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Pregnancy and Tramadol or Vicodin for Chronic Pain?? HELP!!
Hello, I was really hoping to hear from someone who has chronic back pain and has taken tramadol and/or Vicodin/Hydrocodone while pregnant.
A few years back I was in a terrible car accident leaving me with 3 herniated discs, 2 bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, fibromyalgia, and Interstitial Cystitis - so needless to say I am in a GREAT deal of pain and I am also 15 weeks pregnant! Before pregnancy I was getting spinal injections about every 3-4 months which helped tremendously, but obviously I cannot still get that treatment now! I go to physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, and chiropractors whenever I can afford it, but those treatments are not covered by insurance.. And I feel that I have no other options than to take the pain medications that my doctor prescribed for me, but it just makes me SO nervous!
When I have to take the medications, I take the minimal amount usually 1-2 per day, never more! Doctors only talk about how there is not enough research done and they don't know what effects there will be other than possible withdrawals. Has anyone taken these medications throughout your pregnancies?? What was your experience?? Have you or your baby had any issues?? The last thing I want to do is harm my baby, but I do not know how to deal with this pain and still go to work and take care of myself! It is so heartbreaking... Any past experiences would be GREATLY appreciated!! THANK YOU!
A few years back I was in a terrible car accident leaving me with 3 herniated discs, 2 bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, fibromyalgia, and Interstitial Cystitis - so needless to say I am in a GREAT deal of pain and I am also 15 weeks pregnant! Before pregnancy I was getting spinal injections about every 3-4 months which helped tremendously, but obviously I cannot still get that treatment now! I go to physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, and chiropractors whenever I can afford it, but those treatments are not covered by insurance.. And I feel that I have no other options than to take the pain medications that my doctor prescribed for me, but it just makes me SO nervous!
When I have to take the medications, I take the minimal amount usually 1-2 per day, never more! Doctors only talk about how there is not enough research done and they don't know what effects there will be other than possible withdrawals. Has anyone taken these medications throughout your pregnancies?? What was your experience?? Have you or your baby had any issues?? The last thing I want to do is harm my baby, but I do not know how to deal with this pain and still go to work and take care of myself! It is so heartbreaking... Any past experiences would be GREATLY appreciated!! THANK YOU!
Thank you so much for your reply! Congrats on #3!! I am so relieved to hear of your 2 kids being perfectly (and plus some) healthy and smart with no dependence issues!! That puts my mind at ease a bit!!
The doctor told me with both Tramadol and Vicodin that they are "probably okay" but that's just not good enough for me!! I want to know exactly what could happen! The doctor knows how concerned I am, and he did tell me that being in pain is not good for the baby and can be more harmful than taking pain medication.. That's interesting what you said about getting pain under control or it can restrict new cell growth, I'd not heard that - great advice! What all did you learn about Tramadol defects? My doctor didn't mention that and I couldn't find anything online to show that, but I'd like to learn more especially since I've been taking them!
I feel for every pregnant lady who has to deal with pain..it is soooo hard!! It's depressing enough dealing with chronic pain, but then with the added stress and worry that you could harm your child..it's terrifying!! I do take the meds only when I absolutely need them, and not every day..but still I worry! :(
Good luck to you too, and again thank you so much for your helpful response!!
The doctor told me with both Tramadol and Vicodin that they are "probably okay" but that's just not good enough for me!! I want to know exactly what could happen! The doctor knows how concerned I am, and he did tell me that being in pain is not good for the baby and can be more harmful than taking pain medication.. That's interesting what you said about getting pain under control or it can restrict new cell growth, I'd not heard that - great advice! What all did you learn about Tramadol defects? My doctor didn't mention that and I couldn't find anything online to show that, but I'd like to learn more especially since I've been taking them!
I feel for every pregnant lady who has to deal with pain..it is soooo hard!! It's depressing enough dealing with chronic pain, but then with the added stress and worry that you could harm your child..it's terrifying!! I do take the meds only when I absolutely need them, and not every day..but still I worry! :(
Good luck to you too, and again thank you so much for your helpful response!!
hey - only your doctor can make the call ultimately for which is better for you.
I do know that they will most likely ask you not to take the tramadol, as it has mild SRI properties and can possibly cause birth defects.
Vicodin is usually the "pain medicine of choice" during pregnancy because it has been shown to be the least problematic for the baby...but your doctor will have to make the ultimate call for your pain management.
Just ask your doctor what they feel is best and be honest about your concerns and let them come up with a plan for you.
I had to be on pain medicine on and off when I was pregnant with my daughter because I was having kidney stones, and ended up having surgery at 34wks....but I stopped taking the pain meds shortly after that and she was born at 40wks perfectly healthy, happy, and non-dependent on the meds. With my son I was having neurological problems and I aggravated an old back injury, so they put me on initially vicodin, then percocet during my pregnancy. I was not able to taper off as the end of pregnancy caused my neurological problems to skyrocket, but my son was still born at 39w4d perfectly healthy, and no dependence issues.
They are both very bright and sweet and healthy to this day...excelling beyond many of their peers in many developmental stages, and making me just as proud as they possibly can! I'm pregnant with baby #3 and I occasionally have to take vicodin for neurological and back problems as well, and so far everything looks great with this pregnancy. All of my medicines were prescribed by my OB, and everything I did was under his care and direction, that is the most important part.
Obviously less is best, and avoid it if you can, but if you must treat chronic pain during pregnancy yes there are safe and viable options and you and your doctor will be able to come up with an effective plan so that you don't have to suffer. Remember that pain causes our body to release cortisol into the system, which crosses the placental barrier and actually restricts new cell growth, so it's imperative that when someone is under an extreme amount of pain, they get it under control!
best of luck to you. there are many mommies on this board who have had chronic pain treated through pregnancy and I have yet to hear a bad outcome for baby or mommy....but make sure you speak to your doctor about your concerns.
I do know that they will most likely ask you not to take the tramadol, as it has mild SRI properties and can possibly cause birth defects.
Vicodin is usually the "pain medicine of choice" during pregnancy because it has been shown to be the least problematic for the baby...but your doctor will have to make the ultimate call for your pain management.
Just ask your doctor what they feel is best and be honest about your concerns and let them come up with a plan for you.
I had to be on pain medicine on and off when I was pregnant with my daughter because I was having kidney stones, and ended up having surgery at 34wks....but I stopped taking the pain meds shortly after that and she was born at 40wks perfectly healthy, happy, and non-dependent on the meds. With my son I was having neurological problems and I aggravated an old back injury, so they put me on initially vicodin, then percocet during my pregnancy. I was not able to taper off as the end of pregnancy caused my neurological problems to skyrocket, but my son was still born at 39w4d perfectly healthy, and no dependence issues.
They are both very bright and sweet and healthy to this day...excelling beyond many of their peers in many developmental stages, and making me just as proud as they possibly can! I'm pregnant with baby #3 and I occasionally have to take vicodin for neurological and back problems as well, and so far everything looks great with this pregnancy. All of my medicines were prescribed by my OB, and everything I did was under his care and direction, that is the most important part.
Obviously less is best, and avoid it if you can, but if you must treat chronic pain during pregnancy yes there are safe and viable options and you and your doctor will be able to come up with an effective plan so that you don't have to suffer. Remember that pain causes our body to release cortisol into the system, which crosses the placental barrier and actually restricts new cell growth, so it's imperative that when someone is under an extreme amount of pain, they get it under control!
best of luck to you. there are many mommies on this board who have had chronic pain treated through pregnancy and I have yet to hear a bad outcome for baby or mommy....but make sure you speak to your doctor about your concerns.
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