using hydrocodone in pregnancy

Hi, I just found out that I am seven weeks pregnant. I was very happy when I heard the news. When I got home I remembered that I took hydrocodone three weeks ago for ten days because I had serious back pain. How will this affect my baby? Can hydrocodone cause serious problems in pregnancy?

Hi, hydrocodone is a very serious drug. It is a narcotic pain killer that can cause addiction if it is used for long period of time. Because you have only used it for ten days I am sure that you are not addicted. The effect that taking this drug early in the pregnancy might have on the fetus is not yet scientifically determined. I used to take it during the last trimester because I had intolerable back pains. I have tried safer drugs, but they did not help and my doctor prescribed me hydrocodone. My son did not suffer any consequences and he turned up great. However you should not hide a thing like this from your doctor. You should talk to him about any other drugs you might have had. He will make the best decision about the next steps you will have to take to insure a safe and healthy pregnancy.