When you're pregnant and feeling ill, it might be difficult to know what to do because of the laws around drug use during pregnancy. Benefits to the mother (even from something as minor as a headache) must be weighed against any hazards to the unborn child. Drug testing on pregnant women is unethical; thus, this is a concern. If harmful medicines for future pregnancy have never been investigated or tried on pregnant women, then it would be dishonest to suggest that it is completely safe. Drugs used to be classified into one of five danger levels using a system of five letters.
Which Medicines Are A Risk For Pregnancy?
Here is a small list of harmful medicines for future pregnancy that we know to be dangerous for pregnant women:
1. Chloramphenicol
Antibiotic chloramphenicol is most often administered intravenously as harmful medicine for future pregnancy. Gray infant syndrome and other blood problems are possible side effects of this medicine.
2. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and Levofloxacin
Antibiotics include Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and Levofloxacin. Problems with the baby's muscular and skeletal development, joint discomfort, and perhaps nerve damage in the mother might result from using these harmful medicines for future pregnancy. Both ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin belong to a class of medicines known as fluoroquinolones.
Researchers have shown that fluoroquinolones raise the risk of aortic dissection or rupture. Extreme bleeding may occur as a consequence of this. Aneurysm and heart disease patients may be at a higher risk of experiencing adverse consequences. 2017 research found that fluoroquinolones were associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.
3. Primaquine
Primaquine is one of the harmful medicines for future pregnancy used to treat malaria. Studies in animals have shown damage to developing babies from this medicine. However, there is a lack of human evidence on its usage during pregnancy. Fetal blood cells are vulnerable to this.
4. Sulfonamides
Antibiotics belonging to the sulfonamide class are available for use today. Sulfa medicines are another name for harmful medicines for future pregnancy. Drugs of this class are often prescribed for the elimination of bacteria and the treatment of bacterial illnesses. Newborns exposed to these substances may develop jaundice. Miscarriage risk may also be increased while using sulfonamides.
Read Next: How to Cope With a Miscarriage and Move Ahead?
5. Trimethoprim (Primsol)
Antibiotic trimethoprim is marketed under the brand name Primsol. These harmful medicines for future pregnancy, if used during pregnancy, may result in birth abnormalities of the neural tube. These flaws may harm a growing baby's brain.
Trimethoprim
6. Codeine
Codeine is an opioid painkiller available by prescription. To treat coughs, codeine is available over-the-counter in several areas. The harmful medicines for future pregnancy may cause dependence in certain users. Infants born to mothers who use it may experience withdrawal.
7. Warfarin (Coumadin)
The blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin) treats and prevents blood clots. Possible link to foetal malformations. No pregnant woman should risk a blood clot unless the potential damage to the unborn child outweighs the benefits.
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8. Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Anxiety and epileptic fits may be avoided with clonazepam (trade name Klonopin). To alleviate anxiety or panic, it is occasionally administered. Clonazepam use during pregnancy has been linked to withdrawal symptoms in infants.
Suggested Read: Pregnant Women's Addiction To Drugs On The Rise?
Is It Safe to Take Medication While Trying to Conceive a Child?
As soon as you decide to start trying to have a child, you need to give some thought to how you can get your body ready for the healthiest pregnancy that is possible. And one of the most typical questions that women trying to conceive ask is, "Are the drugs I'm taking safe for me (and my future kid) to take while I'm pregnant?"
Because each harmful medicine for future pregnancy and each pregnant mother are unique, this is a subject that you will need to address with your healthcare practitioner at a pre-pregnancy visit to get the most appropriate advice for you specifically. In the interim, the following are some points to think about: (and ask your provider about).
Will my Medication Have an Effect on My Ability to Become Pregnant?
It is possible that the fertility-impairing effects of various prescription and over-the-counter medications will depend on the specific medication that is being used. If you are a frequent user of prescription medication, you must discuss your desire to have a family with your primary care physician (GP). She may need to alter your dosage or move you to a new medication.
If you often take any over-the-counter, off-the-shelf, or herbal treatments, it is important to confirm their safety with your primary care physician. Do not abruptly stop taking your most dangerous medicine for pregnancy if you have any reason to believe it may be hurting your fertility. Get in touch with your primary care physician first. It's conceivable that the advantages of taking your medication will exceed the risks to your fertility in the long run.
If you abruptly stop taking a medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms; thus, it is always recommended to consult your primary care physician first. Do not discontinue taking any prescription medication before discussing it with your primary care physician, even if you find out that you are pregnant. When trying to have a child, the fact that you are taking antidepressants, which have the potential to make you less interested in having sexual encounters, is not something that is beneficial.
Visit your primary care physician if you have any reason to believe that this is occurring; she may be able to recommend an alternate treatment for you. Avoid using any skin creams or gels that include estrogen or progesterone if you are attempting to conceive a child at this time. It is preferable to err on the side of caution, even though it is unlikely that you will absorb enough of these hormones via your skin to have an effect on your ovulation.
Also Read: Do You Know About This Ovulation-Inducing Drug?
Conclusion
Consult your physician if you have any questions about whether or not a certain harmful medicine for future pregnancy should be used while pregnant. In addition, be sure to inquire about any recently completed studies since pregnant medicine labels are subject to change as new information emerges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What pill should be avoided during pregnancy?
There are several OTC medications that, when used during pregnancy, might raise the likelihood of birth abnormalities. An anti-inflammatory agent containing bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol). Decongestants like phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine. Keep away from drugs containing these substances in the first trimester.
Q2. Which most dangerous medicine for pregnant should expectant mothers avoid?
Pregnancy-threatening side effects from using oxytocic drugs like dihydroergotamine include premature labour and increased uterine tone. Blood clots in the veins, arteries, lungs, or heart may be treated or prevented using the blood thinner Coumadin (warfarin).
Q3. Is it safe to use Ibuprofen when pregnant?
Generally, expectant mothers shouldn't use ibuprofen to treat discomfort. If you're already over the 20th week of pregnancy, you shouldn't do it since it might injure your baby's kidneys, lungs, and heart. Discuss using ibuprofen with your doctor before you reach the 20th week of pregnancy.
Also Read: Postpartum Depression Symptoms
