OTC and Pain Medication During Pregnancy

[HedHurtz]

Hello Doctor,

I am 28 weeks pregnant and I suffer from terrible migraines. I have been taking way too many Fioricet (about 6-8 a day) throughout my term. My OB is aware that I take the Fioricet, but just not how many. I have recently "tried" to cut down on them and started taking Tylenol PM, which contains Diphenhydramine, on a nightly basis. It helps the pain a little and allows me to sleep a full night through sometimes. I pray every day that I'm not causing damage to my daughter, but the pain is OVERWHELMING. My question is, which is the lesser of the two evils, so to speak? I do admit I am addicted to the Fioricet. I have been taking it for 8 years or so. I didn't even find out that I was pregnant until after my first trimester. Is the damage done? I get ultrasounds every 4 wks, so my OB can check growth because of the Fioricet. She did say I could take Tylenol PM. What's the difference between taking one dose or double? If it's going to affect my unborn, why would they allow me to take them at all?

I'm sorry I'm babbling, I'm just concerned and noone has answered any of my questions yet. This web-site has been the most informative yet. Thanks for being here

[Mariah to Tom]

Hi!  I'm so happy to get a chance to talk to someone in my same situation!!!  Have you read any of my posts?  I'm addicted to lorcet 10/650, which I think is stronger than what you're taking.  The ones you're taking, do they have codeine in them or are they the ones without?  I know there are 2 types, ones with & ones without codeine.  I'm about 4 months pregnant & for the first trimester I was taking 7-8 a day (3-4 at a time).  I'm now down to 2 a day.  It was hard to cut down & I think it will be even harder to quit completely.  But, one good thing about you're situation is that your doctor knows & you don't have to quit.  I haven't been to the doctor yet, I go on the 21st.  The reason I've put it off this long is because I've been terrified of what will happen.  You have no idea (well, you might) how worried I've been.  Especially when I was taking way more than I do now.  It's horrible to know you need to quit & can't.  I too have prayed every night & sometimes all day about the harm I could be causing to my child.  I hope God answers both of our prayers.  I feel so connected to you & I don't even know you.  I think this is the worst thing a woman could ever go through.  I know you're a good person that is just in a bad situation.  I know exactly how you feel.  I would love for you to email me, maybe sharing our stories with eachother will help.  I know all the help & support I've gotten on here has been great.  I know you'll be fine & so will you're baby.  If the doctor knows you're taking them, it couldn't be dangerous.  You should try to take them as prescribed, but I know that's harder than it sounds!  Keep us posted.  I'll be praying for you girl.  Good luck!!!  

Love Ya,

Mariah  :)

***@****

[HedHurtz]

Hi Mariah!

This is gonna be long, I have so much to say!!!!

I have read your whole story on here, which is why I started to post a question of my own. Fioricet is a makeup of acetaminophen,(tylenol), butalbital (barbiturate) and caffeine.

When I read your story, I thought I was reading about myself. I often wean down to 1-2 a day. (I break them in half of course to make myself "think" I'm actually taking 4 pills) but then I go to my Neurologist (a prescheduled once a month appointment, every month) and the cycle continues! I find myself weaning only when I'm ready to run out. Sound familiar? I go through that thinking that, "Well, if the Doc keeps giving them to me, they must be safe". I get 100 every month.

I thought all was fine and then "bam", baby on the way. I was thinking "How the hell am I gonna carry a child with all this stuff in my body." I told my OB right away and she told me to used only as needed. YEAH RIGHT!

I have horrible birth defect thoughts and if my baby is going to be retarded or an other thing that can go wrong! You are so not alone. I cry all the time, I WANTED for my child, but I cannot live in excrutiating pain! I drink sometimes too ( when I'm almost out of meds)just to balance myself. I have like two glasses of wine just to relax. I started taking those Tylenol PM. Now I'm hooked on those!!!!! I would like a doc's advice anonymously, which is why I'm here. Thanks for letting me vent!

[Mariah to Tom]

Pam,

     Hey!  That doctor is not a bit understanding!!!  You think if he's not going to answer any of our questions, he could at least give us hope!  He did the same thing to me, he didn't answer any of my questions & told me to go to a doctor!  He just made me more scared!  I'm glad he isn't the only person who responds!  Everyone else on here is great & so very helpful & understanding!  I took tylenol pm when I was pregnant with my little girl & my OB said it was fine.  I took 2 every night for about 3 months.  I needed it late in my pregnancy for back pain & I couldn't sleep through the night!  I was huge!  But, after I had her, it wasn't hard to drop them.  I wish this was that easy!!!  I know you'll be fine & so will your baby!  I think if your doctor knows your taking that medication, she'll be looking for addiction in the baby whether she knows you're taking more than you should or not!  If she sees any signs of addiction in the baby, she'll know why & treat it.  Don't worry.  I know it's hard, but try to relax...  I'll be praying for you.

Love Ya,

Mariah

[steve]

Mariah: The doctor did answer both of your questions! Just not what you wanted to hear.

[steve]

Mariah: The doctor did answer both of your questions! Just not what you wanted to hear.

[Mariah to Tom]

Steve, I'm sorry if I offended you by voicing my opinion about the doctor...  I don't expect anyone else to feel the same way that I do.  It is my opinion.  That doctor didn't say anything that I didn't want to hear, he just didn't answer my questions!  Clearly, the only thing he did say were things I already knew, they were obvious.  Like, go to the doctor.  I asked, What are the dangers to my baby?,  Will my baby need detox if I quit right now?  Will getting off the pills affect my blood pressure?...nothing.  He didn't answer my questions, which I don't care.  I got more out of what other caring people said.  I read the response he gave Pamela & it made me feel bad for her, because I know how I felt when I got no help from him either.  His response did scare me, not because of what he said, but it was the uncaring way he said it.  You don't have to be a kind person to be a doctor, but I think it helps.  I just think this doctor should realize that this is where people come when they don't want to ask their doctor & then all he says is, go to a doctor.  Have you asked him a question?  I hope he answered your questions.  Because it does make you feel hopeless.  Well, to end I'd like to say, the doctor didn't answer "both" of my questions, but I never really expected him to.  I was looking for something else & I found it.  I want everyone to know that I like having this forum to come to & I do love everyone on here who's helped me.  Thank you so much!

Mariah

[steve]

Hi Mariah; No you didn't offend me, sorry if it seemed like that. The doctor in here always gives short and to the point answers.  Yes I have asked him questions and didn't like the answers either. He just wants you both ,(actually I don't know what the hell he wants, haha) Just be honest with the doctors you are seeing, thats what I'm saying. Pam said she wasn't honest with how much of the drug she was taking. I'm sure the doctor prescribe it thinking it's safe, but she's lying about the dosage. That's the danger.

   My heart goes out to you both. I know the PAIN of addiction to well. I wish noone had to go through it. I really feel for you two, because of carrying a baby. God I can't imagine how that must hurt. I never want to say anything to upset you more. I know you don't need that. So I'm here if I can help.  I'll say a pray for you both.                          

[HedHurtz]

Actually I didn't expect to hear anything different. Doctors that are on-line have a script to go by to cover their asses, PLEASE don't expect them to condone what we do or give you encouragement! They can't give any information that might make you turn around and hold them responsible.(hence the disclaimer.

It's kind of like "The Psychic Hotline",for entertainment only.....get my drift?

Actually the whole reason I even submitted a question was because I had noticed other people on here that had a similar situation. I wanted some "group therapy" so to speak. Everyone on here seems to support each other and I just need a little support, that's all.

Thanks

[Mariah to Tom]

Exactly!  I never expected him to answer any of the questions!  That's what I was trying to say...  I said, if he's not going to answer our questions, (obviously) he could at least give us hope.  I don't know, maybe I'm wrong...  That doctor's answers just get under my skin for some reason.  Like he's trying to put you down without actually saying it!  I wonder if that doctor has ever been addicted to anything?  I know Tom or Brian would be way better at it, because they care & have personally been there.  Just my opinion.  When I came here I knew I would get more out of regular people in the same situation than I could get from any doctor anywhere.  But anyway, enough of that...



Steve, Thank you for your kind words.  Sorry if I got a little fired up, you know pregnant women.  Our hormones are going crazy anyway & then add an addiction on top of that.  Sorry if I came off like a nut.  I cry over commercials, so it was just me being emotional!  hehe  Thank you for your thoughts & if you have any advise or just something you want to share I would be happy to hear it!  Thanks!  :)

Pamela, Have you been trying to cut down?  How many more are you taking than you're supposed to be taking?  Do you have migraines all the time, like everyday?  I mean, is that what you take them for everytime you take some?  Or does it give you a high?  Because if you're taking them for migraines everytime & they aren't helping the pain, you probably should tell your doctor that the pills aren't helping & that you have to take more to kick it.  She'd probably change your medicine or give you something that will help it.  You think?



So, you're 28 weeks?  I'm not that far behind you!  When are you due?  That's a coinsidence!  I wonder how many more women there are just like us that are afraid to tell someone?  I know I was scared to even write about it on here, much less tell someone face to face!  I'm glad I came here though & told, I've gotten more help here than I ever thought possible!  Tom has really helped me with the schedule deal & withdrawal solutions.  I never thought of that myself.  The hot baths really help when my body starts feeling sore.  Also all the support & encouraging words from everyone has helped alot too!  It also helps me to stay on my 2 a day schedule because I know I have to get on here & tell everyone about it.  I wouldn't want to let everyone down.  You know because I can't tell my Mom & if I did I could think about letting her down, so this has kinda taken the support I would get from her if I told her about it.  The reason I can't is because it would be the biggest let down just telling her about it!  I would be so ashamed.  I think she might already know, she's just not saying anything, because she knows my b/f does all that.  But anyway, I'm just glad I found this forum & all the kind people that go with it.  Thank you so much!

Love Ya,

Mariah  :)

[HedHurtz]

In answer to your questions regarding my meds, I have had migraines since I started getting my period! I have seen about 15 doctors, went through countless trial and error meds and finally I was diagnosed with depression! I started taking Prozac about 8 years ago, but I still had headaches. I found a great Neurologist that put me on a regimen of medications that actually seemed to alleviate the pain. This included Fioricet and at times a sub-cutaneous injection of Imitrex (made me very groggy). Since it is a hormone type headache, he told me I probably won't see the light of day until menopause!! At leat he was honest. This was about 5 years ago. I am prescribed to take Fioricet 1 every 4 hours. Before I got pregnant I was also getting some Fioricet from an outside source, in addition to my script. Now I just take the ones from my doc. I still take 6 to 8 a day, until I start to run out, then I wean. Because if I go about 24 hours without ANY in my body, I get very sick. Good news is that I consulted with my OB and my Neuro and at the end of this month I am going to start weaning (with their help) so my baby does'nt have withdrawals. I went to them and said "Don't you think it would be better if I went off a few weeks before delivery, so my baby won't have to detox?" They said to me " If you can do it, that would be best" Can you beleive that? They are fully prepared to go through this with me. I'M STILL SCARED SHITLESS!!!! Anyway, there is hope. I still pray (and cry at every commericial with a baby) Talk to you soon!

[Angie to Ken]

Hey guys just read your posts and I thought I would share my story. I was taking darvocet and discovered I was pregnant. I missed my period one day and knew instantly. I was taking about 5 or 6 a day. My tolerance was not very high at that time. I became very scared and stopped immediately. I prayed that I would never touch the stuff again if everything came out alright. When I was 5 months pregnant I had a routine ultrasound and the dr. wasn't saying anything. Shr told me there was something wrong but she didn't know what it was. It was the day before thanksgivivg and she sent me to a specialist (neonatal) about 50 miles away so I didn't have to wait 4 days to find out what was wrong due to the 4 day weekend. My husband and I went (I was numb and in shock) to the specialist where we found out the baby had cystic adenoid malformation (CAM). This is where a growth develops on the lung. Very rare and no the darvocet didn't cause it. I had to see the specialist every 2 weeks for an ultrasound to make sure the growth was in proportion to the baby and not getting larger. I was 5 months pregnant at the time and was told she would need an operation at the time of delivery. Although those months of waiting were hell I never went back to using. I toured the neonatal intensive care unit at the hospital and saw all kinds of sick infants. The one that sticks in my mind was a baby who was going through withdrawl. This poor infant was shaking and crying and was not able to relax. Although babies respond to human touch, this only irritated her. She would involuntarily jerk her arms and legs around. This was constant and she would hardly sleep. I felt so incredibly sad for this baby who had no choice in the matter. I will never forget seeing that. The baby could go into having seizures. I'm sure if you witnessed this you would taper off to prevent this from happening to your child. You have to think would I rather suffer a little bit now or watch my baby suffer. My baby was born and had the operation where they removed her whole upper right lung. She was in the hospital for 17 days. The lung grows back as did the rib they had to remove to get to the lung. Is'nt that amazing? She is a beautiful, healthy 5 year old today and we have never had any problems since the day we left the hospital. I, on the other hand, went back to my doctor and started back on the painkillers where my tolerance grew. I was able to take between 20 and 30 a day. I ended up going into treatment in March and still struggle with the cravings. I have used now and again but that just sets me back mentally. I hope one day I can be strong enough to never use again but we all know how that goes. I wish both of you all the strength to stop using while your pregnant. Please remember what I witnessed at the unit. I know you are both good women and wouldn't forgive yourselves if this happened to your babies. God Bless and I'll pray for you. Angie

[Mariah to Tom]

I tell you what, if that doesn't scare you straight nothing will!  Thank you so much for caring enough to even write that.  I think that's really what I needed to hear.  That's horrible.  That will for sure help me to reach my goal.  I'm so happy I'm down to 2 pills & hopefully before I deliver I'll be off the pills & the baby won't be addicted or need detoxed.  I've been trying so hard to quit & this will only help, so thank you for that.  I'm also so happy to hear about your daughter.  They are precious little things, aren't they.  Thank God my daughter is healthy & has always been, I just pray to God I'm as lucky with this child.  I'm in love with every baby I see, I think this is why this is so hard.  I would never in a million years hurt a child & it kills me that I am.  Thank you for your time & everything you wrote...

Love Ya,

Mariah

[Mariah to Tom]

Hey!  I'm so happy to hear the good news!!!  I'm so glad they were nice about it & are gonna help you!  That's great, that gives me hope.  I hope you do okay when you go through withdrawals & everything.  With doctors helping you it shouldn't be that bad.  You have a lot of encouragement too, your baby!  I know that's the only reason I've made it this far.  I would have nothing else to quit for, probably because I've only been on them a little over a year.  From most everything I've read, the good feeling goes away when you've been on them awhile & you want to quit.  I hope I get tired of that feeling too.  I'm going to try my hardest to stay clean after I have the baby, but it will be hard!  But anyway, GOOD LUCK!!!  I know you can do it!!!  I'm praying for you...

Love You,

Mariah

[Barbara]

I really can't say that I understand any of this. My first point, I know that both of you girls are hurting. But some 14 years ago, I suffered from migraine and tension type headaches.. The doctor put me on fior #3.

I got pregnant about a year after being put on that medication, that is what me and my husband wanted... After 2 months of trying, we were so happy and that is the last day I ever took that medication, when i took the home pregnancy test and found out that way.... I talked to my doctor about it, wasn't worried, but did ask him what would i do if i had headaches and I knew i couldn't take the fior...???

He said that I could NOT take the fior, and I knew that before and chose not to because I knew it would hurt my baby...

The doctor then said that if I have these headaches during the pregnancy, "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it"... Well, we never had to. But if we had, i would have told him and done what he said.

These are addictive drugs we are talking about, and i took the same thing that you are, I have been through the same thing, but chose to stop because I knew that it would definately hurt my baby... Please someone, help me understand this? I have been through it, so you can't tell me that I don't understand it..

[Mariah to Tom]

First of all, I'll start off by saying, everyone is different.  I'm glad for you that you could just put them down & never take another one.  But to say you can't understand why we can't just because you did, makes no sense to me.  Are you talking about Fioricet or Fiorinal?  Because those are safe to take during pregnancy anyway, I have the book infront of me...  They are in no way even close to a narcotic like lorcet, as far as addiction goes.  I tried when I first found out I was pregnant to never take another one, but I was having horrible withdrawals.  I couldn't do anything except lay there & cry.  Plus, I did alot of reading on the subject (as you can imagine) & most doctors say, if you quit taking a pill abruptly that you have been taking regularly it could cause you to have a miscarriage.  Thank you for your thoughts though & please try to understand that everyone is different, even pregnant women...

Mariah

[HedHurtz]

Hello Barbara,

I also would like to say that I am very happy that were able to make that choice so easily, for others, it's not that easy!

Last year around the same time I got pregnant. I went to a very "old school" OB. He told me that I had to stop taking ALL my meds immediately! I tried this, 8 weeks of pure terror, depression and seizures ended up in a miscarriage, followed by a hemmorage that put me in a hospital for 2 weeks. I conceived again, and I was so scared. I COULD NOT have a baby. I searched for an OB and a Neonatal Specialist that specializes in migraines and depression. I found a team that seems to understand that I cannot function without help from certain medications. I get ultrasounds every 4 weeks and so far my daughter is fine. I admit that I have an addiction, for that I am guilty. I have been weaning off my meds because the last two weeks I want to been drug free in order to save my baby from withdrawals. The doctor did not tell me to do this, I chose to do it. That is the best that I can do. Yes, I feel like **** for being an addict. I am very scared. I love my child that's growing inside me..... but the pain of mirgraines and addiction is just too damn POWERFUL! That, I don't think you really understand!

[barbara to pain and lortab]

Addiction is a powerful thing and no one deliberately wants to become addicted. Often we self medicate because doctors now-a-days are so afraid of being sued and the HMO'S just want to save their precious money and run you in and out of their offices like cattle. They actually pay doctors big bonuses to give as little testing and treatment as possible! It's no suprise there is so much addiction.



I feel really bad for you Pamela and also you Mariah. I wasn't alcoholic or addicted to anything at the time I was pregnant but I do understand what you must be feeling. Don't put yourselves down because you have a disease.



Always remember addiction is a disease and you are every bit as worthwhile as anyone else. You deserve the same benefits and help. I hope you both can get the help you need. I will be praying for you and your babies. I hope I can give you some strength through the prayers.

[Mariah to Tom]

Hey guys!  First of all, thank you for your kind thoughts barbara, you're sweet.  How's everybody been?  OK?  Nobody writes on here anymore, watz up?  Guess what!!!  I WENT TO THE DOCTOR!  It was great!  I was scared & nervous at first, but I went.  What was I scared about anyway?  I didn't get treated any different than any other pregnant woman.  I got treated like I did when I was pregnant with my daughter, maybe better!  My doctor is the nicest woman I have ever met in my life!  She talked to me like we were best friends!  I'm gonna tell everyone about her, she's the best!  I'm so glad to finally get all of this off my shoulders & it wasn't even bad.  I told her about my situation & that I have gotten down to 2 a day.  She told me I did it the right way (thanks tom) & she actually congratulated me!  I'm still in shock!  She said that she prescribes narcotics to pregnant women & said the only thing she has noticed is the baby being smaller.  She told me to quit completely if I could & if I can't that we'll deal with that when the time comes.  She checked me & said my uterus was the right size & that I'm 19 weeks.  I got to hear the baby's heartbeat.  I was so excited, I cried.  It was the best sound in the world!  She's doing some tests next week & I'm getting an ultrasound next Thursday!  I can't wait!  She was God sent to me, I know it.  I'll let everyone know how it goes next week.  Thank you to everyone!!!

Love Ya,

Mariah  :)

[HedHurtz]

Hello to all,

Thank you Barbara for the kind word. Every day I feel as if I am so bad and rotten to have ever gotten my self in this situation. Then I think, I'm 32, married to a wonderful man and having a baby! What a "situation", am I crazy? I have it so good. My migraines are something I'll just have to deal with. People have to deal with worse **** every day. Thank you for your prayers!

Mariah,

I am so proud and happy for you. I knew you would find a good OB just like I did. I bet that is the biggest load off of your chest! It was for me. So, do you know what your having yet? I'm just starting my 7th month and needless to say, I'm feeling very ROUND! I guess everyone gave up on us in this room, but I'm still here......at least for a couple more months. Lots of love and prayers to you.

[tom to Mariah]

that's the best news I've gotten all day, Mariah! Sounds like you found the right MD. I knew she'd be impressed that you had exerted so much control on your habit. To be perfectly honest, I could not do what you're doing, unless you consider 20 Darvon a day "control." Dispensing good advice is child's play compared to taking it. I bet it feels great to get over this hurdle. Take care. Have a great weekend.

[tom to Mariah]

my answer to your question about why the site is stagnating: they will only accept one new thread a day (gee, thanks). Sure, people can hang new things on old threads, but the site is really driven by the need for expert help. The doc will only answer the question posed on the new thread. He won't give anyone else the time of day. I doubt if Doctor Steve bothers to read any of the posts we or others have made. They need to decide whether they want the site to live on or not. They're conducting it the way we conducted the Vietnam war. The outcome, most likely, will be just as "impressive." Sorry. Take care.

[tom to all]

didn't want it to come to this, but I'm switching to the addiction forum at:

http://neuro-mancer.mgh.harvard.edu



I don't know what handle I will get, but I'll put this one in brackets in case anyone is looking for me. They've obviously decided to let this site die. R I P

[Jeanne]

It is sad that you cannot give up your pain medication at least while you are pregnant.  I have watched three of my family members parish from the use of barbiturates, and I am set against taking them, regardless of the pain I am in.  A doctor isn't here to tell you what you want to hear, pain meds like firocet, and fironal are highly addictive, and the doctor that answered your post felt the need to tell you flat out what this could cause.  My little brother and little sister were both born addicted to Barbiturates.  You both should seek help, not just for your babies, but for yourself.



God bless.

[HedHurtz]

I do thank you for a response. Although I do understand your point of view, my Neonatal Specialist and my OB ultimately decided that the benefits of my medication use outweigh the risks in my case. I have been straight forward with them all the way, and believe it or not my prescription is for 1 every four hours to which I have taken diligently. I am very scared of course, but I am 34 weeks and my baby is doing well in utero. I can only pray each day that she will be okay. It is very painful, physically and emotionally! Under constant reassurance and monitoring from my OB I am trying to get through this the best that I can!

[nancy]

i too have been on fior for many years. i am 37. i take 2-4 a day when i have the headaches. which is usually 5 times a week. i just recently gave birth to a very healthy girl and all the while using the fior. thats what they recomend for the migraines at my doc. i was worried also but it is such a fast moving drug that as an adult your body filters most of it before it gets to the fetus. i also breast feed. the drug maxes out in the blood stream and in the milk supply within 40 to 60 minutes. so when i have to take them i time it. if im not able to time it between feedings i supplement with formula. i have studied this drug so much over the years i feel like an expert.(im not though) these are just my opinions and my experiences, take them as you will. eat healthy, drink lots of water and take care of yourself best you can. asprin and motrin are worse for you then the fior.

[lauslv]

So how did your problems and children turn out?

[peekawho]

I doubt after 7 years they're coming back to check for new comments.

[lauslv]

Yeah probably  not but it would be great for someone to be able to give a answer about the their experience.

[FLaddict]

If you have a question pertaining to this topic... I suggest you post a new question.. there are different formats to this site and these old posts do not show up for everyone.. You can go to the "post a new question"  and tell us what you need support or advice about.. we would be glad to help you if we can..

[lashamummyof2]

please check a post a few bellow this one about 'percocet and pregnancy' -- I posted that I had been on pain meds througout my pregnancy and gave birth three weeks ago. the baby is very healthy. everyone is different though. i was on small doses at the end and worked very hard to cut it out despite pain. now that the baby is born, my challenge is to continue using the small dose when i need it, and not everyday. it has been extremely hard for me, but everyone on this forum is in the same boat. check out my other post as it has more detail. I know many women who needed pain meds during pregnancy and I've not heard one bad outcome. however, all of these women took the meds as directed, so if someone is taking 20 a day, who knows?

[Mikaela08]

I am 31 and pregnant with my first  child.I had an extremley painful l4-l5 fusion(low back surgery) almost two years ago.To be honest I didn't even think that I could have children because of my severe back problems.I'm 14 weeks and have been taking Lotab 10/500 @ 1 1/2 every 6-8 hrs. on good days and 2 every 6 hrs. on bad days.Before my pregnancy it was prescibed by my pain mgmt. Dr. @ 2 every 6hrs. My obgyn is aware that I take lortab.She did ask me to only take them when the pain was unbearable and she took me off the ibuprofen 800 completely.My pain mgmt Dr. is now saying that he is going to stop my rx completley because of my pregnancy.The problem is that I am in pain 24x7.I even wake up in the middle of the night in so much pain and I have to take my pain rx and put the heating pad so that I can go back to sleep.I can't even get out of bed in the mornings or do regular chores without constant pain..I insist on doing all of my house cleaning and I pay the price at the end of the day when I can hardly walk straight up.I walk hunched over.I've been taking ambienCR in order to get at least 5-6 hrs. of sleep a night.Please I'm oblivious to the damage I might be causing my baby.If I could I would stop all together or try to wean myself off the rx but, my pain is so intense.I still can't believe I got pregnant.My fiancee and I were intimate once in almost 3 months and it was a suprize.We've been together almost 10 yrs. and it's our 1st baby.I need somones advice on wether they think this amount of rx is causing harm to the devolping fetus.And if I do need to stop taking rx .Is any pain rx safe?Please! I would appreciate any advice you can give me.Thank you.Ever so grateful.    -Mikaela

[angeline6]

Mikaela-You need to act on this very quickly.  It is important that you understand that you are a Mom now, and not just when your baby is born.  At this point, he has no choice but to depend on you to do what is best for him.  My understanding is that narcotic pain relievers are okay during pregnancy only for a short period of time and only in small doses.  You need to be completely honest with your doctor.  Have her taper you off the meds, instead of taking you off cold turkey.  See if there are other lifestyle changes (warm baths, massage, accupuncture, water aerobics, etc.), medications, diets, etc. that might help you to get through this 9-month period.  I need to tell you straight up:  9 months of your pain and suffering will be so much better than if your child is born with a disability or delay and both of you have to endure an entire lifetime of pain and suffering.  I work with children (0-3 years), with developmental delays and disabilities of all kinds, on a daily basis.  I have seen the damage that improper medication usage during pregnancy can do.  I assure you, it is very real.  Even if you are getting regular, prenatal care, and even if you are having you ultrasounds and the doctor is saying that everything seems okay, it doesn't mean that nothing is wrong.  No prenatal test can advise you of whether or not your child will have Autism.  There are many other delays and disabilities that those tests cannot show.  What will you do if your child is not able to show you affection throughout his life?  What would you do if your child is not able to start walking and communicating with you, when all of the other children his age do?  What if instead of changing diapers for 2-3 years, you have to change your child's diapers for 5 or more years because he can't learn to be pottytrained?  What about those amazing times ahead, when you are able to bond with your baby during breast or bottle feeding, looking at his sweet, happy little face?  Wouldn't that be so much better than having to feed him through a tube that the doctors had to insert through his stomach because he cannot take food orally?  These are all very real possibilities.  I know that you are going to be a good Mom, because you are already concerned for the well-being of your child.  You already know how important it is.  Do not let it go.  I hope that this has not been too much.  I care very much for your situation, and I want the very best for you.  You can make it through this, and the rewards will be great.  Give your child what he needs now, and you will thank yourself so much later.  In the end, it will all be worth it.  I'll keep you in my prayers.

[bettie1976]

i took ty pm almost everynight towards the end of my pg cuz my hips were cracking and movin n stuff and she came out just fine.

[lunachick]

I don't know why this person posted all that stuff about the negative affects of pain medication while pregnant. That stuff rarely , if ever, is a result of taking pain meds while pregnant, and if it does happen it's most likely cause of some other issue. I have read sooooo many posts on here from woman who took pain meds throughout pregnancy and everything came out perfectly fine, and the baby was even still o k years later. I myself took pills the first month of my pregnancy (unbeknownst to me), quit c/t, and my baby is perfect. Mikaela, read around here, you will find a ton of stories similar to yours..

[leahds123]

If you are addicted your baby will be addicted. Sorry to whoever takes offense to this. I had a back operation less than a year ago. The surgery did not correct the conditions I have, instead it caused more problems. I was prescribed percocet 15 mg 4 times a day just to be able to work. I found out a little over two weeks ago that I was pregnant and have already weaned myself off. Yes I live in pain and it will only be for 9 months, but my child will not have to experiene the world the first time going though withdrawal symptoms just because I was not strong enough to stop takind medication. Medication that everyone knows is not safe during pregnancy. Stop making excuses, you are going to put your child through something you don't want to go through. That is selfish and disgusting. You all need to pray for strength I will pray for you all.

[fashindancinbaby]

First I want to say its easier said then done to go 9 months w/out any medication, especially if you were already taking it before you found out you were pregnant.  Im in pharmacy, and the Fioricet, taken occasionaly just like your doctor said isn't bad for the baby, its the constant caffeine in them that is dangerous for the baby.  It can cause IUGR and other low birthweight problems.  Also try to be careful with the alcohol consumption.  I am @ 6 months and just dieing for a drink of alcohol, but I don't want to cause any unneccessary damage to my little girl.  If you could, limit other substances that you can control, like the alcohol, or other caffeine sources while your pregnant to make sure you do the least amount of damage.  

I didn't get a chance to read all the posts, but if you are unhappy with your doctor, you should have no shame in asking for a different one.  You should be able to be completely open and honest when you are with child.  Its their responsibility to get you any help that they can.

And as for the the baby being addictied, that could be true.  They say that in the last trimester certain medications should be avoided because while the baby is inside you, you aid it in digesting everything that you take in, but the baby could be born with whatever medications you took still in its system. . . therefore there *could* be a chance for withdrawl.  

You still have time, take care of yourself and your baby, you will forever be grateful when the little one is in your arms, knowing that you did the right thing, if only for a few weeks

~Good luck and God Bless

[broknbck]

Caffiene can be a  remedy for headaches. Also vit. D, which you can get from sunshine. You need to find the cause of your migranes and then you can try to fix it. Treating the symptom only is a never ending road.
Migranes are a result of the arteries in and around the brain narrowing. The insufficient blood flow leads to the arteries dialating-which causes the pain. This can't be a good thing and masking the symptoms only lets the condition go on untreated. Is your doctor trying to determine the cause?

[peehills]

i just found out about two minutes ago i am pregnant but i am scared and dont know what to do i take percocet and the duragesic patch for pain are they going to take me off both of these will i am pregnany i have a really bad back and leg and cant function with the pain without them what is going to happen

[aarroyo]

does anyone know how long hydrocodone stays in your system for?i am 33 weeks pregnant and quitting this week.im going to wean for 2 or 3 days then take none after that.i usually take 2 to 2 and a half a day.they are 10/325 does anyone know if i stop this week if my baby will still have it in his system if i do not?i know it takes 1-6 days to be completely out of my system but not sure about baby?does anyone know?please help if you know

[Lacy678]

Today is March 29, 2007. I am due April 11. I went to the doc today, they chkd me and I am 3 cm dilated. I am addicted to Lorcet 10's (the fat blu and green ones) I take them pretty much everyday. When I take them I take no more than 2 a day. I am so terrified of what this has done to my baby, that it makes me sick with myself. I am not perscribed this medicine, I just really like it, and I have been addicted for a few yrs now. I am actually surprised that 2 a day is enough for me. Like I said I will go into labor any day and I am still taking them. I have tried so hard to quit, but the withdrwls are so awful. Taking them makes it possible to clean, work, be in a good mood, have sex, take care of myself and my children. I just lost my baby sister/best friend in a car accident a month ago. Her 15 mo old baby girl was with her and she survived. My husband and I are now taking care of her. She lives with us and our 3 yr old son and we are in the prcess of adopting her. Her father got 5 yrs in prison a wk in a half after she lost her mother, so u can imagine what she is going through. I DO NOT accept what has happened to my sister. I just refuse to believe it !!! Taking my "escape" makes me somewhat okay, and right now I dont know what I would do with out it...I guess its kinda too late to "wean"  I just don't know. WHAT DO I DO??? Someone please offer some advice...I am desperate!!    
  Thanks So Much!
L

[reviewer]

I read your post... I am an Labor/delivery nurser. I have been for 16 years.. I have sen all kinds of things.. the most doctors recommned for pregnant women is Tylenol, sudafed, and Robitussin.  There are so many critical things happenig during your trimesters,small little things that you wont know until maybe your baby is in preschool.  If at all possible talk to you doctor try to taper down.  Your littel one needs you now and she or he will need you clean and sober when they arrive.  I know it is a difficlut person but they are not asking for this stuff and alot of things do cross the placenta barrier.  Not to scare you but I am being brutally honest here and it may make some people made... I know in the state of Indiana that if a baby falls with in certain weight, head circumference, and lenth  graphs or they are born early it is madatory that a meconium drug screen be done on these babies and it is reported to the state.  SOOOOOO please talk with your doctor be completely honest.  I dont know too many doctors that prescribe anything too strong during pregnancy because they are constatnly growing and making brain cells each and everyday.  Please dont take offense anyone... I have worked in labor and delivery enough to know what goes on...  I know the feelings that your are having but soon those feeling from the drugs turn to depression and you have no energy and you turn into somenting your family no longer know.
K.

[mollybeen]

I took quite a bit of fioricet prior to and during the first 4 weeks of my pregnancy.  I have taken 1 a day, since I found out, (about 2 weeks ago).  I am really worried obout the possible damage already done, any- thing?