The Plain Facts
• Some drugs can cause an early miscarriage
• Drugs are thought to account for
2-3 % of birth defects
• Very few medications are completely
safe
That said, be open with your doctor on your
history and the medications you have been
taking before you conceived, if any. If
you are seeking treatment be precise in
your explanation when you come down with
an infection, however mild. Here is a guide
on what you can and what you should not
take during pregnancy.
Antibiotics.
Some antibiotics are safe but those which
are not can be exceptionally hazardous.
For bacterial infections, antibiotics can
become necessary. Since it is a prescribed
course of treatment, your doctor will suggest
something appropriate to your present condition.
Always mention your pregnancy when an antibiotic
is being prescribed, especially if he/she
is not your regular doctor.
Allergy medications.
These include decongestants, nasal sprays,
antihistamines and allergy shots. When pregnant
avoid decongestants, antihistamines unless
prescribed by your doc. Steroid and nonsteroid
sprays are usually safe but still, get your
doc's permission just to be on the safe
side.
Antacids.
Antacids are generally safe if they are
taken as directed. However for some, the
side effects can be bothersome since the
chief ingredient is sodium. Swelling and
water retention tends to worsen. Some women
experience diarrhea and constipation. Additionally
antacids can reduce the absorption of vitamins
and other medications so ideally they should
not be taken together; give a gap of an
hour between antacids and other medicines
or vitamins.
Anticoagulants.
Anticoagulants are blood thinners that help
prevent harmful clots from forming by decreasing
the clotting ability. Pregnant women who
require anti-clotting medication because
of their inherited clotting disorder or
the tendency to develop blood clots during
pregnancy can depend on Heparin. This anticoagulant
doesn't cross the placenta and so does not
harm the fetus; it is safe to use during
pregnancy. However the heparin shots should
be managed by an experienced doctor. Leave
it to your doctor to prescribe the suitable
course of treatment if you have issues of
clotting. Another common form of blood thinner,
Warfarin should be avoided as they are harmful
to the fetus.
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Cold medicines.
There is quite a variety of decongestants,
cough syrups and nasal sprays in the market
to treat the common cold. Because most of
them contain codeine, aspirin or ibuprofen
(which have been linked with birth defects),
it is best to refrain from using them. Moreover
cold medications may provide you the relief
but they do not cure the illness. It is
best to go the natural way by resting and
taking lots of fluids.
Cystitis remedies.
They are not considered safe because of
the high salt content.
Diarrhea remedies.
Once again not safe because they slow down
the action of the stomach and the intestines,
which are already sluggish due to pregnancy
hormones.
Laxatives.
Some nonprescription laxatives, mainly the
bulk forming version, are safe. However
the problem is although safe they can become
habit forming. An overuse creates a degree
of dependency without which you feel helpless.
The unsafe varieties have senna as an ingredient,
which may cross the placenta and also prevent
your bowels from functioning properly in
the long run. The best way to deal with
constipation is by including lots of fiber-rich
foods and fluids in your daily diet.
Migraine remedies.
Codeine is an ingredient in migraine medicines
so check with your doctor for safer alternatives.
