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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Is codeine safe?

14 replies

BigBaboonBum · 09/01/2018 16:49

Hi everyone, currently 20+5 and I was prescribed 30mg codeine from my OB today for SPD - is it completely safe? Has anybody taken this during pregnancy and had anything wrong with their baby or taken it and had a perfectly healthy baby? I’m always worried about medications affecting the brain!
Thank you in advance!

OP posts:

StopTheRoundabout · 09/01/2018 17:03

Codeine is addictive so you need to monitor your usage very carefully. You could ask your pharmacist for advice. Have you been to see a physio or a chiropractor to get advice on how to make yourself comfortable as possible. I found heat good and using pillows to prop up my bump and back and between my legs to keep my pelvis stable. Swivel when getting out of cars or chairs and use hard based chairs instead of soft furniture. Lie (on your left side) instead of sitting where possible. My physio gave me a serola belt which you use when standing or walking to keep your pelvis stable. When standing keep your legs at hip distance apart and swivel in an oval stance instead of putting all your weight on one side. Limit climbing the stairs and do one step at the time slowly.

Original poster

BigBaboonBum · 09/01/2018 17:15

Thank you for your reply! I’ve been referred for physio and offered a belt but then was told I’d have to wait for the belt, but I should be getting that this week. It didn’t help with my last pregnancy though... but this time I’m with consultant led care, and I was a bit worried she offered codeine so quickly as I didn’t get it at all last time

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Hulaballoo · 09/01/2018 17:16

I would also recommend a good chiropractor, it really helped me in my last pregnancy with SPD. X

Smoochyschmoo · 09/01/2018 17:27

I took 30/500 until about 8 months pregnant, perfectly safe while pregnant although they like you to come off it before baby is born as it can affect their breathing if they are born with it in their system - my DS is completely healthy 😊

juneisthemonth · 09/01/2018 17:53

Hi hun, codeine is safe. I have just been prescribed some by the hospital, and they gave it to me while in hospital. Just don't over do it because of the addictive side! But defo safe in pregnancy xxxxx

juneisthemonth · 09/01/2018 17:54

Also I was the same but my friend recently had twins and is only 5'3 and had severe back pain, she was prescribed 30mg tablets and to take two twice a day. Her boys are 5 now and perfectly healthy :) xxx

lookingforthecorkscrew · 09/01/2018 18:00

I’ve just taken some for an awful headache. I’d usually take ibuprofen but my GP told me that codeine was safer.

TheVanguardSix · 09/01/2018 18:04

It's perfectly safe and the studies on its usage by pregnant women is well documented. Like any medication, we'd all prefer to give it the swerve. But sometimes, these things are unavoidable.

I had such a bad chest infection/cough during my second pregnancy, that I was bleeding onto a pad because the coughing fits were so intense and relentless. I'd not had such a fierce cough in my life. A consultant prescribed me codeine and I took it at night. It made a huge difference. I slept well, wasn't coughing all night and was able to get over my chest infection thanks to being better rested and coughing less, which helped ease my anxiety regarding the bleeding (which also stopped).

DC2 is now a happy 7 year old... nearly 8! Healthy as a good, sharp as a tack.

chocolateorangeowls · 09/01/2018 18:06

I had it during pregnancy and baby is fine. Think you just can't have it towards the end of labour because it can affect babies breathing when born.

MrsPan · 09/01/2018 19:57

I have been prescribed codeine for SPD but be careful as it can constipate and as a result I now have a massive pile!!!! Plenty of fruit and veg and perhaps a stool softener to have with them

kathrynelizabeth3005 · 09/01/2018 20:04

Perfectly safe! I was taking the 15mg tablets up to 3 times a day towards the end of my pregnancy. The only thing that happened was that we had to stay in hospital a little longer as they like to monitor baby for 72 hours to make sure they are okay and don't have any adverse effects from the codeine. If your OB has prescribed it to you, it is likely the best way forward to help your specific symptoms.

mindutopia · 09/01/2018 20:13

It is safe, but I would try other things first. Have you been to a cranial osteopath? You'll have to pay privately, but it's completely worth it. I had horrible SPD with my first and I saw her for two appts and it completely went away by 34 weeks. I could barely walk by 30 weeks and I was on the treadmill almost jogging at the gym 12 hours before I went into labour. I felt completely fine again. This pregnancy I was at high risk of getting it again (I also have SI joint dysfunction, which is probably why I got it so badly the first time). I started to see the osteopath before the week when it started last time. I've had 3 appts with her each about a month apart. I'm 35 weeks now and haven't had a touch of SPD this time. It's been a lifesaver. It really is worth it. It's perfectly safe to take codeine, but if you need to function (I know I struggle to function well on it), then try other things too.

bettydraper31 · 09/01/2018 20:34

As PP said codeine can make you constipated very very quickly so make sure you up your fruit. Prunes will be your friend! X

Original poster

BigBaboonBum · 12/01/2018 21:17

Thank you everybody for your replies! I took one the day I wrote this and then one yesterday but both times I woke up the next day with a terrible headache. I’m guessing this will be due to it being dehydrating? I’m guessing upping my water intake should help banish the morning headaches?

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