Can Pain Medication Be Taken During Pregnancy?

Posted on Wed, 14 Oct 2015

Question: Is it ok to take pain medicine while pregnant? We see an obgyn this coming week, with our first child they said it was ok to take hydocodon/acetametaphine for chronic back pain is this still correct or can it harm the baby. They said it is one that does not pass through the bllod stream. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is ok

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to Health Care Magic Forum. Thanks for writing in to us with your health query.First of all congratulations on Preganancy. yes it is ok to take acetomenophane for pain during pregnancy for back pain. Can you tell me the duration of pregnancy? Take Care .Regards Dr Manisha Jain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (13 minutes later)

4 to 6 weeks based on last period, meeting with an obgyn for first visit tuesday. The main concern is the hydrocodon that has been prescribed from the doctor for chronic back pain. Is that safe to take?
Thank you

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Avoid hydrocodon

Detailed Answer:
No mam, hydrocodon should be avoided in pregnancy.
There are certain studies which recommend its intake in early pregnancy but still no documented safety is there so better to avoid it.
Safest pain killer is paracetamol and local heat therapy is very beneficial.
In case not relieved then apply diclofenac gel on the affected area and take rest.
Wish you good health.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar