Dr recommended codeine - feel scared to take it?

[Fagin99]

I'm approx 13 and a half weeks pregnant and have a migraine which has so far lasted two days. The pain is unbearable, I know anyone who gets migraines will understand. After four failed doses of paracetamol, I called the out of hours doctor in tears. He said I could quite safely take a 30mg codeine tablet which I have at home (usually take 60mg codeine for migraine when not pregnant) however I an scared. Scared of it causing a miscarriage or some other effect.

I'm in unbearable pain but just looking for reassurance really. Has anyone else taken it safely in pregnancy? Thank you x

I understand your fear but your doctor wouldn't have told you it's ok if it wasn't.

Take it and get some relief

I took codine when I was 6 weeks pregnant. I tore a ligament in my back and couldn’t have coped without it. I took 4 tablets every day for several days.

I’m now 33 weeks and baby is fine. Honestly, take it as it will help and is safe xx

Hi I've taken codeine while pregnant, no side effects for baby at all. The only thing I would recommend is to be vigilant about how many and how often, it's a very addictive painkiller and not something you want to deal with! I also have migraines so I completely understand, it's awful how debilitating it can be.

Thank you very much for your replies. I've been so worried but it is very reassuring to hear that you haven't had any bad effects. Thank you xx

I'm pregnant and on the max allowable dose of codeine and have been for years, along with several other medications. I've had all my medications reviewed as part of my IVF and had to come off some due to the risks to baby but I'm currently still prescribed the codeine with no changes. I'm actually taking less by choice but I still take at least two doses a day, my pain is unmanageable without it. The doctors will monitor but it's not one they advise is very risky during pregnancy, a short course won't make a difference.

My GP said i can take codeine for my migraines. Ideally at the lowest dose I can but its fine to take. They recommend not taking it often during the 3rd trimester due to baby having withdrawal symptoms from it but this is mainly if you take a decent dose on a regular basis.
Ive had an ongoing migraine for the last 4 days, taken codeine and baby is kicking the hell out of my insides so I think she is ok.

Thank you MrsRuby for your reply, although I so sorry to hear about your pain. I don't think people understand chronic pain unless they've had it. Hoping you find a combination that works for you x

Thank you Flutterby! That is very reassuring that your bub is still kicking away . Thank you x

I saw the pain clinic at the hospital when I was pregnant and they said I could take codeine if needed to managed my migraines, particularly if they were doing me sleeping. They said just to avoid in the last four weeks of pregnancy so there isn't any in the baby's system when it's born.

Thank you Squiggles, that's very interesting (and reassuring). Thanks for passing it on.

I did end up taking some codeine but to be honest, it didn't do a lot. I think I had left it too late in the migraine process to work. At least I will know for next time though! Thanks again.