Question about Vicodin

Hey everyone. As most of you know my OB prescribed Vicodin to me for back pain. I am currently 35 weeks pregnant. The question that I have is this....I have heard that you should start to wean yourself off of the pain meds before the baby is born. Is this something that I should do? If so, when should I start it? I take 5/500 vicodin if that helps at all. Some people say that it is safe to take them right up until you deliver and other people say to wean off of them before the baby is born. I am confused. I usually take 2 a day. (one in the morning and one before bed).  Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much in advance.

~Danielle

[Mom2be530]

Cause of my surgery I researched this subject.  Vicodin and Lortab were the most prescibed to pregnant women.  I'm on the Lortab and I've been told both of these are relativly safe during pregnancy.  I do try to take the least amount to get by.  This is what I've been told about pain medications and pregnancy.  For me they told me it was better to take the meds then stress myself and the baby because I'm in pain.  Because of this it maybe better if you take it up to delivery.  I'd ask my doctor for their advice and see what they say.  The reason they ask you to wean off of them before the baby is born is because it could make the baby sluggish and it might score lower on the "responsiveness" test thing they do right when they are born.  I forgot the medical termonology for the test, but thats my understanding from what my doctors have told me.  Hope that helps- sorry I can't give you more specific answers.

[Crritter]

I think it really does depend on the situation, as the above poster said.  Some gals here have had back trauma, etc, and are on pain meds during pregnancy.  My Dr. is tough, didn't get any for my m/c at 11 weeks, and none when I went home the day after baby, nothing but Motrin each time.  I think it is a good idea to stay comfortable though, just follow Dr.'s orders and use them sparingly.  We have lots of women come through and get pain meds for pregnancy, some Dr.'s are quick to give them, even give out percocet for a uti.  A little shocking, but really every Dr. and patient are different.  Congrats on baby, it won't be long now!

[ImmortalOne]

I wasn't told to wean back, but then again I didn't take it that often either.  Even with my normal pains (fibromyalgia), I still took pain medication daily.