Pregnancy and Pain Med

[JMW344]

Hi,

Im 9 wks pregnant and this was a surprise pregnancy. My VERY big concern is Im on pain medication (Vicoden ES) 4xs a day and I have been for 6 yrs. Will this harm my child???? I have been on this medication for pain I have everyday for along time like I said 6 yrs and I abrutly stopped taking it and I found that I was not able to because of the pain and also my body started to go through withdraw because of the length of time Ive been on this medication. I am slowly cutting back but Im still VERY worried if there any possiable risks to the baby????? Please help! Thank You.

[MelzieWelzie]

I was in the hospital at 10 weeks for some extreme pain I was having.  They prescribed Vicodin and said it was safe to take during pregnancy as long as it was taken in moderation.  I don't know what the effects might be if any if you're taking it long term and several times a day, but if I were you, I would definitely talk to the doctor about it.  
Congrats on your pregnancy!
Melanie

[melimeli]

really don´t seem like she is taking it in moderation... you need to talk to your dr.. and ask about other methods for pain control... what kind of pain are you in, are you addicted to pain meds>?

[wantanswers2day]

Whatever you do don't just stop the med outright. Going through withdrawl will be much more dangerous to your baby right now than any effects from the med.  If the doc knows your dose and frequency and says it's ok, then you can trust that.  Moderation is considered to be taking according to the written rx.  Usually Vicodin is rx'd every 6 hours or 4 x a day, so I adamately disagree with whoever said they didn't think you were taking in moderation.  Whenever you have questions regarding meds, always seek the advice of a physician...advice from those that aren't physicians (like to suddenly stop a med your body is accustomed to) can be risky.  

[40smama]

I agree - be careful stopping pain meds abruptly - you can also consult your pharmacist too when you can't get hold of your doctor quickly enough.  Good luck!