Home

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Erectile Dysfunction

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Doctor123.org

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Medications and Pregnancy


About this topic


Taking drugs while you are pregnant can harm your baby. Only take drugs that your doctor gives you. Talk to your doctor first before taking any other drugs. ‚  
Taking certain drugs can cause: ‚  
  • Problems with how your baby grows
  • Harm to your womb which may put your babys life at risk
  • Loss of pregnancy before the baby is born (miscarriage)
  • Early delivery (premature birth)
  • Birth defects

General


Pregnant women are not involved in studies for drugs. So, we do not know very much about what taking drugs may do to your baby. You need to be very careful before taking any drugs. Talk with your doctor about the good and bad things that may happen before taking any drug. Your doctor will help you decide what to do. ‚  
Drugs may affect your baby based on: ‚  
  • When you take the drug during your pregnancy (the stage of your babys growth)
  • The drug taken
  • How much of the drug you take
  • If the drug you are taking is mixed with other drugs
  • If you have a health problem

Taking drugs during pregnancy: ‚  
  • Never take any drug unless your doctor says you may. Always check with your doctor before you take prescription, over-the-counter (like cough or cold) drugs, or herbals (like St. John's wort).
  • Take prenatal vitamins and supplements that have folic acid. Do not take normal vitamins. Talk with your doctor about the right vitamins and supplements to take.
  • Get a flu shot if you are pregnant during flu season. The shot is safe for your baby.
  • If you are taking drugs for a health problem, check with your doctor to make sure the drugs are safe for your baby. Your doctor will find drugs that are safe for you and your baby.
  • If you took drugs before you knew you were pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

Helpful tips


Instead of taking drugs: ‚  
  • Treat hard stools by eating foods high in fiber like whole-grain breads and cereals, beans, peas, apples, berries, and broccoli.
  • Stay away from foods and smells that may cause an upset stomach.
  • Rest and drink lots of fluids to help with colds.

Where can I learn more?


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚  
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/pregnancy_gateway/meds/index.html ‚  
Womens Health Matters ‚  
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/health-resources/sexual-health/pregnancy/preconception ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

Copyright


Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚  
Copyright © 2016 - 2017
Doctor123.org | Disclaimer