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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

What painkillers are ok?

9 replies

madmumNika · 28/02/2007 15:25

Hi everyone,

I am getting really bad rib pain which I understand is due to bump & books growing and stretching rib intercostal muscles, but it is so sore I think I need to take painkillers of some sort (which I usually manage to avoid)... It's worse when sitting at my desk, doesn't seem to matter how much I adjust seat etc. but do have to keep working for a bit so resorting to analgesics!!

What painkillers are ok to take- I'm 19 weeks?

Thank you xxx

OP posts:
Iklboo · 28/02/2007 15:25

Just paracetamol at normal dosage I think

Marina · 28/02/2007 15:25

No to Nurofen, yes to paracetamol. You are right to aim to take as few as possible

cupcake78 · 28/02/2007 15:40

You can take codine but have to buy it mixed with paracetmol (which is still ok to take) otherwise your GP might prescribe you it on its own.

You need to be careful that mixed pain killers do ONLY have paractemol and codine in them. A pharmacist could help if you are unsure.

Lemmiwinks · 28/02/2007 15:53

cupcake78, I just happened to be reading up on taking codeine in pregnancy cus I've got a nasty flu at the moment and a horrible sore throat and I've heard that it's not quite true that it's ok to take in pregnancy unfortunately. Here's what I've read - There are few drugs that can be said to be 100 per cent safe during pregnancy. Stronger painkillers - such as those containing codeine - are usually avoided in pregnancy. There is in fact very little evidence of harm associated with the use of codeine in pregnancy but some doubts about its safety do exist. Codeine is what is known as an opioid analgesic (related to morphine) and should not be used routinely in pregnancy. However, it may be used when the benefit is considered to outweigh any risk to the fetus. Codeine is not associated with congenital abnormalities and the risks associated with its use seem to apply mainly to the last three months of pregnancy. If used in the last trimester, codeine may depress the baby's respiration and its regular use during this time may lead to withdrawal effects in the baby after birth. The effects of codeine on the woman's nervous system could also make her more prone to gastric stasis and inhalational pneumonia during labour. So basically, it should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Seems like I'll have to stick to paracetamol at tho mo which is like taking twinkies, they don't do much at all

lolaflores · 13/03/2007 10:13

I have been having a bit of a field day on codrydamol (codeine and paracetamol tabs) throughout this pregnancy due to fibroids. Have slowed up on intake recently as aware of dependency issues. Had 3 hospital admissions when pain excrutiating and given Tramadol - opiate based also but akin to being kicked in the head by a mule. Advice is to take painkillers when pain unbearable. The constipation isn't funny either with this stuff. GP discussed codrydamol pros and cons with me.

EdieMcredie · 13/03/2007 12:35

I have this exact pain but had it before pg also (although far worse now). It's agony. I get it every evening so don't take painkillers. GP said it was probably a dislocation of the cartilage. It bloody hurts I and I thought it was broken!

LupinsBigLump · 13/03/2007 12:55

I have taken codeine throughout my pg's, I get it prescribed so its the stronger one - I am sure if you speak to your gp if the paracetamol isnt working that they would advise you - thers a 8mg one you can buy over the counter, apparently its the next safest thing to take next to paractamol, alot of things arent advised just because they arent 100% sure of effects - if it were outright dangerous they would say do not take

looshkin · 13/03/2007 13:32

I have also taken paracetamol plus strong codeine throught my pregnancy due to pelvic pain, LO born jan and did not have withdrawl. Hope this helps as i was worried about taking them as well but was reassured by my GP.

doggus · 13/03/2007 18:25

I am on dihydrocodeine and have been all the way through my (first) pg (am now 26 weeks) after having carefully gone through my options with a pain specialist. I have fibromyalgia and a slipped disc and there was no way I was going to get through without some help. My obstetrician is in favour too, his only advice has been to cut down a bit in the last month or so to avoid dependency issues.

Far more dangerous, according to the o/b are NSAIDs such as Voltarol and Nurofen which should be completely avoided.

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