Researchers in Canada examined whether taking prescription opioids during pregnancy affected children's development later on. They followed nearly 1,000 children born between 2005 and 2011 whose mothers had filled at least two opioid prescriptions while pregnant, comparing them to matched children whose mothers had not taken opioids. The study used health records rather than asking parents to remember, making the data reliable.
The children were assessed using the Early Development Instrument when they started kindergarten—a tool that measures physical health, social skills, emotional maturity, language, and thinking skills. The researchers also compared siblings (brothers and sisters) to see if differences held within families.
Prenatal opioid exposure increased kindergarten developmental delays across multiple areas
Children whose mothers took opioids during pregnancy were more likely to show developmental vulnerabilities across several domains by school entry. This included delays in physical health and well-being, social competence, emotional maturity, language skills, and cognitive development (learning and thinking). The effect was consistent whether researchers compared exposed children to matched controls or to their unexposed siblings, suggesting the link was real rather than due to other family factors.
Most exposure was from low-strength painkillers, but risk remained
The majority of prenatal opioid exposure in this study came from codeine and other low-potency opioids, not stronger medications. Despite this, children still showed developmental delays. This matters because codeine is relatively common in pain management during pregnancy in many countries. The study shows that even milder opioids warrant careful consideration during pregnancy.
If you or someone you know took opioids in pregnancy, early assessment helps
- Request a developmental screening for your child before or shortly after starting kindergarten if you took opioids while pregnant.
- Share your pregnancy medication history with your child's doctor or nursery staff so they can watch for any emerging delays early.
- Discuss with your healthcare provider which pain management options are safest in future pregnancies.