What are the risks of vicodin withdrawl in the first trimester? can it cause birth defects? can i do anything to make it better for the baby?

No defects: Vicodin during the first trimester has not been associated with recognized birth defects. It is listed as a category c drug, meaning some animal studies suggest problems with fetal development but existing human data do not. A neonatal withdrawal process is possible if exposed near the time of delivery. Getting off the med & keeping healthy is the best thing you can do for baby.

Small risk: If there is an increased risk for birth defects with opioid use in pregnancy, it is likely to be small. Some studies have suggested that opioid exposure in the first trimester may be associated with heart defects and other birth defects. Based on these studies the risk appears to be small. Several other studies have not supported an increased risk for heart defects or birth defects in general.