To take or not to take medicines?
Many pregnant women face the dilemma of whether to take medicines when they are carrying a baby. Though most medicines administered to the mother do not enter the fetus’ body, some are known to cause damage and result in birth defects. The risks are greatest during the initial stages of pregnancy when the various organs and body parts of the fetus are forming.
Most over the counter drugs are though to be safe during pregnancy although there is no way to be certain. Most drugs in the market presently however have a label telling you whether they can be safely taken during pregnancy or not. In addition to medicines it is also advisable to stay away from things like alcohol, tobacco and caffeine during pregnancy.
Whether or not to stop medicine during pregnancy can be quite a tricky question because if a pregnant woman stops taking medicines that she should, it could harm both her and her baby. For ex if you get an infection and it goes untreated your baby and you both could end up with severe complications. So whether to take medicines in a situation like this is quite a difficult decision to make and something you might want to consult your doctor on.
Another thing you might want to stay away from are herbal medicines. Though most of them say that they are safe and sometimes even conducive to pregnancy, the truth is that you never really know. Many of these products contain certain agents that may harm the growth of the fetus and result in irreparable damage. So before you take any unknown medications, be sure to first consult your practioner.
Drugs can also be harmful or harmless depending on your medical condition and the progress of your pregnancy. Take care of yourself and make an informed decision.
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