If you're a woman of child bearing age who uses prescription pain medications to treat your migraines or other chronic pain, you'll want to pay attention to this important research study. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control have determined that use of oxycodone, codeine and hydrocodone in early pregnancy can lead to serious birth defects.
A relationship between use of opioid pain medications and birth defects has been observed since the 1970s, but unfortunately this did not change the way doctors prescribed medications for pregnant women.
The most commonly observed birth defects were glaucoma, congenital heart defects, spina bifida and hydrocephaly. Previous studies had suggested a link between opioid use in pregnancy and cleft palate, but this study did not find that connection.
The overall increased risk of birth defects is truly quite low. However, it's definitely something to be aware of and carefully discuss with your doctor if you're planning a pregnancy or are currently pregnant.
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