The benefits of painkillers are well known. They can help you feel better when you’re sick or injured, but they don’t come without risks. Many people take them during pregnancy to ease the aches and pains that come with being pregnant.
However, studies have shown that long-term use of some painkillers during pregnancy can cause severe health problems for babies, even after they’re born. Here’s what you need to know about taking these drugs while pregnant:
ADHD and Autism
Autism and ADHD are two developmental disorders that affect how your child behaves. According to JAACAP, around 3.5% of Americans are said to have ADHD nationwide. In addition, up to 70% of the population in question reported having at least one medical condition besides ADHD, indicating that comorbidity rates were high.
With ADHD, people have trouble communicating and interacting with others or have difficulty focusing on certain tasks at school or home.
Painkillers can increase the risk of having a child with ADHD or autism. This is because these drugs affect how much acetaminophen passes through the placenta during pregnancy. Acetaminophen is a common ingredient in Tylenol (Acetaminophen), which pregnant women often take to reduce fever and aches associated with pregnancy.
Certain lawsuits have been formed to address the issue and get justice due to the issue. The Tylenol ADHD lawsuit has been established for children who experienced issues and expecting moms who used acetaminophen during their pregnancies. The litigation has been beneficial in bringing legal action against the drug’s distributors and manufacturers.
You may be eligible to submit this lawsuit claim if you or a family member used Tylenol throughout pregnancy and your child was later diagnosed with ADHD and Autism.
Addiction
Addiction is a chronic disease, meaning that it is life-long and relapsing. It can be caused if painkillers are taken during pregnancy as well. Addiction can develop at any age, even during adolescence. It is not just about drugs but also includes other substances like alcohol, prescription pills, and illegal drugs. Addiction is a brain disease affecting the nervous system, impacting how people think, feel and behave.
Addiction has been found to cause harm in the lives of people who are addicted as well as in their families, friends, and communities. Addicted individuals often experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using substances such as painkillers. Their body has grown accustomed to relying on them to relieve pain or discomfort, such as anxiety.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
It is a condition that can happen when a baby is exposed to drugs in the pregnant mother’s womb, like opioids or methadone. It can happen if the mother uses these substances while she’s pregnant.
When you take an opioid during pregnancy, your body becomes accustomed to having them there. When the drug leaves your system and doesn’t return, your body withdraws because it needs more of the opioid to feel normal again. It can lead to serious health problems for your baby when they’re born. It also means that when you stop using opioids after giving birth, you might experience withdrawal symptoms too.
The good news? There are treatments available for both mom and child when NAS happens. One common way doctors treat babies exposed to drugs like heroin or prescription painkillers is with methadone. It helps prevent cravings and withdrawal symptoms from getting worse as time goes on too.
Liver Damage
You may have heard of jaundice or the yellowing of your skin and eyes. The condition is usually harmless. However, it can indicate that your liver isn’t working properly. In rare cases, it can even be a symptom of an extremely serious condition called acute hepatic necrosis.
Even though constant efforts are being made, a report by Research and Markets states the Global Liver Disease Treatment Market is anticipated to reach 317.76 Mn Dollars by 2027. It is rising at a CAGR of 12.4% from its projected value of 177.12 Mn Dollars in 2022.
It’s crucial to note that not all babies with jaundice need treatment. Some infants may simply require extra fluids to help flush out their systems. In addition to being treated by a doctor with light therapy, you should consult them before administering any medication to your child. They could react negatively to certain medications, even if they’re not pregnant.
Withdrawal
While some people report feeling better after taking painkillers during pregnancy, the risks of using these medications are still significant. It’s estimated that approximately one in ten babies born to mothers who used opioids during their pregnancy will go through withdrawal during their first few weeks.
In addition to the possibility of experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures, infants may also experience difficulty breathing or low blood sugar levels. It may happen if they are born too early due to fetal exposure to these drugs.
Neurobehavioral Disabilities
Neurobehavioral disabilities are the result of damage to a baby’s brain. They can be caused by physical trauma, infection, or even exposure to substances such as alcohol or drugs during pregnancy. In some cases, these disabilities are only apparent after birth and become obvious at various stages of development.
Neurobehavioral disabilities may include various symptoms that affect behavior, emotions, learning ability, and social skills. Some common examples include ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Other examples include withdrawal syndrome in newborns exposed to opioids during pregnancy.
Neonatal Mortality, or Death Within 28 Days of Birth
Neonatal mortality, or death within 28 days of birth, is a leading cause of infant mortality in the United States. A study by MacroTrends states that as of 2022, there will be 5.547 newborn deaths for every 1000 live births in the United States.
Many neonatal deaths are preventable with proper prenatal care and delivery. However, some deaths occur despite taking precautions that lead to questions regarding the safety of certain medications during pregnancy.
While many doctors will advise against consuming painkillers during pregnancy, it’s essential to note that most studies do not fully account for all factors involved. Evidence suggests that certain painkillers may increase your risk for complications or even death if taken during pregnancy.
Before taking any medication during pregnancy, it’s always crucial for patients to consult their doctors about potential risks versus benefits before proceeding.
Painkillers Can Increase the Risk of Having a Child with Birth Defects
Painkillers can increase the risk of having a child with birth defects. Painkillers can cause severe infant health problems, like neonatal abstinence syndrome and liver damage.
In addition, newborns may develop withdrawal symptoms when their mothers stop taking them. It is also why it’s essential not to take any medications while pregnant. Painkiller use during pregnancy can also cause neurobehavioral disabilities in children later on in life, so it’s vital to avoid them if possible.
