Painkillers & medication during pregnancy

[GandTisgoodforme]

Hello
I'm absolutely going out of my mind, can't stop crying and I'm really angry at myself.

I was prescribed codeine 30mg for two years, for endometriosis and nerve pain issues in legs. I had my laparoscopy in May this year, and fell pregnant in June - huge shock but in a nice way!

Since then I've been tearing myself apart, as I'm still stuck on the bloody codeine. I've stopped my antidepressants cold turkey the day I found out, and I'm desperately trying to wean off the codeine, but the side effects are horrible. I'm so scared about what I'm doing to the baby.

I have gone from 60mg X3 daily to 45mg x3 daily to now 30mg X3 daily and I feel shocking. Can't stop going to the toilet, not eating, bad stomach cramps, anxiety, bad sleep.

The GP has also prescribed promethazine for the nausea I've got. The GP is aware of what is going on.

Has anyone got any hope or been in a similar position? I'm just sat crying all the time, such a failure and so angry at myself in getting into this mess. I never thought I'd be like a junkie and I'm so ashamed. 😥. I feel like I don't deserve this baby at all, and that I'm an awful mother.

I can't help with the codeine, but just want to reassure you that you're not a terrible mother! You're doing what is right for you and the baby, ie weaning yourself off them under the care of a professional, your GP.

From a quick Google search, it is highly unlikely to have any adverse effects on the baby, and the NHS website says that codeine can and is prescribed during pregnancy when a woman is experiencing intense pain x

Thank you for sending reassurance.
I think it's the side effects of the withdrawal that's scaring me more, I'm terrified I'm going to lose the baby because of it. I think I'm going to have to ring my GP again tomorrow, I bet they're sick of me ringing.

I think you’re being really hard on yourself. You can have codine so why are you weaning off it and you can have anti depressant no wonder you’re an emotional wreck you can’t just stop those meds.

im taking my anti anxiety, 2 sickness and onperazole all of which are okay in pregnancy and all of which make me a healthier functioning human for my baby. Try to rationalise it and if you can take the meds take them !

😞 I think it's because my first pregnancy ended terribly, really traumatised still by it all. My second pregnancy was textbook, came off all my medication instantly and was really well. This time, I am massively struggling. I started the weaning process from the codeine before I found out I was pregnant, as the GP rightfully wanted me off it as I'd had my surgery.

I don't want baby suffering withdrawal at birth either. I need and want to come off it but I think the GP is dropping the dose too fast and it's creating this horrible withdrawal. Which in turn is creating this awful anxiety too.

I know I was a bit silly for stopping my antidepressants... Wish I hadn't now.

Trying my best to rationalise things but it's a challenge at the moment. Totally get your perspective about staying well and being a healthy functioning person, wish I could just get over this hurdle.