Opioid-based (narcotic) pain
medications, such as codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, or morphine, are used to
treat moderate to severe pain. Many women are unaware that the use of these
medications during pregnancy, even when used as directed, may increase their
chance to have a baby with a serious birth defect of the brain, spine, or heart. They also have an
increased risk of preterm birth. Use of opioid-based painkillers during
pregnancy can also cause babies to suffer withdrawal symptoms when they are
born. This is a condition known as neonatal abstinence syndrome or
NAS, and it is a growing problem in U.S. birthing hospitals.
A new report from the CDC found
that on average, about 28% of privately insured and 39% of Medicaid-enrolled
women of child-bearing age filled a prescription for an opioid between
2008-2012.
Since half of all pregnancies are
unplanned, women may be prescribed opioid-based pain medications before they
know they are pregnant. “This highlights the importance of promoting
safer alternative treatments, when available for women of reproductive age. We
must do what we can to protect babies from exposure to opioids,” stated Coleen
A. Boyle, PhD, MSHyg, Director of CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and
Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD).
“If you are using an opioid
painkiller, you should also be practicing effective birth control, “ says José
F. Cordero, MD, MPH, a pediatrician, birth defects expert formerly at CDC, and
member of the March of Dimes Board of Trustees. “If you decide to get pregnant
or do become pregnant, tell your health care provider about all the medications
you are taking, right away. You may be able to switch to a safer alternative.”
The CDC’s Treating for Two: Safer
Medication Use in Pregnancy initiative offers information to women and their
healthcare providers about medication use during pregnancy. Go here to get more information.
Tags: birth defects, medications, narcotics, neonatal abstinence syndrome, opioids, prescription drugs
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