Hydrocodone & Pregnancy
Many women who are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant and also take hydrocodone for pain want to know if it will affect the baby? There is no evidence or studies that are available that will directly state that hydrocodone should not be taken during pregnancy. The best advice for women who are currently taking hydrocodone is to speak with their doctor or OB-GYN. They will know what is safe and what is not.
Hydrocodone is a Category C drug. This means that studies conducted on animals have shown undesirable effects on the fetus. It also relates to having no controlled studies being performed on either women or animals. The recommendation for this level drug is that it should be given if the benefits outweigh the possible risk to the fetus.
The one possible concern many women have in regards to hydrocodone is the fact that the baby might become addicted if taken regularly close to the end of the pregnancy. As stated earlier there is no direct evidence that shows that this is possible. The doctor will be able to determine if taking hydrocodone in the last trimester of the pregnancy is dangerous.