What Is The Effect Of Medications on Pregnancy?

Posted By : Ellen

Medication and Pregnancy

Pregnancy and medication are commonly discussed topics and it is necessary to check whether the current medication may impose affects on your efforts to conceive. It is advised to discuss with the health care provider regarding the pregnancy and whether if the medication is a risk to your baby.

Discover the benefits of taking the medication outweigh potential risks. You and your healthcare provider can work on these factors and try to determine what course of action is best for both you and your baby.

Many women take prescription medication during pregnancy for necessary reasons like diabetes, seizures, depression, anxiety and to help with common discomforts of pregnancy such as heartburn, morning sickness, or headaches.

Studies show that pregnancy can affect the effectiveness of your medication. During pregnancy period, your blood volume increases, and your heart and kidneys both work harder. Therefore medications have the potential to pass through your body more quickly than usual and as a result you have to take more medicine or take it differently. Your health care provider may switch the type of medication you are on to take care of your medical needs by lessening any risk that it may impose on developing baby.

Medication Risk Factor Classifications

Each medication has a risk factor classification along with the potential risk factors during pregnancy. These ratings, along with an evaluation of the risks and benefits of using a particular medication, may help you and your health care provider to determine what steps to take.

Pregnancy medication categories:

• Category A:  Controlled studies show no risk or find no evidence of harm.

• Category B:  Animal studies show no risks, but no controlled studies have done on pregnant women.

• Category C:  There are no controlled studies in women and animal studies have shown risk to the fetus. However studies on women and animals are not available.

• Category D:  A positive evidence of potential fetal risk is present, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk  that is the life threatening condition to mother.

• Category X:  Studies in animals or human beings have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and there is evidence of fetal risk. The drug is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant.

Normally a medication gets the classification C, if there is insufficient data available on its use during pregnancy. It could be safe or probably safe, or it could be potentially harmful as well.

Alternatives to Medication

Your doctor may always choose the best decisions for you and your baby, by incorporating other methodologies such as acupuncture, herbal medications, or behavioral techniques. Anyway everything depends on the medical conditions you are dealing with.

Try to can explore the Natural Medicines Database and find out information about herbs and their use during pregnancy and discuss it with the health care provider.

Other Recommendations

Always make sure not to start or stop taking medication while pregnant without consulting your health care provider. Take an account of these steps to help make sure you and your developing baby are properly taken care of.

• Always consult your doctor:  First and most important step is to consult a doctor.
• Read the Label: Check the label for warnings or pregnancy indications. Also look for potential allergic reactions as well as expiration dates.
• Be aware of side effects: Some medications cause side effects like sleepiness, headaches, or vomiting which may get enhanced due to pregnancy hormones. Consult your health care provider or the pharmacist about potential side effects.
• Organize your medications: Be careful not to mix up the medications and to avoid overdosing.
• Do not skip medications: Take medications as prescribed by your health care provider
• Do not share medications
• Ask Questions: Enquire about the medication name, generic alternatives, benefits and risks, and problems to watch for.
• Keep Records:  To keep a record of medications taken either during pregnancy or not are considered as beneficial.