Pain meds during pregnancy

[mommytobee101]

I have been taking Norco for 4+ years (legally). I hade a spinal fusion 2 years ago and and have bben disabled since. I live in severe pain all the time since my surgery. (Thought my pain was worse before...ugh) I am addicted to this medicne but it is a physical dependance. Withdrawls are horrible!!!  I recently found out I am 6weeks pregnant with second child!!! My OB says that it is ok to continue my Norco and Neurontin and she prescribes it to me. I have cut back from 4 Norco 10/325 a day to 1 Norco 5/325 a day. (Half in morning and half in evening)! Still have withdrawls... Night sweats... stomach hurts... and hurt something terrible...  

Does anyone have any personal knowledge of Opiate use and pregnancy? Does baby have withdrawls or any known birth defects?  Neurontin use as well!  Thanks

[Ashelen]

I agree 100% with the other advice...you need to do what the doctor tells you to do. Following your own medical advice is never a good idea, and especially when you're pregnant, so unless the doctor tells you to take 2.5mg in the morning and 2.5mg in the evening (rare...) I would follow his instructions EXACTLY.

I've had to be on pain medicine on and off during my first pregnancy, and my current pregnancy, and I was on it continually during my 2nd pregnancy. I'm due any day with this pregnancy and everything is fantastic. My 3.5 y/o daughter and 20-month-old son are both PERFECT. neither were born dependent..they had no withdrawals, no delays, no breathing or eating issues...and it's because I worked very carefully with my doctors who monitored us the whole way and I felt confident and healthy knowing that they were making informed decisions for me and that I was working with a group of people who knew what was best for me and baby.

Please speak to your doctor tomorrow, and follow the instructions on the bottle exactly. If you feel like this is more pain medicine than you need, speak to him about that and once the very risky first trimester is over (less chance of losing baby to withdrawal stress) maybe he'll wean you off of them...but if you are still in pain, be aware that pain releases a stress hormone called cortisol into our system and it DOES travel into the baby. cortisol inhibits new cell growth and is thought to "cause distress" to the baby in high enough amounts, so untreated severe pain during pregnancy is actually considered riskier than small, managed, doctor-ordered amounts of pain medicine.

[vicki595]

I don't understand why you're not listening to your doctor...

You are going through withdrawals now and so is the baby; that's how it works.  Babies can have seizures in utero, as well.

I know you're scared and worried but please listen to your doctor and share your fears with her. And please do something about those withdrawals...

Good luck to you-

[NorthEast213]

First of all congratulations..

While I have no first hand experience with this I will say that I would do exactly what your OB says.  Putting yourself into withdrawal even with the best intentions and can be dangerous for your baby.  If you desire to get off the medication I would talk to your doctor and discuss a safe taper plan.

Someone with 1st hand experience will be by to help more im sure..

All the Best

Sean

[littlebit667]

there are many here that will help you so stick around and keep checking.  glad you came here and found this group.  It is very active and there will be help.