Painkillers and Pregnancy

I have been taking percocet since december of 2005 due to a failed herniated disc surgery on my back. I am in terrible pain due to the disc herniation. Now I am almost 5 months pregnant and I am worried about my baby. I don't want my baby to be addicted and have to go through detox. I don't know what to do though. My pain is getting worse now that i'm getting further along in my pregnancy. I've talked to both my doctors and they both agree for me to stop taking the percocet right now would be worse on the baby than to keep taking it. My OB doc says he is more worried about me and the pain that I'm having. The pain is terrible! It is a burning stinging sensation in the middle of my lower back and down both my legs. I can't find a position to make it stop. The meds are helping a little but for the last 2 weeks the pain has become worse. Does anybody know if it is possible that my baby will be affected by the meds? I take 6 a day for pain. My OB says that they prescribe percocet to patients and doesnt believe it will be a problem. I know during my last pregnancy I took vicodin for a huge kidney stone and my daughter came out fine with no problems but percocet is a stronger medication. Any advice helps!

[Mom2be530]

I've been though 2 surgeries, general anesthesia, and 3 hospitalizations in my 15 week pregnancy.  I've been prescribed vicoden, lortab, and percocet.  I also have a rare stomach dissorder and a pacemaker.  I live in pain and not taking the meds is just not a option for me.  I work with 11 different doctors because of my many health problems.  I'm also considered to be high risk ob...not cause of the baby, but because of my problems.  I see my OB every two weeks if not more.  I'm watched super close and I also have home health.  They aren't going to give you anything that will hurt your baby and they will keep a eye on both of you.  My doctors said it would be better for me to take the meds then stress out the baby cause I'm in so much pain.  After the first trimester its also not as big a deal as it would be then cause the babys organs are formed they are just maturing from then on out.  They also said later in the pregnancy if I stress the baby it could cause it to have a bm and that could be dangerous and lethal.  Try not to worry about it.  If your really upset and you decided you do want to stop, tell your doctors so they will be aware.  Then try to work yourself down maybe a half a pill every week or two.  Go slow, cold turkey is not good.

I've had 13 sonograms during this pregnancy and as far as we can tell there is nothing wrong.  It looks heathly, its growing as it should, heart beat is great.  The only thing I have found for comfort is the Lord.  I'm not pushing this on you its just what I've had to rely on.  There is nothing I can do to help this baby anymore than I am.  There is nothing the doctors can do to help this baby.  If I were to miscarry or whatever...the only thing the doctors could do was confirm it.  I layed on the operating table for a hour before my surgeon came in... I was so scared the only thing I could pray was "Lord please get me though this and please protect my baby"  over and over again.  I had to go under general anesthesia.. the risks were spontaneious abortion or lack of oxygen to the baby resulting in brain damage or death.  The Lord pulled us though.  They did another u/s after the surgery...while not as active as it had been that morning it was still moving and still breathing...just a little tired poor baby.  Try to not worry and keep your chin up.  I will be praying for you and baby.. I know how hard it is to be constantly sick and trying to grow a human at the sametime.  Its not fun, but this to shall pass and you'll end up with a beautiful baby.  Keep in touch and feel free to look me up if you ever want to talk.  I wish you the best, take care!

[becerrax6]

Thank you so much this does help relieve my mind. I do feel the baby moving all the time so I figure everything must be ok.  I've already had 4 ultrasounds and I've seen the baby kick 3 times plus I also saw his heartbeat which is very strong. My Doc said everything looks great. Plus I do trust in The Lord if it wasn't for Him I don't know how I would make it, he gets me through everything. I thank you'  may The Lord bless you and I wish you the best. Take care!