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:
Interfere with the natural environment of your uterus by causing contractions,
decreasing your baby’s blood supply and causing delayed labor, longer labor, or even
pre-term labor.
Interfere with your baby’s growth rate and the normal development of its nervous
system; this could result in an underweight baby.
Cause birth defects and possibly even miscarriage.
Cause breathing problems after birth.
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.
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.
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.