hydrocodone while pregnant

[amberk]

I just found out that I am pregnant.I am not sure how far along I am yet but I will see my doctor next week. I have been taking Hydrocodone 10/650 for about a year now for my hip/back pain. I had been taking it more frequently the past month because the pain became unbearable.My back pain is getting worse each day and I have heard from some people that it is safe to take hydro in low doses while pregnant, but I just wanted to get some input before I see my doctor. I have been taking 1 pill at night and not taking anything during the day. Please help!

[teeteekin]

you have no clue what you are talking about , these medications fall into class c of drugs, which means they do not know the effects. It is unfortunate that your friends baby was born with problems, but a lot of babies are and mothers who haven't done anything. Under a doctors care and risk out weigh then benefits. How much was she talking and how with out a script? I believe those speaking in here are under a doctors care. Instead of typing in all caps and being so brutal calling people pill poppers. Be happy you do not have any chronic illnesses except for your ignorance.It is people like you that make this world a ****** place , know your facts before you start to insult people.

[curvylaydee]

You are the worst kind of person! Just because one suffers from chronic pain, it does not mean she should be robbed of the ability to be a mother! Lets see someone throw you down the stairs (that's what happened to me) and then when you get old enough to have children tell you that you can't have a baby because of the aftermath of unfortunate circumstances which were completely beyond your control!! Seriously, I hope to get pregnant next year, and I Suffer pain in my back, legs, and hips everyday of my life due to what happened to me all those years ago, and for you to tell me that I am a bad person for wanting to be a mother... You make me ill. And yeah, the thought of being pregnant and in pain scares the heck out of me because I know I'd never want to HURT my baby and by quitting the meds cold turkey that's what I'd be doing. But by being pregnant with untreated severe pain, the baby would be at risk. It is a catch 22 situation. So for you to take it so lightly as to classify the situation in such a 1-track minded manner is frankly disgusting and insulting. The amount of turmoil I am going through over this is immense! So take your ALL CAPS & 2nd grade spelling and stick it where the sun dont shine. You know NOTHING about the pain, the REAL PAIN , of this conundrum (you can look it up in the dictionary).
Best,
Flustered in Florida

[shelbymine]

yes, this is a hard question. Every mother wants what is best for their baby. And there are so many doctors and research which gives different answers to the same questions. Meaning that the medical community is just as confused as we are. Taking pain medication for legitimate diagnosed pain does not make someone an automatic "Addict". There is simply little empirical research to 100% guarantee that something is safe for the fetus or not. That being said, it typically comes down to the doctor's discretion. I am in this position as well and decided to take nothing until my 3rd trimester. Dealing with pain naturally did make me have fetal distress, anxiety, insomnia, etc. I can't imagine this will be better for my unborn baby,rather  than taking a few norcos and having a happy mommy, which in turn makes a happy baby. I have lived all over the country and the USA is the most strict with med control while women are pregnant and to be blunt it is because (according to International Doctors i have talked to) American women have the historical evidence to indulge everything. For example, having a glass or two of wine is not bad for a fetus. But to error on the side of caution, they tell all pregnant women to drink nothing while pregnant. Or for example. most American doctors will prescribe Ambien for pregnant women but nothing else. While working in China,it was like pulling teeth to get some Ambien, but you could readily get Xanax while pregnant. Everything in moderation is my motto. And before i secure a doctor now, i ask point blank what their feelings are on prescribing pain medications. Because i personally don't want a doctor who believes a heating pad and honey is the cure all for everything. Good luck ladies.

[nic1223]

You say not to listen to anyone, but you expect people to listen to you and you can't even spell correctly. Unless you're a doctor (which I know you're not with that wonderful education of yours that you're displaying here), don't try to give women advice on something you know nothing about.

[SISSYTEBO]

Just want to say to anybody that reads any of this.....DONT LISTEN TO ANYONE ON HERE!!!!! IF THEY SAY THEIR TAKING HYDRO OR ANYTHING OTHER THAN TYLENOL WHILE PREGNANT THEY NEED A ******* REHAB!!!!!!! YOUR CHILDREN ARE YOUR LIFE YOU KNOW WHAT DETOX FEELS LIKE SO WHY WISH IT ON AN INNOCENT NEWBORN BABY!!!!!!!!!CAUSE THAT IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE NARCOTICS WHILE PREGNANT AND THE FACT THAT YOUR CHILD WILL COME OUT MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED I KNOW A FRIEND I KNOW TOOK THEM CAUSE SHE LOOKED THIS UP ONLINE THOUGHT IT WAS OK AND HER CHILDS NECK IS  CROOKED AND HE LOOKS LIKE HIS EAR IS ATTACHED TO HIS SHOULDER!!!!!!!BRAVO TO ALL YOU PILL POPPERS!!!! AND FOR THE RECORD IF YOUR IN SO MUCH PAIN AND JUST CANT DEAL WITH IT SOBER CAUSE NOW YOUR PREGNANT SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT THE SUPPOSED PAIN BEFORE YOU AND YOUR MAN CHOSE TO NOT USE BIRTH CONTROL!!!!!!SO SUCK IT UP AND STOP EMEDIETLY TAKING ANY TYPE OF PAIN KILLER TILL YA GET A GO AHEAD FROM YOUR MD THAT ITS SAFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND NOT SAFE FOR YOU BUT SAFE FOR YOUR CHILD CAUSE ONCE YOUR PREGNANT ITS ONLY WHATS BEST FOR THE BABY NOT YOUR ADDICTED ***!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nica505]

I'm 29 weeks pregnant and had to go to the ER do to a very sharp pain on my left arm they prescribed me hydrocodon acetaminophen 7.5/500 it has helped me big time with my pain now I'm able to move my arm wich I wasn't but it worries me that I could be hurting my baby girl by taking this medicine. Please somebody help me I need to know if is ok for me to keep on taking it.

[lisaisnew2006]

I'm 7 weeks prego and take 10/325 for my back and hip issues, I was in an ATV accident 4 years ago and shattered my pelvic bone! I also worry how the baby resting on my hips will effect my pain.. I'm barely getting by with just 2-3 pills a day and worriy about side effects for the baby.... any help?

[tab4ever]

I also have Fibromyalgia....stemming from Mixed Connective Tissue disease. I am in CONSTANT pain, and take Ultram 3x daily which barely takes the edge off. I had started on Lyrica about a year & a half back which was a miracle drug for the pain combined with the Ultram. My current issue is that from the constant inflammation, my roto-cuff muscle has torn & I am scheduled for surgery in Dec. No sooner did I schedule the surgery, I found out that I am pregnant! I already have one 4yr. old boy, with whom I had a perfect pregnancy....my health just went downhill within 3 months after he was born.
I am asking both for suggestions, comments - and offering my experience.... I was finally able to get pregnant this past April - at the time, I was taking the Tramadol, Lyrica & Reglan and the drs. suggested that I stop taking everything immediately. My body did NOT respond well, I was burning up from inflammation, in horrendous pain...and ended up miscarrying. I never did go back on the Lyrica and stuck through the past few months managing the pain with just the Tramadol, but now that I am pregnant I am in the same predicament and afraid of miscarrying because I am already having trouble just tapering down after 2 days. I agree that pain causes distress to to baby, and can be just as harmful as staying on the meds.
My BIGGEST concern is whether or not to have shoulder repair during the pregnancy....more so that the risk of the anesthesia, I am very concerned about the pain from the surgery & what I will be able to take during recovery without harming the baby. If I don't have the surgery now, I will have to hold off for at least a couple of years since I will not be able to hold the baby for MONTHS after the surgery.
ANY thoughts appreciated :-)

[utchic99]

Hey, all! It's been so great reading all this! It's DEFINITELY put my mind at ease!
I currently have a 5yr old boy (who will be 6 in December) and 2yr old twin girls (who will be 3 in February). My husband and I have decided that we're ready to try for another one (probably our last).
I have Fibromyalgia, scoliosis and recurring costochondritis. I have been on a regiment of Celexa and Ultram for about 2 years and more recently went to the pain center and was prescribed Lyrica and 10/350 Loritabs. I haven't been on the latter two medications for very long so I don't think quitting them would be too difficult if it came down to it, but on the down side of that, I would be in constant pain during a pregnancy. I have my first follow up at the pain center this week and recently had some x-ray's taken to be sent to the pain center. I guess in all this rambling I wonder if anyone has any experience in taking all these types of medications during pregnancy. I know that the Fibro part of my pain is the worst and the best days it's only tolerable at best, but if I KNEW someone out there had the same problems as me with one or more healthy children while taking these steps it would greatly relieve my concerns. I feel like I FINALLY found an answer and got the help I need and now that I'd like to have another baby I'll have to suffer instead. Any comforting thoughts?

[niessey]

I had gallbladder problems while pregnant but I couldn't have it removed till after the baby. The Dr. prescribed hydrocodone/APAP , and when I went to have the baby , of course tested positive for this medication and CPS came and took my kids. How Crooked is this ? So becareful taking anything while pregnant, even if you have a prescription

[MeredithK]

Great answers everyone.  I'm ttc after years of infertility.  I had my first iui 5 days ago and have been in almost unbearable pain since then.  Not only do I have severe cramping from the procedure, but I have had two major spine surgeries this past years.  The lower lumbar surgery, which was an artificial disc replacement, was a failure - it was 5 months ago - and by 5pm each day I'm unable to walk.  I finally broke down the other evening and took a hydrocodone.  I used to take 120mg of oxycontin and 2 hydrocodone (the smaller dose I think) per day.  I cut back to 80mg of oxy and no hydrocodone.  But I can't bear the pain.  My doc knows my current meds and their levels. She wants me to see a neonatal specialist, but hasn't told me to get off the meds outright.

I think BSheri may have a point about pain causing your body stress and thereby causing the baby stress.  Please don't take this as gospel of course. But after I took the med I was so relieved, relaxed and actually slept almost all the way through the whole night.  

By the way, I also do meditation, heat, cold and acupuncture.  Nothing works.

[jenn2009]

my dentist put me on Hyrdocodon and Penicilin and im pregnant and i dont know if its ok to take it .its only for to stop the swelling in my mouth and for the infection i have to.

[hockeyb77]

I am with all of you! I just found out i am pregnant,but no dr. wants to treat the pain. i am now seeing chiropracter and doing massage therapy. I hope this works I have been injured for two years and the dr wanted me to stop cold turkey. i had so much anxiety I just couldn't do it . I want this baby and it is such a desire and a blessing for me God never gives us to much. My ob just refuses to treat pain at all I am 5 weeks and taking hydrocodone I am so scared any advice? I just take it once at night do to the pain being so severe it is a 10/500. thanks for any comments

[angela8868]

how low of a dose is safe to take on a daily basis without causing withdrawls

[wendyowens]

hello-my name is wendy o and i just found out that i am pregnant. well i have three bulging disk-so i take about 4 percocets a day.And i go to the pain management doctor and get epiderals and cortizone shots. i am worried that i may have harmed my baby taking all this medicine.  does anyone know is it ok to take percocets during my pregnancy?i just dont see how i am gonna survive without my shots in my back or my pain killers. please someone tell me something!please

[wendyowens]

hello-my name is wendy o and i just found out that i am pregnant. well i have three bulging disk-so i take about 4 percocets a day.And i go to the pain management doctor and get epiderals and cortizone shots. i am worried that i may have harmed my baby taking all this medicine.  does anyone know is it ok to take percocets during my pregnancy?i just dont see how i am gonna survive without my shots in my back or my pain killers. please someone tell me something!please

[JoAnnaRF]

WOW!!! I bow down to you! LOL CONGRATS on the new baby and also on babies 5 and 6!
You also gave great advice from the persepective of someone who has been there.
--L

[bsheri1344]

Hi I have a hernitated disc between L4 and L5 - I just had a healthy baby girl 7lbs 3oz Sept 5 2005 I was on Hydrocodone (Vicodin) 7.5/750 Now I just found out on Feb 28 2006 that I am (at that time) 9 weeks pregnant (7 weeks gestation) and get this.. with twins this is baby number 5 and 6th. Anyway. I am now on percocet 10/325 I have not seen the high risk MD (perintologist) not unitl this tue. But different Md's say different things. My last MD was from UCSD and this one is a Kaiser MD. But most definatly consult a Dr. remember being in pain can harm your unborn child. Pain can cause Fetal distress, it can cause high blood pressure which decreases the blood flow to your baby. THere is pros and cons for everything. Remember to take care of yourself as well as your baby.

[JoAnnaRF]

I also had the caudal epidural injections including RACZ and was unable to walk at all for days following each injection. I finally said enough is enough. They were only making matters worse. I can only imagine what it would be like to add a pregnancy to the mix. The added weight that will be on your back will be difficult I'm sure. There will be many things to think of in the coming months. Just stay in close contact with your doctors and you will be fine. They do not want to see you suffer and will take care of you. Just make sure to let them know everything that is going on. Call and bug them constantly if you need to. LOL
Congrats on your little one on the way! It WILL all be worth it, I promise!
--J

[amberk]

I have been seeing a pain management doctor and we have tried caudal injections with an epideral prior to the pregnancy and this only made my condition worse. He wanted me to try physical therapy next, but I did not have insurance and decided to take the meds untill I could get treatment. I was lucky enough to get signed up for insurance through my employer right before finding out that I was pregnant! I am so relieved about that! So now I can check into physical therapy to see if this can help! I also suffer from migraines and take hydrocodone for this as well. I am very worried because I was taking alot of the pain meds prior to finding out that I was pregnant b/c my back pain had increased so much during the past month! I was taking it about three times a day! My mom is worried that my back/hip condition will worsed with the pregnancy! I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for your help! I am only 22 years old and this is very scary for me! I am very excited about being pregnant but I have so many questions and concerns about everything! I love this forum because I can get support from other pregnant women! Thank you all again!

[NURSELPN]

MedlinePlus Drug Information: Acetaminophen and HydrocodoneWhat special precautions should I follow?Return to top. Before taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone,. tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ...
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ druginfo/medmaster/a601006.html - 23k -

According to WebMD
Hydrocodone and Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Nonteratogenic Effects: Babies born to mothers who have been taking opioids regularly prior to delivery will be physically dependent. The withdrawal signs include irritability and excessive crying, tremors, hyperactive reflexes, increased respiratory rate, increased stools, sneezing, yawning, vomiting, and fever. The intensity of the syndrome does not always correlate with the duration of maternal opioid use or dose. There is no consensus on the best method of managing withdrawal.

[maryheather]

My heart goes out to you both--
amberk, you can trust what Jo says.  She's a great friend, and has tried everything to help eliminate her pain.  Do what she says...I agree.  Don't stop cold turkey.  Try to get in to see your doc asap, and if not, then at the very least, you could contact your pharmacy.  I know some of the risks will prob. be dependancy of the baby to the hydrocodone, and the fact that it contains acetaminophen, which is a blood thinner...but I'm certain that you and your doc will have to weigh the risk/benefit ratio and see what works best for you.  Don't feel guilty either way.  No one is walking in your shoes but you.  You'll do what's best.  Just be totally honest with the docs and try to see them as quickly as possible.

[JoAnnaRF]

I suffer from severe back pain and have had a surgery that failed making things worse. I know it is so easy for people to say that you should just STOP taking your meds but this is NOT a good idea. First of all, not many people can comprehend the intensity of pain associated with a back injury or condition, and I honestly wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. But you are obviously being treated for Pain Management and have been taking these meds for awhile. Stopping abruptly is NOT safe and you should only stop under the supervision of your doctor. Yes, make your OB aware that you are taking pain management drugs, and Yes, let your Pain Man. Doc know that you are pregnant, and together, figure out what you are supposed to do. I'm sure that at this point in your treatment, like me, you have tried EVERYTHING known to man to stop the pain as naturally as possible, from heat, cold, PT, vitamins, diet etc.. This is all great in theory, but sometimes it just isn't that simple. Chronic back pain can be so underestimated. I wish that people could understand what a serious condition this is. It is crippling, debilitating, depressing, and just plain H E L L to put it mildly. And you should not be expected to just "deal" with it because you are pregnant. So please, just get with your doctors, and make sure they are involved wth all aspects of your treatment, even if it means that you stop taking your meds for a while. Just make sure that these decisions are made with their expertise.
I know this is a hard time and the pregnancy is such a blessing. All the best to you. I really do feel for you.
--J

[dandeelyon]

Oh, and I have two other children.  I took the same medications when I was pregnant with them and they are both perfectly healthy children.  My daughter was 9 lbs and my son was 7lbs 2 ozs.  Both good size.  

Definately let your dr. know what you've been taking though.  They are the ones who know your medical history.

I hope everything goes very well for you.