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Pregnancy

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

Original poster

What painkillers Can I safely take?

24 replies

Nikki2ol6 · 22/12/2017 05:21

I have a ear infection but my go said only paracetamol is advised during pregnancy which yesterday was fine as that was taking my pain away, however today it’s not and the pain is very bad especially when trying to sleep. I’m going to call the midwife when she opens at Around 9. Does anyone know who I can take? I am 10 weeks. Also the gp gave me ear drops but they don’t help with the pain at all

OP posts:
Firstchild7 · 22/12/2017 05:28

Think it only paracetamol

Jaytee38 · 22/12/2017 05:41

It's not only just paracetamol. My friend was allowed codeine in low doses.

ems137 · 22/12/2017 06:42

I've been prescribed 30mg co-codamol throughout all 4 pregnancies. You can't buy it that strong OTC but you can buy Solpadeine which is 12.5mg and really effective too.

ClareB83 · 22/12/2017 07:57

Don't take cocodomal without talking to your GP as codeine can have side effects for you and baby. Stick to paracetamol if you're treating yourself.

ClareB83 · 22/12/2017 07:58

Same for solpadeine.

Bobbiepin · 22/12/2017 08:01

Solpadiene is so codamol/ paracetamol and codeine. Definitely don't take it without talking to your doctor first. I think you can take ibuprofen which may help more than paracetamol as it brings down swelling. You absolutely cannot take aspirin though, stay away from that.

Toasttea · 22/12/2017 08:16

You can only take paracetamol

ClareB83 · 22/12/2017 08:19

Ibuprofen isn't recommended while pregnant either. Stick to paracetamol or talk to your gp.

tampinfuminragin · 22/12/2017 08:21

Paracetamol unless a Dr has prescribed codeine.

Original poster
Nikki2ol6 · 22/12/2017 09:41

No answer from my midwife surprise surprise so I’m sat with my hot water bottle on my ear and that’s helping I guess but now I can’t move lol

OP posts:
Natsku · 22/12/2017 12:07

Ask your doctor about taking co-codamol, it is fine (I had to take it, plus much much stronger opiates during my first pregnancy, and had to take it again for a short while during this pregnancy - both times prescribed by an OB) but you should still discuss it with your doctor first.

To be honest, if I had some co-codamol handy I'd take it before talking to the doctor if I was in that bad pain but I feel comfortable with that because of my experience.

welshweasel · 22/12/2017 12:09

Codeine is safe in pregnancy but should be prescribed. Ibuprofen not safe at this stage of pregnancy.

TammySwansonTwo · 22/12/2017 12:16

Speak to your doctor.

Codeine needs to be discussed with a doctor during pregnancy. The reason for this is that the body converts the codeine into morphine and a very, very tiny number of people convert it too effectively which means they end up with a far higher dose than they've actually taken. This led to either a miscarriage or stillbirth in one case, think it was in Canada, hence this should only be taken under medical supervision. It's extremely rare but it is possible.

Because of this, stronger opioids / opiates are actually considered to be safer during pregnancy because there isn't this conversion issue. I was on massive doses of morphine longterm when I got pregnant - reduced as much as I could through my pregnancy and got down to a much lower dose. The risk with these drugs is not harm to the foetus but the risk of the baby being born in withdrawal. This would happen with a very short term usage, but it's extremely unlikely that a doctor would prescribe something as strong as this for an ear infection, especially when pregnant.

See your GP today - depending on the stage of pregnancy they may suggest ibuprofen in addition, or they may prescribe codeine. I wouldn't take anything stronger otc without getting advice and if you're visibly pregnant they won't sell it to you anyway.

TammySwansonTwo · 22/12/2017 12:17

Sorry, I meant this wouldn't happen with short term use (provided it wasn't in the last stages of pregnancy very close to birth)

PurplePillowCase · 22/12/2017 12:20

paracetamol is the only over counter advised.
however, in some circumstances ibuprofen for a short duration in the second trimester might be ok, as might be other options. but that would need to be discussed with the gp/midwife/gyn...

PurplePillowCase · 22/12/2017 12:50

have you cleared your nose with salt water (sterimar spray)?
that really helps relieving the pressure on the ears.

TammySwansonTwo · 22/12/2017 14:49

Agreed, I get terrible earache when I have a sinus infection. Sterimar is good, also you can buy a Neilmed sinus rinse bottle with sachets for making the rinse in most big pharmacies.

Bellamuerte · 22/12/2017 15:17

Paracetamol has been in the news twice this year, with claims that it can affect male hormones in the foetus and can increase the risk of cerebral palsy. The NHS still says it's safe but I haven't dared take any since I've been pregnant.

Original poster
Nikki2ol6 · 22/12/2017 20:03

So I have been to see my gp and after I vomited all day none stop she gave me an anti sickness jab and prescribed me codeine 30mg. I’ve taken one and feel waaaaaay better however I do feel very concerned taking them but she has told me it’s safe aslong as I don’t take them every day and it’s just for when I actually need too

OP posts:
ClareB83 · 22/12/2017 20:21

Good news OP. As we said all along you just need to have medical advice before taking something other than paracetamol and you've got that now. Glad you're feeling better.

TammySwansonTwo · 22/12/2017 22:05

Absolutely - it will be completely fine. Just take the lowest dose you can for the shortest time and it won't be an issue. Hope you feel better soon x

Natsku · 23/12/2017 07:05

That's great OP, hope the infection gets better soon.

AutumnLeavesandCandleLights · 23/12/2017 08:02

My doctor prescribed me Co-Dydramol in the last few weeks of my last pregnancy which I believe is a combination of two painkillers. They were pretty strong and completely safe so there's definitely more out there that you can have other than just bog standard paracetamol.

Didntcomeheretofuckspiders · 23/12/2017 08:29

For anything non-pregnancy related, just see your GP. Your midwife wouldn’t have been able to do anything anyway.

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