Therefore, it is not good that rates of this birth defect, while still relatively rare, have been increasing. Of course, this CDC analysis does not prove that taking opioid medications necessarily leads to such birth defects. The risk of gastroschisis is certainly not the only reason to be very, very careful about taking opioid medications during pregnancy. Always ask about alternatives to opioid medications. Also, tell your doctor if you are taking any opioid medications.

Source: Forbes January 19, 2019 18:13 UTC