hydrocodone during pregnancy

[candynjohn0803]

Hi.
I am 14 weeks pregnant. I have been on prescription hydrocodone for about 1 year. I was rear-ended by a UPS truck about 2 years ago and my I have had severe pain in my neck and upper back about 6 months after the accident and I still have the pain. I do not exceed 2 per day. I quit for only 1.5 weeks and couldn't even do my morning activities because my neck pain was so bad. I feel like such a horrible person because I can't seem to stop. Is it extremely harmful to my baby to continue taking 1-2 pills per day? I don't want to hurt the baby and at the same time I can't seem to even clean house and lift without being in pain if I don't take them. Please answer if you have the time. Thank You.

[candynjohn0803]

Thank You so much. I have been extremely worried for the last couple of months...I wish people weren't so judgemental and actually took the time to do research before they had told me how bad it is to take vicodin even in small amounts when you are pregnant. You have no idea how much I appreciate your advice as well as lashamummyof2's.

[candynjohn0803]

Thank you so much. What a relief to hear that! I didn't think I would be putting that much harm by the small amount that I take but I was still so confused. For some reason I thought it was FDA class C, so now I feel better knowing it is in class B. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. Thank You for your help.

[lashamummyof2]

Hi
I'm starting to think there must be tens of thousands of women who are pregnant and taking some kind of narcotic during pregnancy as I come across posts like yours once a day! Listen to Fladdict, she is correct. I can attest personally as I had to be on t3 and percocet during my pregnancy  -all the way through - and I gave birth five weeks ago to a beauitful, perfect, healthy, non-addicted little baby boy.

narcotics have been used for decades for pain in pregnancy with few ill effects. In fact, the only one I know of is addiction at birth, but you need to be taking much more than you for that to happen. In my opinion, it is safe for you to take 1-2 pills a day (A lot of women I spoke to were on 8-10 a day). There is a pamphlet from the centre for addiction and mental health called "is is safe for my baby" - you can get it online. Just google the name of it. It will list all meds and their safety. Also, Hydrocodone is an FDA class B medication which indicates it is very safe.
There is stigma to a pregnant woman taking anything, please do not let this get you down on yourself or make you feel guilty. If you are in pain, and cannot function, you need to take something. My doctor had no problem a t all giving me narcotic pain killers for a broken tailbone, and honestly what was I supposed to do? I work and have a two year old...lie in bed all day?

Anyway, I'm rambling. My baby is safe and happy and boy, is he ever a good baby! sleeps and eats well, really easy on me.

I hope you feel better! There are a lot of women in your shoes, and I have spoken to more than 20 of them...ALL of the babies have been born fine, and none had withdrawals, most with med qty. higher than you.
good luck

[FLaddict]

No it is not harmful to the baby.. It would be more harmful if you stopped taking them. Pain raises your blood pressure which puts unneccesary stress on the baby. Also cold turkey withdrawl can also be very harmful for the baby.. You are at a low dose.. Keep your OB informed and all will be fine. many women take these meds while pregnant with zero issues..