Pregnancy and Medication: A Guide for Expecting Mothers
Pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation, but it can also be a time of uncertainty and worry. One of the biggest concerns for pregnant women is the use of medication. What medications are safe to take during pregnancy? Which ones should be avoided?
The good news is that most medications are safe to take during pregnancy. However, there are a few that can cause birth defects or other problems. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medication, even over-the-counter medications.
Medications to Avoid During Pregnancy
There are a number of medications that should be avoided during pregnancy. These include:
- Accutane (isotretinoin): This medication is used to treat severe acne. It can cause birth defects, including cleft lip and palate, heart defects, and mental retardation.
- Thalidomide: This medication was once used to treat morning sickness. It was later found to cause birth defects, including limb deformities and heart defects.
- Diethylstilbestrol (DES): This medication was once used to prevent miscarriage. It was later found to cause vaginal cancer in daughters of women who took it during pregnancy.
- Warfarin (Coumadin): This medication is used to prevent blood clots. It can cause bleeding in the mother and the baby.
- Lithium: This medication is used to treat bipolar disorder. It can cause birth defects, including heart defects and cleft lip and palate.
- Valproic acid (Depakote): This medication is used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It can cause birth defects, including spina bifida and heart defects.
Medications That Are Safe to Take During Pregnancy
Most medications are safe to take during pregnancy. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medication, even over-the-counter medications.
Some of the most common medications that are safe to take during pregnancy include:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): This medication is used to relieve pain and fever.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): This medication is used to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Omeprazole (Prilosec): This medication is used to treat heartburn.
- Ondansetron (Zofran): This medication is used to treat nausea and vomiting.
- Prenatal vitamins: These vitamins are important for the health of the mother and the baby.
When to Call Your Doctor
If you are pregnant and taking any medication, it is important to call your doctor if you have any concerns. Some of the signs that you may need to stop taking a medication include:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation, but it can also be a time of uncertainty and worry. One of the biggest concerns for pregnant women is the use of medication. What medications are safe to take during pregnancy? Which ones should be avoided?
The good news is that most medications are safe to take during pregnancy. However, there are a few that can cause birth defects or other problems. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medication, even over-the-counter medications.