Women of reproductive age, between the ages of 15 and 44 years, are often prescribed opioid pain medications. Last week’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) reported that 28% of reproductive aged women with private insurance and 39% of women enrolled in Medicaid filled an opioid medication between 2008 and 2012. The most common opioids prescribed to this age group are hydrocodone, codeine and oxycodone.
When women of reproductive age use these drugs it may become an issue if the woman doesn’t know she is pregnant. Babies exposed to these medications may be born with birth defects and pregnant women may experience serious problems. Studies conducted on opioid use during pregnancy suggests that there may be an increased risk of neural tube defects, congential heart defects, and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), when a newborn experiences symptoms of withdrawal from a drug.
The CDC encourages women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to discuss the risks and benefits of their medications with their health care provider. You can learn more by visiting the CDC webpages Medications and Pregnancy and Treating for Two.
