vicodin & 39 weeks pregnant

[kyliesmommy]

I am 39 weeks pregnant and like most women have suffered from back pain and migraines throughout much of my pregnancy. I have had 2 obs due to a recent move, they have both perscribed me vicodin. My current doctor subscribed me another refill on my current perscription of vicodin last week 38 weeks. I am going to be induced next week. Myquestion is what are the effects that my baby could have. I am so worried that something will happen to my baby. But everytime i talk to my doctor he says it will be fine. I take no more then 3 a day and am trying to taper off of them slowly since my body is use to taking them. any helpful answers would be great. This is my first baby. Oh and I have tried taking tylenol it didnt even touch the pain thats why i got perscribed with vicodin

[phoenix_risen]

Hi, I can answer that question, I know it was an old question post, but in case anyone else needs to know. I had a cervical fusion surgery done about two weeks before I became preg., and I have nerve damage (the surgery was to help this) that I'm still recovering from, so my o.b. has had me on vicodin 4/day since my second trimester. My o.b. said that they don't really use the fda categories anymore, but instead look specifically at the test results and past history of any complications caused by vicodin. Also, any meds that have not had human testing are automatically placed on the category c list, regardless. Vicodin is safe, my o.b. said I need to taper off it during my third trimester (so the baby is not born addicted). Tapering is important to do during preg., instead of stopping cold, because withdrawal can cause your bloodpressure and heartrate to increase, as well as potentially dangerous swings in mood, and sleeping problems, caused by the serotonin decrease that happens when you suddenly stop taking vicodin. Please note, besides o.b.'s, most docs do not know what is safe during preg, and will prefer to prescribe nothing or stick to the fda categories for legal protection, if an o.b.'s opinion is not available.

[firsttimeprego11]

From what my doc told me, the only thing that could be negative is that the baby could be born addicted.  I don't know what the protocol is for that considering your doc has had you on them.  I've heard of doctors just weening the baby off once it's born.  I have also been put on vicodin (in my first trimester due to severe back pain and severe upper abdominal pain) I am now on tylenol with codeine.  I've also seem many docs due to moving.  They all say something different which worried me, but I guess if they perscribed the meds, then it should be fine.  How long have you been on the vicodin?  I'm just curious to hear what your doc has told you b/c mine have been so wishy washy.