Painkillers - what can you take?

[Laura032004]

I've got a terrible headache / sinus congestion, and can't remember what is safe to take, and what isn't. I'm 14+ weeks. Can I take ibuprofen as well as paracetamol?

Thanks

No. Just paracetamol.

no just paracetomal

or what hunker just said

you can take pure codeine but you have to have a prescription from doctors.

I just punctuated it better, Twig

Hope you feel better soon, Laura.

Do lots of steaming - I had this a lot in pregnancy, steaming really helps. If you do it maybe once an hour 2 or three time in the morning and same again in the run up to bed, it should help shift it.

I also go with inhaling steam every couple of hours as a way to shift it.

Thanks for those answers. It's the worst bit of being pg for me. I've got some menthol crystals so I'll have a go at inhaling with those.

Unfortunately my migraine headaches are linked to strong smells, so my usual headache treatment of a warm lavender wheat bag is hidden away in the airing cupbard!

I might have to get a prescription for some codeine, now I think of it that is what they gave me last pg when I was admitted to hosp with terrible migraines. It certainly did the job. Currently my only alternative to the really strong migraine tablets I take is paracetamol, which really isn't cutting it!

Forgot to mention, when I was on paracetamol for displaced coxyix after delivering dd, the physio told me to take the maximum recommended dosage everyday, as the effect was cumulative and paracetamol worked more effectively like this. I did notice that the pain was stronger if I missed a few doses and then started again.

Just wanted to add that you can get various codeine-based painkillers on prescription eg co-codamol, co-drydamol. Ibruprofen not recommended in pregnancy. Also the cumulative thing about paracetamol is absolutely correct (although I know it feels wrong) - I have severe pain from a trapped nerve in my ankle and that's exactly the advice I got from the consultant.

Sorry for butting in but is it safe to take the maximum dose each day when preg or should you limit it.

I have been prescribed painkillers for my SPD and they have paracetamol & co-codomol in them but they are prescribed. wouldn't risk taking them without advice.

You should check with a pharmacist or doctor (or maybe NHS direct?) but I don't think you can get codeine based painkillers unless they are on prescription. Apparently you can take the maximum dose (ie 4x2) of paracetamol a day and they do work better than the odd one here or there. I was reluctant myself but was told it's ok (I'm nearly 40 weeks now) - please do check with someone though, I wouldn't like to be responsible!