Codeine / co-codamol in 3rd trimester

[hugshugs]

Hi

I'm looking for some advice from those in the know! I have a serious, pre-existing back condition which means that I have to take pain killers regularly. Whilst I would love not too, it's not an option. My back has been better in pregnancy, and keeping up with a lot of regular chiropractic treatment (which works exceptionally well for me), I am only on co-codamol now, either 15/500 or 30/500 depending how I'm doing. This is so much better than the morphine I was on a year ago!!!

Anyway, I wondered if anyone had been through taking co-codamol right to the end of the pregnancy? I know it is not advised towards the end, but have heard that you and baby get kept in to check breathing after the birth. Does anyone know more about this? My thinking is that if I would have to be kept in for a good few days, I might try not taking the co-codamol, but instead just not move! I am going to see my obs specialist on Wednesday, but would like to have some thoughts before I go and ask more questions and begin to make a plan.

Thanks for any help and advice in advance! x

Thanks to my stupid SPD, my consultant has approved 8/500x2 for a few times a week at night time if I'm particularly sore at night, which is obviously quite a bit less than what you're on. I think they'd have no problem with me taking a bit more though. I'm 32 weeks right now.

As I am quite sure you're fully aware, the main risks are addiction, but given you're already taking it regularly it's sort of a moot point. The other risk as you point out is addiction in the newborn, so presumably it's best to go cold turkey at some point before the birth. Unfortunately I have no clue whether that means a few days or a few weeks, I need to ask my consultant next appointment.

Sorry, I just realised my whole post is probably not much use as I'm sure you know all this already! But just wanted you to know you aren't the only one on prescribed co-codamol in the third trimester out there. I'm also interested in the responses, especially as regards the end of pregnancy bit. I'm at very high risk for preterm labour so it makes it extra awkward in my case despite a medically necessary ELCS at 39 weeks.

Glad to hear you've found a great chiropractor - it's like gold dust! But so sorry you're in such pain.

Hi op, i also have a long standing very painful back condition and was on regular cocodomol 30/500 and tramadol (on bad days) prior to getting pregnant this time. I havnt taken any tramadol since falling pg but that was only occasional use anyway.
I did however carry on with the 30/500 cocodomol at start of pg on docs advice and have gradually cut right down as ive gone on. At present im 35 weeks this week and taking at most 30mg per day, with regular paracetomol, but i intend to stop altogether before 37 weeks as im so worried about my baby having breathing or withdrawel issues after birth.

I am expecting to be in alot of pain as i already am at this low dose anyway, and also expectin to feel crappy for a week or so once i stop altogether, but id rather it be me feeling these things than my dc once hes here.

It is very hard being in our siuation and people who hav'nt got chronic pain problems thet will judge but sometimes its essential that you take the tablets if the pain will distress you and your baby. Im hoping ile be able to cope once off the tablets if i keep my baby in mind as my reason for feeling the pain.

Ultimately only you know how you will manage if you quit, and do bear in mind that you will inevitably feel some withdrawel effects as you take them regularly and your body becomes physically dependent, so do it gradually as possible. Weigh up the pros and cons with your doctors advice and input to reach the best decision for you.