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percocet and pregnancy

I am 25 weeks pregnant and I am taking percocet 3-4 times a day for a severe back injury....I take them because i need them and never to get high.....My ob said not to discontinue, i was just wondering if anyone took this med while pregnant and Is it 100% my baby will be born addictede?
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Avatar universal
There is a lot of confusion and prejudice on the topic of chronic pain and narcotic/opiate use during pregnancy.

I found out I was pregnant at only 3 weeks, and was taking 6 Percocet a day - 1 every 4 hours - for chronic back pain and gastrointestinal issues. Due to severe morning sickness, I wasn't able to see my OBGYN until I was 18 weeks pregnant. His advice was to try to go down 1 tablet, from 6 to 5 a day, however I felt most comfortable doing that. I found that adding a sleeping aid during the night was easiest to do this, as I wasn't waking up mid night as often to take my dose, so that's how I cut down to 5 a day. At my next appointment 4 weeks later, his advice again was to try and taper down another tablet to get to 4 pills a day. I did this by cutting my pills in halves and trying to take a half every 3 hours instead. There was definitely some discomfort along the way, nothing that would be withdrawly, but not the most comfortable. So I allowed myself to take another half if I wasn't feeling great or it was affecting my day to day life in a big way. If you have chronic pain, you know that some days are a lot easier and others seem unbearable.
I wouldn't say that my OBGYN is the most knowledgeable or the most compassionate when it comes to this issue, as I do feel that since I made him aware of my narcotic use, he does seem to have changed the manner in which he cares for me (I also had him for my first pregnancy which was 4 years ago, and I wasn't taking this medication at that time.). It's unfortunate that some Dr.'s don't seem to be understanding about this type of thing, but remember, your pain isn't your fault and you shouldn't be made to feel poorly about yourself because of someone else's opinion on your choice for pain relief.
I opt'd to be refereed to a pediatric specialist, just so that I could have all of the information with regards to my child being born with any sort of withdrawal symptoms or issues. I think as parents, it's most important for us to feel informed and supported for our children's best interests.
Naturally there will be feelings associated with guilt if your child is born with any form of withdrawal symptoms, but know that you're doing what is best for them by sticking to your pain management regiment, stopping cold turkey could end up in your baby losing their life in the womb, and that would be a far worse feeling than having them be born MAYBE experiencing some type of possible withdrawal. Just be prepared for what's to come once you've given birth, your baby's health comes first, and if they need to stay in the hospital to be monitored or given weaning medication, just know that it won't last forever and that it's what's best for your little one. You'll be there along their journey giving them love and support and all the nurturing that they're going to need throughout it.

Please don't let yourself feel judgement or less than you are because you are managing pain. love yourself and your baby and be strong!

I am due to give birth this coming summer 2016, and will be sure to post an update afterwards. I know first hand how confusing and how lost you can feel when it comes to what's right for your baby.

wish me luck! talk to you all soon!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Don't quit, just taper down so your aren't taking as much. It won't cause withdrawl for you or your baby if you taper down. If you STOP cold turkey then you could risk a lot. I have been taking Percocet for 4 years now and I am currently 9 weeks pregnant and I have tapered down to half a pill 4 times a day instead of a whole pill 4 times a day. Before I deliver I am going to try half a pill once a day. A slow taper is safe and shouldn't cause any harm to you or your baby.
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
This thread is from 2007.  You'd be better off starting a new one, as the older ones often get passed by.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/new_with_new_subject?forum_id=77
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Avatar universal
I have had 3 major spinal fusion back surgeries and I have been taking Percocet regularly. 5 mg 3-4 times a day. I just found out I am 5 weeks pregnant and for time being when I was pregnant and didn't know, I took my medication as prescribed. I am still in a lot of back pain and I worry if I continue to take my medication, it will harm my baby or he/she will not develop right or have some type of birth defect(s) from it. I was told from my OB to continue my medication if I am in intolerable pain, but, try to cut down on it as much as I can possibly. Has anyone taken Percocet and their baby have any problems, in terms of birth defects, withdrawl? Please someone help with my concerns....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi, my name is jessica and i was just wondering if you could give me a straight up answer. I have 5 herniated discs in my neck and spinal stenosis. I was taking about 5 norcos a day and still in agony and then my ob put me on percoset 7.5 3x day. I was just wondering, if i cant come off these by delivery time, will my baby have any withdrawals. I would much rather suffer mself if that was the case, but if it was un-likely, i would much rather not live in pain. You can e-mail me at ***@****.. Thanks so much for your help!
Helpful - 0
3688816 tn?1358475297
I was given percocet while pregnant with both children. I have migraines tht would leave me bed ridden for days! I took 4 a day for 6 no thts with my daughter and the whole pregnancy with my son. Don't go against what ur Dr says. They kno what theiR doing and they will make sure u and ur baby are OK when u deliver. Both of my kids were fine with no WD! Good luck. Also this is a very very old post u should post ur own bc most ppl don't read the really old posts. Congratulations on ur little one BTW!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
People are prescribed that in pregnancy, now that you know your pregnant just don't take anything your doctor doesn't prescribe. Its the same thing they tell you if you ask about alcohol use while pregnant, they will just tell you to stop now. There is literally nothing you can do to change what you've already done but percocet doesn't cause birth defects. Good luck with the pregnancy!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi I just found out that I am 6-8 weeks pregnant and am worried about my drug use before I found out. I smoked pot regularly and took a 10mg percocet for a migraine headache. I am worried about the affects of the percocet since they say the first trimester is the most crutial. Someone help. :(
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Avatar universal
truthfully... if you can't stop for your childs health.. than there is bigger problems than you thought u had.. i immediately cut ask that bull out of my life when i found out i was pregnant .. i mean i have 3 bulging discs in my neck c 4 5 and 7.. if u knew me I'm a walking cripple because i have been in 2 serious accidents and trust me I'm gonna talk to my ob about pain throughout this I'm only 6 Weeks and had a miscarriage last year around Thanksgiving and I'm way to scared to go through that again.. worst pain i ever had..i have every kind of symptom... fatigue, back of my knees are burning yay vericose veins..cramps like period, bloating like i already look mad pregnant.. idk i might be bed ridden early I'm a walking disaster..
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Avatar universal
Will the hydrocodone be in my baby's system when he is born? How long does the hydrocodone stay in the baby's system? When should I stop taking them? I'm 28 weeks pregnant now! Please help!!
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Avatar universal
was the hydrocodone in the baby's system when he was born? How long does the hydrocodone stay in the baby's system? When should I stop taking them? I'm 27 weeks pregnant now!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It would be more dangerous for someone to quit narcotics while pregnant than keep taking them. I will be on Percocet while pregnant, via my pelvic pain specialist. He is very well known and feels very comfortable with a women taking pain pills and being monitored. Oxycodone itself without the tylenol is pregnancy category B. SO completely safe. Dealing with chronic pain is no joke and can cause preterm labor and pre-e, so having her "deal" with her pain is a dangerous suggestion. I am also an RN.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am 6 weeks along and have been taking percocet for my back for 3 years. L4-l5 lumbar fusion, 3 surgeries and massive nerve pain. I've tried to not take it but given that I was in a car accident on Monday I'm in even more pain than normal. I walk around with tears in my eyes. Is it better to quit or for me to continue taking about 3/day and then taper off as I get closer to my due date?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm sorry but taking any medication is dangerous while your pregnant and there is not enough studies being done to conclude the lasting effects.  Just remember you have a developing baby so anything you take will effect its development.  I say suck it up and live with your pain so your child has a chance at a normal life.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I been taking pain killers off and on for 3 years only time I find the will to stop is when I get pregnant I have 2 healthy boys both pregnancy I stop the minute I found out my children safety and health more important to me then my pain .. My children never suffer withdrawels at all so think if u do it while your pregant they will suffer if u don't they won't...think about the human the inasant child that needs u to survey and u can stop wing yourself off so your baby doesn't suffer you cando it I did for 9 months with both kids
God bless u can do it
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Avatar universal
I been taking 7-10 perceot 10mlg aday. will my baby be born addicted im 26 weeks?
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Avatar universal
Im 16 weeks pregnant, i just found out i was pregnant. I have been taking percocets for last month and ½,since finding out, i have quit. Will my baby be born addicted?
Helpful - 0
199177 tn?1490498534
I would get yourself treatment .They are going to know you are pregant but if you are getting help and off the drugs and remain drug free threw out your pregancy and the baby has no drug in it system then dss will not take your child .They want to keep mother and baby together exspecially if the MOM is doing everthing she can to get and stay clean so plz dont worry about what might happen. Just worry about getting clean the rest will work itself out
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Avatar universal
someone please help i am on lortabs my doc don't give them to me i buy them off the street i am 22 weeks pregnant i was going to check myself in to detox but i am scared it will make me lose my baby i am scared to tell my doc i don't want dss involved but want they do a drug test on my baby checking for lortabs
Helpful - 0
182493 tn?1348052915
Do NOT under any circumstance go on methodone..... Tell your OB.. women take pain pills while pregnant all the time. they can deal with it if they are aware of the situation.. YOu will not lost your baby.. It is dangerous for the baby if you detox.. more dangerous than if the baby has withdrawls when its born.. they know how to deal with it.. Many women have posted here and none of their babies were born addicted.. Your baby will definately be born addicted if you go on methodone.. The chances will raise if you go that route.. Please do not go there..
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am 28 weeks pregnant and take pain killers everyday....I want to quit but I have had people tell me that it is dangerous for the baby to detox.  I don't know what to do...I don't want my baby to withdraw and I don't want to lose my baby because I heard that they drug test babies now.  Is there anybody who can help me?? Let me know if there is anything I can do.  Should I change doctors and get on methadone?  Should I tell my doctor now that I have been taking pain killers? If I tell him could he call child protective services on me?  Can I just detox??  Please someone help me! :(  Kristin  
My email is kristin_elyse***@**** if you'd rather email me.  Thanks
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1 Comments
Hey I am 28 weeks and take a percocets 5 one a night to help ease pain n get some sleep . can u email me or give me advice on ur experience .. ***@****
Avatar universal
Hi  Leolion1
I wrote you a few days ago about just having a baby after being on percocets throughout my whole pregnancy. I was also very worried...if you would like, you can contact me via email and you can ask me specific questions; I know a lot because I researched like crazy and two of my good friends are  doctors who gave me the straight info about what I was taking and risk to baby (off the record as they weren't worried about liability!).
if you need to talk to someone, even if it's just for support, you can reach me at: ***@****.
hope to hear from you and I hope I can offer some support and answers!
liz
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1 Comments
Hey could use but help ***@****
Avatar universal
anyone on here tonight? Please read my post on here and under pregnancy and narcotics, i need information...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Congrats on the baby - as a nurse, I can tell you that many pregnant women take narcotics for legitimate pain, and for other reasons.  The most important thing is to be honest with your doctor and the nurses when you go into labor.  We do Finnegan scoring on infants that assesses their withdrawal level and put them on Morphine taper to prevent withdrawal symptoms.  It generally only lasts 3-5 days for the baby.  Your quitting during the pregnancy would be very stressful to both you and the baby.  Hang in there, keep being honest with your doctor.  One suggestion would be to ask for Oxycodone instead of Percocet - only because you'd then not be taking so much Tylenol.  
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