The CDC released the findings of their new study published last week in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology indicating that taking opioid painkillers such as codeine, hydrocodone or oxycodone shortly before or during early pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects.
If you find yourself in this situation, please don't panic. Although the headline is technically true, the risk is still very low. Please read the rest of this post to learn more about what this study...
- Find
- Manage
- Resources
Can I Take Painkiller While Pregnant?
Featured Health Expert
EXPERT
More information on "Can I Take Painkiller While Pregnant?"
From Our Experts
EXPERT
Misconceptions about Conception
By Merely Me, Health Expert
We get a lot of questions here on Health Central's Sexual Health site and the numbers are growing daily. A majority of our reader... Read more »
EXPERT
Painkillers Can be More Effective Than Antipsychotics in Treating...
By Christine Kennard, Health Expert
Agitation causes untold misery for people with dementia, and their caregivers. A new study by researchers from the England and Norway has... Read more »
EXPERT
Migraine Question of the Week: Painkillers and Migraines?
By Teri Robert, Health Expert
Our readers ask some great questions about Migraine disease and other headache disorders here on HealthCentral's Migraine community. Nancy... Read more »
From Our Sources
Painkillers During Pregnancy Linked to Birth Defects
Experts with the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention have found that pregnant women who take prescription narcotic painkillers such as... Read more »
Common Painkillers May Weaken Antidepressants' Effects
Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen may reduce the effectiveness of selective serotonin... Read more »
Painkillers may boost dementia risk: study
Previous research has suggested that older people who want to avoid Alzheimer's disease might want to take daily doses of non-steroidal... Read more »
Even Legitimate Painkiller Use Can Lead to Overdose: Study
People who take large doses of opioid painkillers such as OxyContin (oxycodone)--even if they do so for legitimate medical reasons--are at high risk... Read more »
Painkillers may protect prostate health
Men who take painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen may be helping their prostate health, but doctors say men shouldn't take the drugs for just... Read more »
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
