Can use of vicodin and other opiates lead to Spinal Bifida in developing fetuses?

xXserenity234Xx asked:


Someone that I know is pretty far along into their pregnancy. They found out about a month ago that the doctor’s could see signs of the disease in almost every ultrasound but would not be completely sure until the baby was born. This girl has been using opiates since before she was pregnant and made no attempt to stop when finding out. She doesn’t do a lot but her choice drug is vicodin and the doctors have been continuously prescribing this to her while she has been pregnant as well. I would think this isn’t good but how is she supposed to think it is bad when her own doctor will give it to her? They told her it was okay but not only can it lead to opiate dependency (especially bad for a new mom) but could this be a cause of her baby’s Spinal Bifida??