Medications During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, it is important to understand that everything you take into your body passes from your blood to baby's blood; therefore, it is best to avoid all over-the-counter medicines especially in the first eight weeks of pregnancy (ten weeks after your last menstrual period). This period is particularly important because it is during the first eight weeks are when your baby's heart, lung and brain systems are being formed. Remember that no medication is safe for 100 percent of the people, however there are times when the benefits of a medication far outweigh any risks.

If you need to take some medication during your pregnancy, follow these tips to help minimize the potential for any adverse side effects:

Be sure to discuss with your physician the possibility of taking the medication in the smallest effective doses for the shortest possible time.

Be sure that you take the medication when it will be of most help to you; for example, taking a cold medication at night is most helpful because it will help you get to bed.

Remember to follow any directions given to you b your physician or pharmacist carefully; some medications should be taken on an empty stomach, while others need to be taken with a meal. Also, try to get all you prescriptions at the same pharmacy. This way, your pharmacist will be able to warn you of potential drug interactions. Also, be sure to check the name and dosage on the bottle to be sure it’s the drug specified by your doctor.

Always ask about possible side effects and which ones should be reported to your doctor.

You can ensure that your medication goes down more easily by drinking a sip of water before you swallow a capsule or tablet, and by drinking a full glass afterward.

Though we recommend staying away from medications during pregnancy, there are some that are considered safe. Remember it is best to wait to take these until after the first ten weeks of pregnancy, and that all medications taken during pregnancy should be first cleared by your health care provider.