Medication

Whether you are trying to conceive or have already conceived, you should be aware of certain medications that can cause harm to your developing baby. You will not realize you are pregnant until you’ve missed a period, so it’s best to be aware of the risks associated with medications while you’re trying to conceive, so you know what to avoid.

Many drugs have not been tested for safety during pregnancy, so the best way to avoid harming your baby is to avoid all medications whenever possible. Certain health conditions warrant the use of medication that will need to be taken throughout your pregnancy, in which case your doctor will inform you of the need to continue taking them.

Medicines can affect your developing baby in many ways, including:

If you are currently taking any prescription medications and discover that you are pregnant, you should seek medical advice before stopping their use, especially if your own health depends on them. Your doctor will be able to inform you of the risks associated with your prescription medications and will provide you with options.

It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with natural and herbal drugs as well. Just because the label says natural or herbal does not mean that it is safe for you or your baby during pregnancy as many of these can have dangerous side effects.

Over-the-counter medications

Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) is usually considered safe during pregnancy when given in normal doses for aches and pains, headaches and back pain.

NSAIDs, aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) can affect your baby’s large blood vessels and are therefore not considered safe during pregnancy.

Laxatives may sound like a great idea if you suffer from constipation during your pregnancy (as many women do), but the best way to deal with this uncomfortable symptom is to increase the intake of fiber and water in your diet. If diet modifications and adding some mild form of exercise (such as a walk every day) does not help, you should discuss your options with your doctor before buying over-the-counter laxatives.

The safest antihistamine is chlorphenamine as it has an established track record, but it can make you drowsy. If your doctor gives you an okay, then it is safe to use.

Many women experience cold-like symptoms during pregnancy and always feel as if they have a stuffy nose. While there are over-the-counter decongestants such as xylometazoline, phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine, you should avoid them and discuss alternative options with your doctor or midwife.

Many women will experience heartburn and/or indigestion at some point during their pregnancy. Your doctor will likely tell you that antacids are safe, but you should avoid those that contain sodium bicarbonate to avoid elevation of your sodium levels.

Any medication with codeine or dihydrocodeine can be harmful to your baby’s breathing, so it is best to avoid these drugs. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms in your baby once he or she is born. Many over-the-counter medications have these ingredients, so it is best to consult your doctor before taking any drug. Your doctor may prescribe these to you during the first or second trimester to treat pain symptoms for a short period of time, but will avoid them during the third trimester.

If you develop symptoms of cough or cold and feel the need to take medicine, always consult your doctor. Most over-the-counter cold remedies contain drugs that are not safe or could potentially harm your baby, so you need professional advice before taking them.

A brief episode of diarrhea experienced during pregnancy shouldn’t be harmful to your baby, but you need to ensure that you stay properly hydrated. Loperamide should not be taken as there is not enough research to determine its safety during pregnancy. There are other options available to relieve the symptoms such as Kaolin mixture, but it is still advisable to consult your doctor first.

If you develop a yeast infection during pregnancy, discuss your options with your doctor. Not enough is known about the effects of over-the-counter medicines available for yeast infection.

If you suffer from dry skin, allergies or eczema, you are likely familiar with lotions and creams. Calamine lotion is safe and it’s best to start by trying this to relieve symptoms. If this does not help, discuss your options with your doctor. Substances present in lotions and creams can be absorbed by your skin and into your blood stream, so it is important to be aware of any side effects or risks to your baby before you rub them all over your body.

Prescription medications

If you are trying to conceive and are taking medications, you should discuss their use with your doctor to determine if they are safe, or if there are alternatives available that will not harm your baby or your ability to conceive.

If you suffer from a medical condition that requires constant medication (such as diabetes or epilepsy), it is best to discuss these with your doctor before you become pregnant. There will be a need to weigh the pros and cons of any prescribed medicine before making an informed choice on how to proceed.

To help avoid the need for medications during pregnancy, eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, get some form of exercise and learn how to relax. Stress can make every little ache and pain feel much worse. Worrying about medication you took before you knew you were pregnant will only stress you further. Any concerns or questions about medication should be discussed with your doctor, who will be able to give you the best information to keep you and your baby safe and healthy.