As a mother- to-be, sometimes when you get a headache or a cold, you feel a little scared to go to the pharmacy and get medicine, right? It's very normal to have fears that something will happen to the baby in your womb. It's actually a very reasonable fear. Because while some of the medications we use during pregnancy are safe, others can be harmful to the baby. Also, the effects of some medications are still not fully understood. So let's be aware of this today.
Most importantly: Always talk to your doctor.
On the first day you see your doctor to confirm that you are pregnant, ask about the medications you can and cannot take during this time. Your doctor is the best person to weigh the benefits and risks of taking a particular medication, based on your health condition, and to tell you what is safest for you.
Also, tell your doctor about any other alternative medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. Sometimes, even though they may be labeled "natural," they are not all safe during pregnancy. Also, if you are being prescribed medication by another doctor for another condition during pregnancy, you should definitely tell that doctor that you are pregnant.
What medications are considered safe to use during pregnancy?
It is very important and safe to take prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor during pregnancy. However, before taking any other vitamins, herbal products, or supplements, you should definitely ask your doctor about their safety. Many herbal products have not yet been scientifically proven to be safe during pregnancy.
The most important thing to remember in general is that, unless absolutely necessary, it is not advisable to use any over-the-counter (OTC) medication at this time without the approval of a doctor.
The medications and home remedies listed below, when used correctly according to package directions, are not thought to cause any known harmful effects during pregnancy. However, if you want more information about this or want to know about a medication that is not on this list, talk to your doctor.
| Illness | Medicines that can be used (only as directed by a doctor) |
|---|---|
| Allergies |
( NB: Ask your doctor before taking these during the first trimester of pregnancy .) |
| Cold and Flu |
|
| Constipation | (It is best to take these under medical advice .) |
| First Aid Ointment |
|
| Skin rashes |
The most important thing to remember: No one can guarantee that any medication is 100% safe during pregnancy. So always minimize the risk and use medication only after consulting your doctor and getting permission.
What about alternative therapies?
There are several safe and effective alternative treatments that can help relieve some of the discomforts of pregnancy. But before trying any of these, talk to your doctor first and get their approval. Remember, just because something is "natural" doesn't always mean it's "safe" during pregnancy.
- Nausea in early pregnancy: Acupuncture, acupressure, ginger (250 mg capsules four times a day), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, 25 mg two or three times a day) work well.
- Backache: Chiropractic manipulation has shown good results. Another option is massage. However, it is very important to only get treatment from a massage therapist who is specially trained for pregnant women .
- Turning a breech baby: Some exercises and hypnosis can help with this.
- Pain relief in labor: Epidural anesthesia is the most effective. However, soaking in a warm bath can also help relieve stress. Relaxation and breathing techniques, emotional support, and self-hypnosis are also commonly used to help with labor pain.
Things to definitely avoid during pregnancy
The following items, in their concentrated formulations, may harm your baby if taken as a medicine. Importantly, this is not about adding a little to food as a sweetener. Some items are thought to cause birth defects and may lead to premature birth.
Oral Supplements to Avoid:
Arbor vitae, beth root, black cohosh, blue cohosh, cascara, chaste tree berry, Chinese angelica (dong quai), cinchona, cotton root bark, feverfew, ginseng, goldenseal, juniper, kava kava, licorice, meadow saffron, pennyroyal, poke root, rue, sage, St. John's wort, senna, slippery root, tansy, white peony, wormwood, yarrow, yellow dock, and vitamin A (very high doses can cause birth defects) .
Aromatherapy Essential Oils to Avoid:
Calamus, mugwort, pennyroyal, sage, wintergreen, basil, hyssop, myrrh, marjoram, and thyme.
If you have the slightest doubt about a particular medication, nutritional supplement, or treatment, be sure to ask your doctor before using it.
Take-Home Message
- Do not use any medication, vitamin, or herbal product during pregnancy without first consulting your doctor.
- If another doctor prescribes medication for you, be sure to tell them that you are pregnant.
- Just because something is labeled "natural" doesn't mean it's safe during pregnancy.
- If you have any questions, concerns, or doubts, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor. Your safety and that of your baby are the most important thing.
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