Opioid pain meds during pregnancy not strongly linked to autism, ADHD in kids
In over 1M births, opioid pain meds during pregnancy not strongly linked to autism, ADHD in kids.
Why it matters
- Provides reassurance for managing pain during pregnancy.
- Suggests mild to moderate opioid use may not substantially increase autism, ADHD risk in children.
By the numbers
- Over 1.2M births analyzed for ASD risk.
- Over 900K births analyzed for ADHD risk.
- 4.4% of ASD sample exposed to prescribed opioids.
The big picture
- Other factors, not opioid exposure, may explain increased risk.
- Findings aid complex decisions on pain management during pregnancy.
What they're saying
- Authors: No causal effect of prescribed opioids on autism, ADHD risk.
- Commenter: Study found doubled risk in heaviest use but couldn't rule out confounders.
Caveats
- Doesn't rule out small risks with high exposure.
- Observational data, not a randomized trial.
- Some critique interpretation of risk.
What’s next
- More research needed on underlying risk causes.
- Highlights need for psychosocial support and pain management during pregnancy.