A Guide to Pregnancy Medications
Pregnancy Medications: Pregnancy is a magical time. On the one hand, you are dealing with rapid mood swings, a hundred different discomforts, and constant hunger while your taste buds are completely confused. On the other hand, you are creating life. Yep. No literary prowess is needed. The ability to create life is magical enough in itself.
As you are aware, pregnancy comes with its own long list of do’s and don’ts. But while you are busy dealing with that, here is another one to add to your troubles. In this article, we are preparing a list of over-the-counter (OTC) medications that we commonly use but should be avoided during pregnancy.
A word of caution before we get started, medical science requires the doctor to take into account every patient’s individual needs. No amount of online research can supplement years of medical school followed by years of hands-on experience. Therefore, be sure to consult with your physician before you make any changes to your medications and follow their advice above everything else.
Aspirin
Pregnancy can come with its own set of aches and pains, but when it comes to treating them, not all over-the-counter medications are created equal. Aspirin, a popular pain reliever, is one medication that should be avoided during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. Taking aspirin during this critical time can increase the risk of bleeding in both mother and the fetus.
While it may be tempting to reach for an OTC pain reliever, it’s important to consider the potential risks to your developing baby. Although low-dose aspirin is sometimes used during pregnancy under medical supervision, Mayo Clinic warns that the prolonged use of high-dose aspirin during any trimester and even short-term use during the 3rd trimester can lead to a number of complications for the fetus.
Read more- ALARMING! How Gen Z influencers are glamorizing teenage pregnancy?
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is commonly used to treat pain and inflammation. However, if you’re pregnant, it’s important to know that this medication is not considered safe for use during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. The use of ibuprofen during this time has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications.
While we mention Ibuprofen by name, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pregnant women should be avoiding any medication that contains NSAIDs unless specifically ordered by healthcare professionals. This comes after FDA found a number of unborn babies suffering from serious kidney problems that were linked to the mother consuming NSAIDs.
Tylenol
Tylenol is a popular OTC pain reliever used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain. However, new research is uncovering some concerning facts about Tylenol use during pregnancy. A recent paper published in the National Library of Medicine reports that they have noticed a link between the use of acetaminophen and the increased risk of autism, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other similar developmental disorder among babies.
Acetaminophen is an active ingredient in Tylenol and some other common painkillers. It generally used to be considered safe during pregnancy, but the recent Tylenol autism lawsuit is bringing the dangers to light. A class action lawsuit currently sits before the US federal court, trying to push the Tylenol autism litigation forward.
However, it is important to mention that more research is needed before proper directives about Tylenol use during pregnancy can be developed. Until then, if you or someone you know is pregnant and also a user of Tylenol, it is best to consult with a doctor regarding its safety.
Naproxen
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and fever. While it is effective for these conditions, it is not considered safe for use during pregnancy. The use of naproxen during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of complications, such as premature closure of blood vessels in the fetal heart, and an increased risk of miscarriage.
As mentioned before, the FDA recommends avoiding any NSAIDs after 20 weeks into pregnancy. Many over-the-counter medications contain NSAIDs, and it is important to check whether that is the case before using any medication during this time.
Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is a commonly used decongestant found in many OTC cold and flu medications. While it is effective for relieving nasal congestion, it is not considered safe for use during pregnancy. The use of pseudoephedrine during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of complications, such as low birth weight, preterm delivery, and birth defects.
Pseudoephedrine decongestant a blocked nose by constriction or narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passage. However, research published in PubMed states that these same properties can cause complications with the development of an infant’s veins, especially if used during early pregnancy. If you are suffering from a congested nose, it is best to consult with a doctor for other remedies.
If this list has freaked you out to any degree, we recommend that you do not worry. Babies are designed to survive new parents, and as we know, stress is bad for the baby. Be sure to avoid any NSAIDs during your pregnancy, and be sure to consult your doctor if you have any confusion.
Liked this post?
Register at One World News to never miss out on videos, celeb interviews, and best reads.
