If you are thinking about having a baby, it is important to know that your body must be in good health and in “pre-pregnancy” condition before conceiving. Many women are in good health, but have taken medications that are not suitable for pregnancy. So, the “pre-pregnancy” body would be one that is free from medications, drugs, and alcohol. Deciding on which medications to take before and during pregnancy can be very tricky, as all medications you take can have risks. For some women, a “safe” medication may not be safe for them, depending on any pre-existing health conditions. It is very important to speak with your doctor and follow his advice on any medications, vitamins, or supplements.
What is Safe?
Even though there is not a medication before and during pregnancy that is 100% safe, 100% of the time, generally speaking, there are medications that are safe for most healthy women during pregnancy. Doctors are the experts in terms of knowing what is safe, as they are notified of the most recent research through studies and experimentation on pregnant animals. The Food and Drug Administration also has reports on each type of drug and labels the types of drugs according to being prescription or over the counter as to what is safe to take (Kaczmarczyk, D.O., M.P.H).
The only prescription drugs that have had no reported problems in pregnancy of animals or humans are: Levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone medication and folic acid. These drugs are considered safe to take. Prescription drugs that have shown no problems in animal pregnancies but have no adequate studies on humans, or prescription drugs that showed problems in animals but no problems in humans are considered mostly safe by the FDA. They are: Amoxicillin or related antibiotics, Zofran that treats nausea, Glucophage that helps with diabetes, and some types of insulin (Kaczmarczyk, D.O., M.P.H).
Over the counter drugs are medications that do not need a prescription. Antacids that treat heartburn and Simethicone for gas are considered safe, and Guaifenesin, Dextromethorphan, cough drops and vapor rub (Vicks) are cold medications that are considered safe.
What is Unsafe?
All other prescription drugs and over the counter drugs are considered not safe to take during pregnancy. If you have health problems and are pregnant, you need to discuss the medications you need during pregnancy. If there is a medication you absolutely need during pregnancy, your doctor will do what he can to either get an alternative medication, adjust the dosage, or discuss the risks with you. It is crucial to not take medications without your obstetrician’s approval. This includes vitamins and herbal supplements; just because something is “all natural” does not mean it cannot affect the baby.
If you are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant, there are alternatives to some medications that can help you, such as massage, acupuncture, or other form of alternative treatments. Discussing your options with your physician is the best thing you can do, for you and your baby.
“EPublications: Pregnancy and Medicines Fact Sheet.” Pregnancy and Medicines Fact Sheet. Ed. Joseph M. Kaczmarczyk, D.O., M.P.H, Alison Lemon, M.H.S., and Kathleen Uhl, M.D. 16 July 2012. Web. 13 Jan. 2016. http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/pregnancy-medicines.html.