Anyone been prescribed codeine?

[Flossie_Aus]

My OB has just prescribed me codeine to try and calm my irritable uterus (and the insane amount of pain that goes with it), but I am really hesitant to take it, worrying about its effect on my baby. She said it was safe to use sparingly, but I can't shake the worry that it might hurt him.

Has anyone else been prescribed codeine during pregnancy and taken it without issues? Am I being ridiculous?

 

[Eleonora]

You are right to be concerned but it sounds like your OB is weighing the risks too and believes it is justified in your case. There are thousands and thousands of women who use codeine during pregnancy, so you are not alone. This study found an increase risk in c-sections but partly because of the underlying health problems that the codeine was being used for and it can be more dangerous at the very end of pregnancy:


https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3214255/

"In this study, codeine use during pregnancy was not found to be associated with infant survival rate, congenital malformation rate, or other adverse pregnancy outcomes, except for Cesarean delivery and excessive postpartum hemorrhage."

 

[Powell130]

I was prescribed tramadol for headaches and it sounds scarier than codeine! I think you and baby will be just fine

 

[Redhead84]

I have been offered codeine for a painful hernia but I have been told by the surgeon that is going to fix me after baby that it might make me constipated, therefore potentially making the hernia worse so I'm doing my best to grin and bear it for now.

 

[Misscalais]

I had endone and morphine a lot during my last pregnancy ( along with surgery at 23 weeks to remove my gallbladder ) hes a happy, healthy and smart 20 month old now i had panaden forte as well a few times which i think has codeine in it.

 

[Nibblenic]

I'm on codeine now and took it in 3rd tri last time. It won't harm the baby but you'll need to look it again before birth. It's the most tested opiate in pregnancy

 

[jenmcn1]

Haven't taken it during pregnancy, but had it after my last csection and it caused a multitude of issues for me...turns out I'm extremely allergic to it!!
I'm also VERY conservative when it comes to any type of medication. At any time.
That being said, if you are worried about it get a second opinion, or ask for something else that might have less effects on the baby.
In all honesty I'm not sure why doctors even prescribe codeine any more...just talk to your doctor, voice your concern, and don't be afraid to ask for something else.
Big hugs!!!

 

[chichifab]

I have been prescribed codeine for my migraines as the have been unbearable and the doctor said its fine in pregnancy. Just remember, everyone is different.

 

[Flossie_Aus]

Thanks ladies