Medication during Pregnancy

Safety Precautions During Pregnancy

• Avoid taking vitamin A during pregnancy as large doses of this vitamin can result in birth defects in the baby

• Ginger tea and acupressure wristbands used to cure morning sickness can actually have adverse reactions. So, it’s best to stay away from these alternative cures

• Although acupressure and acupuncture are considered safe during pregnancy, they might result in muscle contractions

• Acupressure message for more than 15 minutes might result in headaches or nausea in a pregnant woman

• Avoid getting acupressure at points on the feet as this can induce early labor during pregnancy

• Do not use oral supplements, including Beth root, cascara, Chinese angelica, feverfew, licorice and yellow dock, as these can harm the development of the baby in the womb and also cause early labor

Taking medicines during pregnancy can harm the unborn baby, if done without consulting your physician. Moreover, medicines may also affect the properties of the womb environment, resulting in delay of labor or affecting blood supply to the baby.

The final decision should be made by your physician who will weigh the pros and cons of medicine both for the mother and the baby in the womb. Physicians generally ask pregnant women to avoid taking medicines, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy.

As a precautionary measure and to avoid any complications during and after pregnancy, it’s considered best to avoid taking medicines for minor ailments. But some medications are fairly safe to take during pregnancy.

Safe Medication During Specific Conditions
Let’s see which medicines are considered safe for the following conditions during pregnancy:

Cough and Colds: Some common cough medicines considered safe during pregnancy are those having glycerol or honey. Drugs including Actifed, Sudafed, Guaifenesin plus dextromethorphan, cough drops and Vicks VapoRub are regarded safe for pregnant women.

Fever and Pains, Including Headache and Backache: Paracetamol is considered safe to be taken during pregnancy. However, drugs including aspirin and ibuprofen must be avoided by a pregnant woman as these can result in birth defects and delay of labour.

Moreover, there is also the risk of bleeding in the child and the mother. In light of this, aspirin should specifically be avoided during the third trimester.

Diarrhoea: Diarrhoea during pregnancy can be treated by taking rehydration salts including Dioralyte. Some of the other drugs considered safe are parepectolin and immodium. However, these drugs can only be considered after 3 months of pregnancy.

Constipation: It is best to treat constipation by including increased quantities of fibre rich diet and increasing fluid intake during pregnancy. However, drugs including Fiberall, Citrucil, and Senekot can be taken as these are regarded safe for treatment of constipation during pregnancy.

Heartburn: This is a common problem faced by many women during pregnancy. Antacids including Maalox, Tums, Rolaids and Gaviscon are safe for pregnant women and can help give relief.

Although the above medicines are considered safe during pregnancy, it is best to consult your doctor before going ahead and avoid any complications.