Co codamol in pregnancy?

[Katierose2222]

Hello, I’m really emberresed to write this. When I was 16 I new I had depression however after asking for help I didn’t get it. I had stomach pains which I took co codamol for and for some reason it gave me a comfort and made me feel relaxed. From then till now (I’m 23) I have took these day in day out tri d stopping them and can’t. I don’t get them prescribed my family are prescribed them but don’t take them so I do. Through out the pregnancy I’ve tried to stop and can’t. Many nights I cry myself to sleep because I feel like a bad mother already, like I don’t deserve to be one. I promise myself each week I will stop. I’m now 33 weeks nearly and still taking them. Will this effect the baby? Has anyone else taken them all the way through? I have 6-8 a day 30mg. However I have cut down to the less strong ones I have 4 of the less strong ones a day which is 12mg. Im broken. I’ve already felt like once baby is here to give it to the dad as he will be better of without me. I feel as though everyone would be. Does he really want a mother that is addicted to a painkiller that can’t even stop not even for him? I just feel Asif I cant go on anymore, I have no friends only my mum and dad they don’t know. Please don’t judge me, I’m already here hurting enough. If I go cold turkey the side effects are so bad and I don’t knowif it will harm baby. I need answers. I did open up a little to midwife but she just cut me off :( please has anyone else been here?
Thank you.

I can’t comment on anything related to being addicted to painkillers but what I can say is I’ve been on 30/500 cocodamol from I was 6 weeks pregnant for pain.

From around 17 weeks until 29 weeks I took the max dose of 8 a day. Then for 1.5 weeks I dropped to 7 a day. As of Monday I’ve dropped to 6 a day, and hope to gradually reduce in the coming weeks. The risk to the baby is withdrawal, and breathing difficulties so it’s important that it’s in your notes so the baby can be monitored after delivery.

Could you see a different midwife or your GP and explain to them what is going on?

They are generally safe in pregnancy and I know a woman with chronic pain who had no choice but to take them throughout. I would ask your GP or midwife for further advice, you need medical help.

@Nichola2310 is right, it is important that this is in your notes, not to make you feel bad, but to ensure they can monitor the baby for any withdrawal symptoms and also for sleepiness and breathing.

You really do need to talk to a midwife or consultant about this so they can help you manage reducing your dose safely in the lead up to birth, and this is a really good time to do it. You don't need to speak to your midwife directly if she has made you uncomfortable - you can ring the office or the antenatal clinic and ask if you can speak to someone else. They should have staff there who specialize in working with more vulnerable mums, mums who have a history of using substances or are on high prescriptions of certain drugs, or mums who have some mental health issues - talking to them about how you feel would also be good as you sound very upset and worried.

Don't beat yourself up about it. Getting help is the right thing to do. Babies are born every day to mums who have to take strong drugs, or who are on methadone prescriptions, and who have support to manage things best for them and the child. You're not alone, and there are services specifically designed to help you.

Thank you for your message! Yes I am lowering my dose so I will try that each week thankyou, and I have an appointment with my gp on Friday. Hopefully they understand! Thanks again

Thank you so much for your message! I do appreciate it. This guilt I’ve been holding whilst taking them whilst pregnant has been awful! I will definitely give them a call, it’s nice to know there’s is someone I can speak to about this that can help. Thank you

I’m afraid I don’t have any advice to offer but I think you’ve been really brave to come out about your situation here and I’m wishing you lots of strength to get the help you need. As the others have said, don’t waste energy beating yourself up. Good luck xx

Hi there that took a lot of courage ! Sending big hugs . I work in s pharmacy and co codomol overuse/addiction is rife . Every 3rd person I serve if I'm on the counter asks for a box . And yes many pregnant woman get it issued on prescription too.