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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

co-codamol in pregnancy???

76 replies

memoo · 05/03/2009 10:51

Does anyone know if it safe to take?

Was given it by the EPU but then keep reading that all you should take in pregnancy is paracetamol

Am confused?!

OP posts:
Diege · 05/03/2009 11:09

I think anything codeine-based is ok to take in pregnancy (that and paracetomol, not ibruprofen etc). Sure someone will be along soon who can confirm

snooks · 05/03/2009 11:11

I think the same as Diege, the midwives give you co-codamol immediately after the birth for afterpains, so it's definitely ok for breastfeeding (sorry not much help at this stage but logically I suppose if it's ok for bf it would be safe for pg too??)

helenlouisey · 05/03/2009 12:50

Hi Memoo

I was prescribed co-codamol by my consultant for back problems when I was 18 weeks pregnant, might be worth you calling NHS direct first to check before you take them though?

sweetkitty · 05/03/2009 12:53

I have been given them in pregnancy.

Also for afterpains too.

Two make me woozy but am fine with one.

upagumtree · 05/03/2009 13:11

yes, co-codamol is perfectly fine to take during pregnancy.

PerArduaAdNauseum · 05/03/2009 13:13

And does anyone seriously expect NHS direct to be able to give you a decent answer?

brettgirl2 · 05/03/2009 13:35

I would certainly be more likely to believe EPU - they should know surely?

ThePregnantHedgeWitch · 05/03/2009 13:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

nickytwotimes · 05/03/2009 13:54

Codiene is fine in pg.
I was prescribed teh heavy duty stuff for back pin in pg.

SlightlyMadScotland · 05/03/2009 13:55

I was given it in labour.

helenlouisey · 05/03/2009 14:04

I've always had really good advice from NHS direct PerArduaAdNauseum, maybe I've just been lucky ?

PerArduaAdNauseum · 05/03/2009 14:49

@Helenlouisey - yes you have! I phoned when DS tiny, gave symptoms, she said 'let me just see what I can find' and then came back to say 'hmm, green stools, I'm mostly getting links to B&Q' . Did she really think I couldn't google for myself?

Original poster
memoo · 05/03/2009 15:01

Thanks for all the replys guys, feel a lot better about taking them now.

PerArdua, that actually made me laugh

OP posts:
MidJane · 25/04/2010 22:23

As a Midwife I would like to suggest please do not take co codamol (codiene) in pregnancy, particularly in later stages - baby can be born with signs and symptoms of addiction if taken regularly. Under no circumstances take any codiene based medication whilst breastfeeding - it can be accumulative in the baby's system and can be very dangerous.

nunnie · 26/04/2010 10:20

I was prescribed it in early pregnancy due to cyst pain by consultant, was told not to take after 27 weeks though, never told me why though, just told me it is not advised after 27 weeks.

nunnie · 26/04/2010 10:21

I should say I only took it a few times, cos it knocked me out.

mumandlovingit · 26/04/2010 10:21

i agree with misjane. i am prescribed them regualry for migraine but was told immediatly to stop taking them when i was pregnant. was prescribed a low dose co codamol for spd and told not to take them in the third trimester as it can effect babys breathing and make baby addicted.

reikizen · 26/04/2010 10:35

Due to the lack of evidence, we usually say only paracetamol is safe to take in pregnancy. The amount of codeine in co-codamol is very small indeed and as long as it is taken for a short time I wouldn't have any worries about it as long as the person prescribing it was aware you are pregnant. (Don't forget we give labouring women pethidine and diamorphine!!) However, if paracetamol alone resolves the pain, just take that. Codeine can make you constipated though so avoid it if that is already a prob for you. As regards breastfeeding, codeine can very rarely have a serious effect on babies, but is generally thought safe, if only for a short period of time(just after delivery for example) and best avoided for the constipation probs, especially if you have stitches.

pookamoo · 26/04/2010 10:38

I was prescribed it for back pains in late pregnancy. It is fine, as far as I know.

stripeyknickersspottysocks · 26/04/2010 10:40

As a m/w I would say if you've been presecribed co-codamol then take it if you feel you need it. But if you haven't been prescribed it then don't get over the counter co-codamol as it should only be taken under the advice of a Dr in pregnancy. I've know some women who have had to take it throughout their pregnancy even though the Drs do generally prefer women to try and cut down in the third trimester.

And on our p/n ward women are frequently given co-codamol, inc breastfeeding mums. If its a short term thing such as lscs pain relief then should be fine. But again same advice about if prescribed, don't keep getting it over the counter and taking it for months on end.

beanlet · 26/04/2010 14:34

Only on the advice/prescription of your doctor.

porcamiseria · 26/04/2010 14:40

I had it, and other coedine based ones. They would not prescribe if not safe

GlitteryBalls · 11/12/2010 22:01

Sorry to reawaken this thread, but I've just cricked my neck and I think it might have trapped nerve or something as I am in agony. I have some cocodamol that I was prescribed about 6 weeks ago for stomach pain which is now resolved and I only took them a couple of times back then. Do you think it will be ok for me to take a couple now to help me sleep as a one off til it either eases off or I get chance to see/speak to someone about it? I don't think just paracetamol will cut it! I am 35+3.

wigglesrock · 11/12/2010 22:36

GlitteryBalls I have taken co-codamol recently on the advice of my GP, due to back pain caused by a car accident which has been aggravated by pregnancy!!! I am 31 weeks, I took two to help me sleep when pain was severe. Hope this helps

GlitteryBalls · 12/12/2010 10:08

Thanks wiggles. I took 2 anyway as it was really hurting but it seems to be a lot better this morning. Don't know what I did, but I was lying with my head in my dp's lap watching telly, and I turned my head to talk to him and something just went "ping!" in my neck. Seems to have eased a bit today though. I think there is only risk with cocodamol if you're taking them regulalry in late pregnancy? Hopefully won't need to take them again so I'm sure that one dose won't have done any harm! And they do knock you out the prescription ones - good stuff!

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