Co-codamol in pregnancy

[Mumsy89]

Hi All, well I'm now 27 weeks pregnant and suffering with the delightful SPD, the doctor has prescribed me with 8mg/500mg co-codamol which I understand my doc wouldn't give me if it was unsafe but o am somewhat dubious in taking It. Was anyone else prescribed this during pregnancy and from what you know did it have any I'll effect?? Many thanks guys xx

Don't take it. Ask your gp for dyhydracodeine.

Ask your GP to review the recent research. My GP didn't know anything about it until I told him.

I took it in both pregnancies and was fine but I’m interested to hear new research.

From the research in December 2018 I understand that they say to avoid whilst breastfeeding but doesn't specify any avoidance during pregnancy, I do no intend to breastfeed so this really wouldn't pose an issue for me.

I always think it's best to ask a pharmacist if you're not sure! They are experts in this. Give your local pharmacy a ring and see what they advise.

I thought it was like steroids and if given late in pregnancy the baby could have withdrawal symptoms? Go to Boots and ask them, the pharmacist will often have access to the drug companies directly.

Codeine isn’t contraindicated for pregnancy, there is a risk of taken in late pregnancy that baby could be born dependent but I doubt 8/500 would do this as and I’m sure your GP will monitor your usuage.

There are very few medications deemed safe for pregnancy because testing on unborn babies is generally frowned upon.

tablelegs, out of interest why are you suggesting the OP takes codeine only rather than codeine and paracetamol? Paracetamol is certainly fine in pregnancy.

There isn't enough conclusive studies to be compeltely sure, but as an above pister said - if it is taken regularly towards the end it can cause your baby to be dependent and suffer from withdrawal. Taking it sparingly shouldnt be a problem, but be aware it hasnt got enough research to conclusively say its okay.

@tablelegs do you mean this research?

www.rcog.org.uk/en/news/new-rcog-review-clarifies-pain-relief-options-for-women-during-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding/

Nowhere does it say codeine should not be taken in pregnancy. Only that it should only be taken under advice from a doctor or midwife, which OP is doing. Codeine is not safe to take when breastfeeding, but OP says they are not planning on breastfeeding.

I know anecdotes aren't as valid as scientific research, but I was prescribed and took 8/500 cocodamol pretty much every day for the first 15 weeks of my pregnancy for severe and crippling migraines. Thankfully they improved after 15 weeks and I didn't take any more for the remainder of my pregnancy. My DD is now three weeks old and perfectly healthy. I worried incessantly about taking cocodamol during my pregnancy and scared myself silly Googling it, but every doctor and midwife I saw assured me it was safe to take under medical supervision. I was told that if it's taken throughout pregnancy or very close to birth, baby may become addicted and withdraw after birth. However that is really only if you're taking large doses without medical supervision, and your doctor will be monitoring you to ensure this doesn't happen.

I was prescribed this late in pregnancy for spd.
As others have said it's not a problem as long as your not winging them down four times a day everyday.
I used to use them when I literally was at the end of my tether with the pain, I was on crutches and in absolute agony.
When I took them I had a few blissful hours pain free so I could kind of recharge and deal with the pain again.
If it helps a few hours after i gave birth I started to feel better and within a few days the pain was gone.

Its fine. I've had it (and 4 times the strength you have been prescribed) to take multiple times a day in 2 pregnancies. Just try to stop taking it a few weeks before you are due to minimise risks of dependence in the baby. If you need it, you need it.