Medication in Pregnancy: Know these things before you panic!

If you're a mom- to-be these days, you've probably experienced this too. Whenever you get a headache, a sore throat, or a cold, you start to worry, "Oh, is it okay if I take medicine for this? Will something happen to the baby?" This is a legitimate question for many moms. While some medications are safe during pregnancy, some are not at all good. And we still don't know exactly how some medications will affect the baby.

Why do we need to be so careful about medication during pregnancy?

Simply put, after being absorbed into your body, almost every medicine you take can pass through the placenta to your baby. Think of the placenta as a filter. But this filter cannot stop some harmful things. Especially the first three months of pregnancy are the time when the baby's major organs such as the brain, heart, and limbs are forming. Some medicines taken during this time can directly affect the baby's development and even cause birth defects.

So, talk to your doctor about this the first day you see him to confirm that you are pregnant. Ask him clearly what medications you are taking, which ones you can continue taking, and which ones you should stop taking. Also, tell your doctor about any Ayurvedic medicines, herbal supplements, or vitamins you are taking. Not all of them are safe during pregnancy, even if they say "all natural" on the package.

So, what medications can be used safely?

Prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor are essential during pregnancy. They help a lot in the healthy development of the baby. Apart from that, you should definitely ask your doctor before taking any other medicine, vitamin, or supplement.

The general rule is to avoid taking any medication unless absolutely necessary . However, sometimes an illness becomes too much to bear. The table below lists some medications that are generally considered safe during pregnancy.

Important: Before using any of the medications in this table, be sure to consult your doctor and only use them if he or she approves. Be especially careful with this during the first three months. Remember, no medication is 100% safe.

Are there other methods that can be used without medication?

Yes, absolutely. There are safe alternative therapies that can be used without medication for some of the discomforts of pregnancy. However, it is essential to talk to your doctor before trying any of these.

Nausea and vomiting

The following things can help with the morning discomfort that many mothers experience in the first few months:

• Acupuncture or acupressure.
• A little ginger (e.g. ginger tea). However, if you are taking ginger in capsules, ask your doctor about the dosage.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine). This should also be taken on the advice of a doctor.
• Eating something dry (e.g. a cracker biscuit) in the morning before getting out of bed.

Backache

• Chiropractic manipulation gives good results.
• Massage. But the most important thing here is to get treatment from a therapist who is specially trained for pregnant mothers .
• Gentle exercises and stretching.

Pain relief in labor

• Of the medications, epidural is the most effective.
• Additionally, things like immersion in a warm bath, breathing techniques, and self-hypnosis can help reduce pain.

Things to definitely avoid during pregnancy

This part is very important. Not everything that says "natural" or "herbal" on the label is safe. The following things, in concentrated form - not the small amounts you use to flavor food - can harm your baby. Some things can even cause miscarriage or early labor.

Oral Supplements

Avoid the following herbal supplements completely during this time:

• Black cohosh
• Blue cohosh
• Dong quai
• Feverfew
• Ginseng
• Goldenseal
• Juniper
• Kava kava
• Licorice
• St. John's wort
• Senna
• Wormwood
• Yarrow
• Vitamin A (very high doses can cause birth defects)

(This is not a complete list. Ask your doctor about anything in doubt.)

Aromatherapy Essential Oils

Avoid the following oils when applied to the skin or inhaled:

• Basil
• Myrrh
• Marjoram
• Thyme
• Sage
• Wintergreen

If you have even the slightest doubt about a particular medication, supplement, or treatment, it is wise to ask your doctor before using it.

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