals pain control nurses, they really know their stuff and are helpful with regards to side effects and the baby.

We normally advise women that they should try if at all possible to cut down in the 3rd trimester as some babies do get a little dependant on it, yet the 3rd trimester is usually when pain relief is needed the msot with SPD. In our unit, if a woman is taking a lot of pain relief at birth we observe for withdrawal signs/breathing problems. Occasionally babies do go to SCBU for observation.

It sounds like you are taking a sensible dose though, have you been given a support belt? I cant believe you have to wait that long for Physio.

I'd second that about the paracetemol. Liver failure is the last thing you want, so really don't exceed the maximum dose.

I've had zero results with belts and the like myself - the only thing that worked for me was a stringent pain management regime designed by experts (and I was still in a wheelchair for months, very occasionally still am).

Paracetamol is definitly one of the worst drugs to mess your liver up as you guys have said!

Boffinmum, I've just checked out your wiki page. I'm going to print it out and use it when speaking to my consultant about pain relief options for the SPD and about trying for a VBAC waterbirth. I've been told I can't have one due to previous c-section but midwife, when pushed, said I could talk to her about it but no promises. After the advice here, I'm going to push for another meeting with my consultant because I don't think I'll get anywhere with midwife only conversations.

So, all this info has been useful on a number of levels.

And yes, did realise you shouldn't take paracetamol with co-codemol but it's always good to reiterate this important point.

Re private physio, I really can't afford to do it :( I think the NHS physio will provide me with a support belt, as they did at the end of my previous pregnancy. It didn't really help that time, and I'm worried that this time the belt with rub my scar, but always worth trying. I think I might try and get one pre-physio appointment. Don't see why I should have to wait!

Thanks again everyone for all your support. I realise from reading all messages that, while I feel my SPD is bad, there are others out there who are suffering more than me. I wish you all well xxx

Hi creme, forgot to say earlier I also got a tubigrip bandage to wear across my hips as the belt did naff all. Speak to your MW or GP and they might be able to get you this as a temp measure.

I's a bit like wearing a slighly snug mini skirt!!

Thanks LisMcA, will definitely ask to try one of these asap, although can you wear jeans over the top of it, or would it ride up? I'm not a skirt person, you see ...

I wear leggings mostly just now, but I have it sitting so it cups my bum at the back and a bit higher at the front. It needs to be quite tight though. The first one I got was too loose. Even if you just wear it to bed it might give you some relief.

Ah, I do wear leggings and so that should work then. And of course, night time is also a good time to wear it. Tx so much. Starting to feel less depressed about it all, now.

Cremedelecreme, it really depends why you ended up having a section last time, whether a VBAC water birth is advisable this time. There's no point in a blanket ban because it varies.

If you show the page to the consultant, can you let me know if there are any errors on there so I can double check things and correct them if necessary? I am hopeful there aren't as it is all based on the mainstream medical literature with the correct citations, and a consultant already checked it over informally a couple of years ago, but it's important to be as accurate as possible, especially as it's on the notoriously variable wikipedia!

Will do boffin. Thanks!