URGENT: Pregnant wife + wisdom teeth - what painkillers
Discussion
My wife is 6 months pregnant and has a wisdom tooth pushing through at the back, as confirmed by a dentist yesterday. As she is pregnant, she can take only Paracetamol and something prescribed by the dentist to reduce the swelling (I forget the name). You can imagine how painful this is and she has not slept for 2 nights now and is pretty miserable and upset. Phoned NHS direct who were useless and unsympathetic (which is a first in all honesty)
After a bit of searching around, it seems that it is acceptable for her to take Codeine based painkillers in small doses. Earliest doc can see her today is 5PM but does anyone else know any more about this? I don't want her fobbed off with use a pack of peas as an ice pack and keep taking Paracetamol.
After a bit of searching around, it seems that it is acceptable for her to take Codeine based painkillers in small doses. Earliest doc can see her today is 5PM but does anyone else know any more about this? I don't want her fobbed off with use a pack of peas as an ice pack and keep taking Paracetamol.
Origin Unknown said:
Tried this but the effect is minor and very short. We already have 2 kids so well versed in being tired and in pain.
Tooth pain is something else though. She really needs some rest bite for a few hours.
Cocodamol is paracetamol + codeine I think. Was the only thing that helped my wisdom tooth pain. Good old-fashioned Oil of Cloves worked too, it tastes VILE and smells funny, but it acts as a local anaesthetic and does work. It is available over the counter and costs pennies, but obviously take the advice of the pharmacist regarding contra-indications with pregnancy.
Origin Unknown said:
I don't want her fobbed off with use a pack of peas as an ice pack and keep taking Paracetamol.
Maybe this is the only safe option, not being fobbed off?I've looked in my (out of date) BNF and it says opiates can have a negative effect on the baby after birth, can cause problems for the mother during labour but no mention of harm to the growing fetus.
Tramadol is not recommended.
The answer might be to sort the problem out to reduce the pain, and as mentioned above, if it is a tooth I would think you
need a dentist not a doctor. Dental care in the UK I thought was free for pregnant women? If it is an infection the pain may
well get better with antibiotics (choosing ones that are safe in pregnancy).
Antonia said:
Origin Unknown said:
I don't want her fobbed off with use a pack of peas as an ice pack and keep taking Paracetamol.
Maybe this is the only safe option, not being fobbed off?I've looked in my (out of date) BNF and it says opiates can have a negative effect on the baby after birth, can cause problems for the mother during labour but no mention of harm to the growing fetus.
Tramadol is not recommended.
The answer might be to sort the problem out to reduce the pain, and as mentioned above, if it is a tooth I would think you
need a dentist not a doctor. Dental care in the UK I thought was free for pregnant women? If it is an infection the pain may
well get better with antibiotics (choosing ones that are safe in pregnancy).
I'd agree, I doubt the advice was trying to fob her off just playing safe. Cold compress can do a good job at reducing inflammation (as long as only for 5-10 mins at a time)
Opiates/opioids negative effect on the baby is generally about when baby is born with them still in his/her system (can cause respiratory depression in the short term) so not a concern if your missus won't be giving birth in the next few days.
I'd consider contacting your GP and/or local dental hospital for extra help.
Hope she feels better soon!
I'd consider contacting your GP and/or local dental hospital for extra help.
Hope she feels better soon!
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff