One of the big questions you may face if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant is the use of medication. Many people take medication daily to stay healthy but not all medications are considered safe to take during pregnancy. Some medications are known to possibly cause pregnancy complications, miscarriage, birth defects, premature birth, or developmental disabilities. Read on to learn more about medication and pregnancy.
Medication Use During Pregnancy
The truth is that the medical field does not have that much information on the effects of many medications during pregnancy because pregnant women are not usually included in medication safety trials. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), what we do know about medicine use in pregnancy is:
- 9 in 10 women use medicine during pregnancy, and 7 in 10 of those women report taking at least one prescription medication
- Many women need to take medication during their pregnancy to manage their health conditions
- Sometimes, avoiding or stopping the use of a medication during pregnancy could be more harmful than taking the medication during pregnancy
- Some medications increase the risk of pregnancy complications, miscarriage, birth defects, premature birth, or developmental disabilities
- There are several factors to consider such as medical history, current health status, the dosage of the medication, and possible side effects of the medication
What Should I Do About My Medications If I Am Pregnant or Thinking Of Becoming Pregnant?
The first thing you should do if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant is talk to your healthcare provider. You should always talk to your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medications. Make sure to discuss every medication you take including prescriptions, over-the-counter medication, supplements, and vitamins. If you do have health conditions that you take medication for, talk with your healthcare provider about the best ways to manage your condition during pregnancy. The key to managing medication concerns during pregnancy is to talk with your healthcare provider about them.
Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, September 20). Pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 2, 2023
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