One of my worries during pregnancy was medication. When we are pregnant, our immune system becomes very sensitive. Pregnancy lowers immunity because it demands so much from a woman’s body.
Well, it’s no wonder that colds, urinary tract infections, toothaches, etc., appear. And to relieve the pain from these issues, sometimes it’s necessary to use some medications like painkillers or antibiotics, for example. But deep down, the expecting mother feels apprehensive, and the best way to feel calm is to have information. Medication during pregnancy, can you take it or not?
Of course, the doctor will prescribe the best medication for your problem, and always the safest for the baby. But why is there so much fear about medication during pregnancy? What can happen if I take the wrong medication?
Well, there are cases where studies have shown that some medications can cross the placental membrane and can cause harm to the fetus1. These harms include malformations or health problems throughout life. Kidney, intestinal problems, and we even remember the malformation in some fetuses of pregnant women who took thalidomide in the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
Video about medication during pregnancy
Thalidomide was banned both in Brazil and abroad as soon as it was discovered that the malformations were due to the use of this medication. Unfortunately, in Brazil they found out too late, and it was only banned in the mid-70s, when there were already cases of malformation2.
After this episode, the FDA (the agency that inspects medication manufacturing in the United States) got involved and intervened with labs. For a medication to be indicated for use during pregnancy, there must be certification. That’s why care with medication should be doubled and you should always take medicine under medical supervision.
Medications allowed during pregnancy
So, which medications are actually allowed during pregnancy? There’s a short list, but the most commonly used are:
- Paracetamol (recommended for headaches and colds)
- Cefalexin (antibiotic for infections)
- Folic acid
- Vitamin D3
- Simple Buscopan (for general abdominal pain)
- Methyldopa (for hypertensive pregnant women)
Video about the dangers of some medications
I know that anti-inflammatories should never be used, as they can cause heart problems in the baby. Morphine and some anticoagulants as well, but it all depends on the doctor’s authorization.
This doesn’t mean you can’t take prescribed medications with peace of mind. There are studies, always very thorough, so that drugs can be administered as safely as possible to moms and their babies3.
You should also analyze the risk versus benefit of the medication. I myself needed to take omeprazole during pregnancy, I felt terribly unwell because of reflux and gastritis. Omeprazole, in this case, is a permitted medication. There are times when it’s better to take the risk with medication during pregnancy than allow the disease to progress.
The vast majority of medications allowed during pregnancy, whatever their purpose, may only provide momentary relief, and the condition can actually be treated after birth. The same care should be taken when breastfeeding, since there are medications that are secreted into the breast milk. So if you need medication, talk to your doctor, clear up all your doubts and be sure that they will not prescribe anything that could harm your baby.
Kisses and see you next time!
