The first weeks of your pregnancy are very crucial stage for your baby, so it’s extremely important to check with your doctor before taking any medication, as some of them can harm your baby’s health.
If you’re in your first trimester of pregnancy, be careful with these 10 medicines – and talk to your doctor or midwife before starting or stopping any medication or vaccine.
1. Antidepressants
Paroxetine has been linked to a higher risk of heart defects when taken in early pregnancy, so your doctor may suggest a different antidepressant. Don’t stop or switch any antidepressant on your own – stopping suddenly can be risky for you and your baby, so talk to your doctor or midwife first.
Read also – 9 Ways to Relax During Pregnancy
2. Painkillers
Not every painkiller is safe during pregnancy – ibuprofen and aspirin, for example, are generally not recommended unless your doctor advises them. Ask your doctor or midwife which pain reliever you can take. When you have mild headache or body pain, natural therapy can work the best. For instance, massage the area for natural relief.
3. Anti-allergy medicines
Not all anti-allergy medicines are suitable during pregnancy, so ask your doctor or midwife before taking one. If you have allergies, try to treat them in a natural way. Always stay away from dust, use only dust free air conditioner and regularly change your filters. Drink plenty of water to reduce your allergy.
4. Antifungal medicines
Yeast infections are a common problem during pregnancy. Some antifungal medicines, especially tablets, are not recommended during pregnancy, while some creams are commonly used. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any antifungal medicines.
Read also – 8 Foods to Eat When Pregnant
5. Antibiotics
Such antibiotics as tetracycline and streptomycin are not safe to take if you are pregnant. If you need to have antibiotics, make sure you talk to your doctor first. Your doctor will advise you milder forms of antibiotics that may be safer during pregnancy.
6. Tranquilizers
I’m sure every woman knows that tranquilizers are extremely harmful to the baby. Such tranquilizers as Librium and Valium must be completely avoided during pregnancy, especially in the first two trimesters of your pregnancy. If you already take one, don’t stop it suddenly – talk to your doctor or midwife first.
7. Cold and flu tablets
Many cold and flu tablets combine several ingredients, and some of them, such as certain decongestants, may not be suitable during pregnancy. Nasal spray and natural cold remedies can help provide some relief. But again, be sure to talk to the doctor first!
8. Acne medicines
If you are pregnant you need to know that your body goes through some hormonal changes, so breakouts and acne are a common thing. If you take acne medicines it will affect your hormones and can be harmful to your baby. Medicines such as Accutane and Retin A must be avoided during pregnancy.
Read also – 7 Tips on How to Prepare for New Baby without Spending Money
9. Herbs
Even though herbs are natural they can also be very dangerous. Some natural herbs should not be taken during pregnancy because they can harm the fetus. Stay away from aloe vera, ginseng, black cohosh, rosemary, pennyroyal and yarrow.
10. Travel vaccinations
Finally, ladies, some travel vaccines, especially live vaccines such as yellow fever, are usually avoided during pregnancy, while others may be recommended to protect you and your baby. If you’re planning a trip, talk to your doctor or midwife before getting any vaccine or antimalarial medicine.
Remember you should never start or stop any kind of drug or vaccine without first asking your doctor or midwife. Do you know any other medicines to check with your doctor about during pregnancy? Feel free to share your experiences!
