Certain medications are unsafe duringpregnancybecause they can cause severe congenital (at birth) disabilities and complications.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determines the safety of drugs.
The most common drugs are used fornausea, vomiting,heartburn, infection, and pain.
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If you’re pregnant, always check with a healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you are unsure what to take.
Constipation
Constipationis a common problem during pregnancy because hormonal changes slow down the gastrointestinal tract.
Medications that can help pregnancy-related constipation include:
COVID-19 Vaccine
All eligible people should receive theCOVID-19 vaccine.
Pregnant people can get this vaccine in any trimester.
Less than 10% of the DEET in insect repellents enters your bloodstream and reaches your baby.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you should probably use insect repellent regularly during pregnancy.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting is a common symptom, especially in the first trimester.
Pain
Aches and pains are common during pregnancy.
Speak with a healthcare provider before taking this medication.
Herbs and supplements can treat various conditions but may be unsafe during pregnancy.
Ginger is safe for treating heartburn and nausea during pregnancy.
For other herbs, talk with a healthcare provider.
Some medicines are safe in one trimester but not others.
Talk with your healthcare provider if youd like to try it in your second or third trimester.
This medication is considered safe for occasional use during pregnancy.
They are also present in breast milk.
These may include:
Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and insomnia.
Studies show that they do not pose a serious risk to a fetus.
About 500,000 pregnant people in the United States experience psychiatric illness each year.
Nyquilis not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding people because of its high alcohol content.
These medications can significantly impact your baby’s health and cause withdrawal symptoms after birth.
However, medications might be needed at certain times, such as a serious injury or surgery.
Common opioid medications include:
Other prescription medications to treat chronic conditions may be unsafe during pregnancy.
Never stop taking prescription medication without talking with a healthcare provider first.
Some medications can be safely used during pregnancy but not breastfeeding, or vice versa.
For example, it may be safe to take benzodiazepines for anxiety during pregnancy.
However, this drug class can cause sedation and poor infant feeding when nursing.
Summary
Knowing which medications are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a challenge.
Many commonly used drugs can be safely taken when you are pregnant.
Always talk with a healthcare provider before starting a new medication or supplement.
Some medicines can interact with each other or raise the risk of congenital disabilities and other serious pregnancy problems.
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