Pregnancy can be a time of excitement, hopes, anticipation and careful decision making for women, especially when it comes to the health of themselves and their babies. Everything they eat, every step they take, and even every medicine they take can have a significant impact on the growth of their little one. Some of these medications might be completely safe and normal, while others might pose serious risks to the development of the baby, which can result in birth defects and malnutrition of the baby. Many over-the-counter medications which might seem to be rather harmless, can prove to be harmful at times. Mothers-to-be might be surprised to know that even the most routine drugs like painkillers and acne medications can have some ill effects on their babies. Even certain antibiotics and antidepressants might lead to complications during childbirth. Under such circumstances, it is very common for women to wonder as to which medications are safe for them and which should be completely avoided during pregnancy. In this article, we will discuss in detail six different medications that should be avoided during Pregnancy.
- Tylenol or Acetaminophen
For many years, Acetaminophen was described as a medication that was safe to use during pregnancy. However, some of the recent advancements in various studies show that taking acetaminophen under certain circumstances by pregnant women might raise the risk of the development of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the child by 30%. It might also raise the risk of autism in the child by about 20%. Furthermore, the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy can also increase the risk of underdevelopment or improper development of the reproductive organs in the child, and also result in low IQ. However, various studies have shown that small doses of acetaminophen for a short period of time do not prove to have any such significant impacts, but it still brings the medication under scrutiny. In such cases, it is always the best idea to consult a Pregnancy doctor and avoid taking this medication without a proper prescription from an expert doctor.
- NSAIDs
Many Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are available easily in the market, including the likes of Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Celecoxib. These NSAIDs are widely used as pain-relievers and are very easily available on an over-the-counter basis. However, experts have warned about the harmful effects these drugs can have on the unborn child. The use of NSAIDs from the 20th week of pregnancy to childbirth can lead to serious kidney-related complications in the fetus. Some other studies have also linked NSAIDs to the increased risk of miscarriage if used in the first trimester. In the third trimester of pregnancy, even a short-term use of NSAIDs is linked to serious cardiac complications in the fetus. Hence, they should not be taken without proper consultation from a Pregnancy check up doctor.
- Antibiotics
Antibiotics are widely used to treat infections, however, pregnant women should stay extra cautious while taking them. Some of the antibiotics, like penicillin and cephalosporins, are considered to be safe to take during Pregnancy. However, others can increase the risk of developing certain congenital defects in unborn children. These conditions or defects include heart conditions, cleft lip, cleft palate, unhealthy development of the bones, and tooth discoloration.
- Isotretinoin and Tretinoin
Isotretinoin is an effective treatment for acne. However, the risk that it poses to the health and development of the unborn child makes it far too unreasonable to be used during Pregnancy. It increases the risk of the development of congenital issues in babies by 20 to 30 percent. This percentage spikes to 30 to 60 percent for the likelihood of developing cognitive impairments.
- Anxiety Medications
Certain studies have shown that the risk of developing birth defects was significantly increased in babies whose mothers took some types of anxiety medications or antidepressants during pregnancy. Some of the medications that fall in this category, including Zoloft and Prozac, have been linked to pulmonary disorders in newborn children. Thus, a Gynecologist near me might generally advise staying away from these drugs.
- Some over-the-counter medicines
Apart from NSAIDs, there are some other over-the-counter medications that should be avoided during pregnancy. These medicines include Pepto Bismol, Guaifenesin, and decongestants. Since these medications are easily available at any drug store and do not even require any prescription, it is of utmost importance for a pregnant woman to make a list of such medications, if any, and cross-check them with the Best gynecologist in Mohali to make sure whether they are safe for her or not.
All in all, pregnancy is a condition that is very delicate, and the medications the mother takes not only impact her, but also the baby in some way or the other. Hence, the mother should make sure to cross-check any medication she takes with her Pregnancy doctor for the best advice and expert suggestions, in order to make sure that the baby is not impacted negatively.
If you are looking for the best Gynecologist in Chandigarh or the Best gynecologist hospital near me, Sohana Hospital might be the right option for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali is home to the World’s Most Advanced Cutting-Edge Technology and North India’s Most Trusted and Experienced Gynecologists who provide the most comprehensive and holistic treatment for all pregnancy-related issues to the mothers-to-be in the region. Book your appointment today to make sure you proceed with your pregnancy journey with confidence and good health!