Prescription painkillers increases the risk of brain, spine and heart defects in babies

Prescription painkillers including codeine and morphine increases the risk of serious birth defects in babies, a study has found.

A group of painkillers known as opioid-based drugs increase the risk of serious birth defects of the baby's brain, spine and heart, researchers found.

The painkillers, which include codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone or morphine, are usually prescribed to treat pain that does not respond to standard over-the-counter painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol.

Opioid-based drugs offer some of the strongest pain relief available, but their use also carries certain side effects, such as a risk of extreme drowsiness and nausea. They are derived from opium, and some are believed to be more addictive than heroin. 

Since half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned, women may be prescribed opioid-based pain medications before they or their healthcare providers know they are pregnant.

'Taking opioid medications early in pregnancy can cause birth defects and serious problems for the infant and the mother,' said CDC Director Tom Frieden. 'Many women of reproductive age are taking these medicines and may not know they are pregnant and therefore may be unknowingly exposing their unborn child. 

'That’s why it’s critical for health care professionals to take a thorough health assessment before prescribing these medicines to women of reproductive age.'

Dr José Cordero a paediatrician from the birth defects charity March of Dimes warned women to practice effective birth control if they are using an opioid pain killer.

He said: '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.'

Dr. Cordero also urged physicians and other prescribers not to write prescriptions for opioid-based painkillers for their female patients who may become pregnant, without discussing the risks and safer alternatives.

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