dihydrocodeine throughout pregnancy

[CharlH2108]

Hello

I have a painful gyne condition and have been taking dihydrocodeine prescribed by my GP for the last 15 months. It has genuinely changed my life and I am so happy to have control of my pain finally.

i am now 8 weeks pregnant, I’ve asked 3 different GPs and pharmacists if it is safe to carry on my prescription during my pregnancy and all of them have said yes as long as I’m not taking maximum dose every day as baby can be born with respiratory problems from withdrawal

since finding out I’m pregnant I decided to try and come off them as I’m paranoid for the baby. I’ve gone from taking 4-6 most days to now tapering down to just taking 1 to take the edge off

I’m really struggling with my pain and dropping the dose as it’s not sufficient for my pain levels so possibly considering upping to 2 a day

can anybody relate to having to take long term pain relief during their pregnancy?

Thanks x

I'm taking one dihydrocodeine a day (that level generally works for me or would happily take 2) plus sulfasalazine (disease modifying anti rheumatic drug) and amitryptyline.

These all help keep my pain levels and sleep in check enough for me to function and keep my arthritis under control.

I'm now 27 weeks, baby is currently kicking around my navel and so far I've seen two obstetricians and 3 midwifes and not one of them has had a problem with any of the meds, including the codeine.

Lots of women have chronic pain conditions, take painkillers during pregnancy and have healthy babies. Lots of women need painkillers in pregnancy due to pelvic girdle pain and have healthy babies.

Could you take 1/2 four times a day so there is always a small amount in your system?

Or take them as you need now and reduce closer to your due date so baby doesn't have problems?

I have chronic hip pain which I was waiting for surgery before pregnancy controlled with codeine and ibuprofen. However due to pregnancy I’ve now switched to paracetamol , not worth the risk of having a baby going through withdrawal symptoms from the codeine

If multiple doctors have said it's safe to take it, I would trust that and just continue to take it. Don't put yourself through unnecessary pain. Doctors wouldn't say it was safe if they weren't sure.

I was on a few painkillers when I fell pregnant with ds. When at the 12wk scan I was put on a plan and weekly prescription dispense to slowly reduce them throughout the pregnancy

I took these at intervals throughout my pregnancy with my DD, and was also hospitalised for kidney issues various times whereby I would be given morphine. I was advised they are safe. You have to weigh up your quality of life and ability to function, and the potential risks of taking the medication, if it has been advised they are safe to take, do what you need to do to be comfortable.
If you plan to BF, they can be troublesome then as they can make baby more sleepy.