Pregnancy and Medication

Whether you have a chronic condition that requires regular medication or whether you develop a condition during your pregnancy that you think could benefit from medication, it's best to proceed with caution. Since 1984, for instance, the labels of all over-the-counter (OTC) medications have warned: "As with any other drug, if you are pregnant or nursing, seek the advice of a health professional before using this product."

Just about everything you put into your body can affect your baby. For that reason, avoid taking any prescription or OTC medications, vitamins or mineral supplements without first consulting your physician. Some prescription drugs, including cancer drugs, acne medications, anabolic and corticosteroids, hair regrowth medications, and seizure medications, have been linked to specific birth defects. Cancer drugs, for example, inhibit cell multiplication, which is how your baby grows.

If  you're taking medication for a chronic condition, talk first with your doctor. Your health is still a major concern. You need to be as healthy as possible to ensure the healthiest possible pregnancy and baby. If you're taking regular medication, your physician can work with you, if necessary, to find alternatives that still work for you while working to protect your developing baby.

For example, some oral diabetes medications have been linked to birth defects. If you have diabetes, your doctor will probably switch you to insulin, which has been proven safe for pregnancy. Women prone to seizures who are taking multiple medications might be switched to a single medication by their neurologist and might also be put on additional folic acid supplements. Women with high blood pressure who take an ACE inhibitor will be switched to another class of hypertension medicines, preferably before becoming pregnant or as soon as the pregnancy is discovered.  ACE inhibitors have been associated with an increased risk for congenital birth defects, including those of the central nervous system, heart and kidneys. If cancer drug therapy can be delayed until the second trimester, some medications, such as some breast cancer drugs, can be given without severe effects on the baby. Women who have asthma usually do not need to make changes in medication, unless the medication they take may harm the baby.

Even if you don't have a chronic condition that requires drugs, situations might arise during your pregnancy that medications might relieve. Don't feel as if you have to be miserable simply because you're pregnant. Never be afraid to ask your doctor if there's something you can take to safely relieve your symptoms.

What to Do

If you are pregnant or considering getting pregnant, talk with your doctor about any vitamins, supplements or medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you take or are considering taking. If you are thinking about getting pregnant, start taking prenatal vitamins or a multivitamin that contains 0.4mg of folic acid (ideally beginning three months before your planned conception), which helps prevent spinal cord and brain birth defects (neural tube defects).

Self-care Guide for Medications During Pregnancy

• Avoid taking other vitamin and mineral supplements, including mega-doses, without your doctor's OK.

• If you miss a period while taking birth control pills and find out that you are pregnant, stop the birth control pills as soon as you know you are pregnant.

• Talk to your health care provider before taking aspirin. It can cause bleeding problems for you and your baby before and after delivery. Talk to your doctor about safe pain relief; most doctors recommend acetaminophen.

• If you have an infection, don't take an antibiotic without your doctor's approval. Some are harmless, but others can cause birth defects.

• If you are taking medication for acne, it is critical that you avoid Accutane (isotretinoin), a vitamin A derivative that can cause birth defects and miscarriages.

• If you suffer from psoriasis, avoid Tegison (etretinate), another vitamin A derivative.

• If heartburn is bothering you, talk to your doctor. Some antacids contain aspirin and caffeine, and some have a lot of sodium. Generally, an antacid made of calcium carbonate is safe.

• If constipation plagues you, talk to your doctor about altering your diet to include more fiber, such as prunes, and water. Ask about stool softeners, too. Avoid laxatives. They cause unwanted contractions of the uterus, contribute to dehydration and can interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals both you and your baby need.