Experiencing motherhood is a boon, not forgetting that it comes at the cost of numerous unbearable pains and extreme meticulousness throughout the process. Nevertheless, being a mother has always been the most rewarding experience that is worth every hardship. A woman planning to have a baby must start her journey before conceiving. It includes quitting smoking, alcohol, and some common medications including tranquilizers, and painkillers. One such medicine that should be avoided is Hydrocodone during pregnancy.
Almost 2-3% of birth defects are caused by the prescription of the wrong drugs during pregnancy because medications can travel from mother to baby via blood [1]. It is very crucial to consult a doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy, especially opioid painkillers. Hydrocodone is one common medication that should only be taken if prescribed by your healthcare provider. Let us look at various reasons why one should take extreme care while consuming Hydrocodone during pregnancy,
What Is Hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone is a prescription medicine used to treat pain. The medicine belongs to the opioid family and is only taken if prescribed by the physician. Hydrocodone is available in combination with other NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) including ibuprofen and acetaminophen which helps synergize pain relief [2].
According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Hydrocodone given to a patient before or during pregnancy can pose an increased risk of the developing fetus resulting in various birth defects [3]. However, it is one of the most commonly used pain relief medications consumed by to-be mothers.
Should I Stop Taking Hydrocodone?
After getting positive results on the pregnancy kit, females start to be a little more cautious and look for ways to change the ways they take medicine or even quit them abruptly. Making decisions without seeking the proper advice of a healthcare provider can prove to be harmful and therefore they are the best people to help you alter your medications. Your doctor will discuss your existing ailments and their best possible treatment and will evaluate the risks of untreated disease during pregnancy.
In case you have been taking a course of Hydrocodone regularly, you probably have a dependency on it which is more commonly known as “opioid use disorder” [4]. Abruptly quitting Hydrocodone can have serious side effects and can leave you with withdrawal syndrome. A withdrawal can further complicate your pregnancy and therefore it is suggested that you should slowly reduce the dose of Hydrocodone only under the surveillance of your healthcare provider.
What Are The Risks Of Taking Hydrocodone During Pregnancy?
Almost all medications from the opioid family can cause problems during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a very complex process; therefore, the developing baby uses whatever goes inside a pregnant women.
During the initial stages, the fetus is developing and the major organs are being formed. Any medication or chemical substance that reaches the baby through the mother can cause stress and make changes in the natural process leading to permanent birth defects. Therefore, even the consumption of a multivitamin without asking a doctor can be harmful.
Hydrocodone if taken in the first trimester can increase the chances of heart defects [5]. Studies have shown that pregnant females who regularly use opioids are more likely to face some daunting side effects such as poor growth of the baby, stillborn baby, preterm delivery (delivery 37 weeks before the expected date), and C-section. Some of the other possible risks of Hydrocodone abuse can include:
- Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS): symptoms of withdrawal in newborns [6]
- Neural tube defects: defects in the brain, spine, or spinal cord at birth
- Congenital heart defects: structural issues in the baby’s heart
- Gastroschisis: defect in the baby’s abdomen where intestines protrude from the body
- Loss of the baby: occurrence of miscarriage (before 20 weeks) or stillbirth (after 20 weeks)
- Preterm delivery: birth taking place before 37 weeks of pregnancy completion
- Stunted growth: low birthweight due to growth impediments
- Placental problems: complications related to the organ responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the baby
Therefore it is best to avoid medication in all possible cases.
What If I Can’t Avoid Hydrocodone During Pregnancy?
A pregnant woman who is not able to quit Hydrocodone due to addiction or other patient specific reasons is at numerous other risks related to her health and development of the baby. Even if one rules out the worst possible cases like stillbirth and major defects in a baby, one is likely to have babies born smaller than average newborns. Additionally, cigarette smoking and alcohol are also some common reasons behind shorter babies.
Some pregnant women who are more likely addicted to Hydrocodone and are abusing it will more likely have problems while giving birth. The baby will more likely experience other problems soon after the birth majorly including [7]:
- Trouble breathing
- Extreme sleepiness
- Poor feeding
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Alternatives To Hydrocodone?
Self prescription is strictly prohibited in pregnancy and one should take medication only after taking proper consultation from a healthcare provider. A doctor will more likely offer your alternatives of Hydrocodone during pregnancy which can include other common medicines such as:
Acetaminophen: It has proven to be effective in all stages of pregnancy.
NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): Most commonly include medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketorolac. These drugs are relatively safe during the initial stages of pregnancy. However, they are prohibited during the last trimesters because they can cause premature ductal closure in which duct closes early in pregnancy, impacting blood flow to the fetus, potentially leading to developmental issues and heart problems.
To conclude, Hydrocodone should be consumed by pregnant women with extreme care and caution, only under the supervision of a healthcare provider. There are high risks associated with opioid medication usage during pregnancy, primarily birth defects. There are various alternative painkillers that are safe for both the mother and developing baby. It is crucial for pregnant women to avoid self-prescription and consult a suitable healthcare provider for assistance. Always remember that the safety and health of the mother and fetus are the top priorities.
FAQ’s
1. What Are The Safest Opioids For Pregnancy?
Methadone and buprenorphine are two common opioids that can be taken by pregnant women without increasing possible risks to pregnancy. However, one should consult a doctor before taking any opioid.
2. What Is The Safest Painkiller In Pregnancy?
Acetaminophen has been shown to be safe and effective throughout pregnancy. NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketorolac, are generally safe in early pregnancy but should be avoided in the later stages. This is because they can cause premature closure of a crucial duct in the fetus, affecting blood flow and potentially causing developmental and heart problems.
3. What Can I Take For Chronic Pain During Pregnancy?
Acetaminophen can be taken during pregnancy to treat chronic pain but only under the surveillance of a medical professional.
4. Does Taking Hydrocodone Increase The Chance Of Birth Defects?
Yes, Hydrocodone can potentially increase the chances of birth defects. Some of which include congenital heart defects and holes in the spinal cord of the newborn.
5. Does Taking Hydrocodone Increase The Chance For Miscarriage?
Yes, Hydrocodone which is an opioid medication can be abused over time. Increased doses of Hydrocodone during pregnancy can lead of miscarriage
Reference
- Sachdeva P, Patel BG, Patel BK. Drug use in pregnancy; a point to ponder! Indian J Pharm Sci. 2009 Jan;71(1):1-7 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2810038/
- Babb M, Koren G, Einarson A. Treating pain during pregnancy. Can Fam Physician. 2010 Jan;56(1):25, 27. PMID: 20090076; PMCID: PMC2809170. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2809170/
- Centers For Desease Control And Prevention – https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2011/p0302_opioidbirthdefects.html
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – https://medlineplus.gov/pregnancyandopioids.html
- Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582751/
- Illinois Department Of Public Health – https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/data-and-statistics/prams/2019-maternal-opioid-use-fact-sheet4-13-2021.pdf
- CDC, An official website of the United States government – https://www.cdc.gov/opioid-use-during-pregnancy/about/?
