Certain medications taken during pregnancy may result in non-genetic birth defects, especially during the first trimester of the pregnancy because organogenesis occurs during this period.
Medications are not completely safe during pregnancy, but there are a few that can be used with a doctor's prescription. Before taking any medication during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, always consult your doctor.
Medications to avoid during pregnancy include:
- Antibiotics
- Anticonvulsants
- Benzodiazepines
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Thalidomides
Most dangerous medicine for pregnancy
The following are a few medications, which should be avoided during pregnancy or should be taken only under the supervision of a healthcare provider as they may cause birth defects:
- Antibiotics: Are commonly given during pregnancy. However, certain antibiotics are safer to use during pregnancy, whereas others or not. It is very important to choose the specific type of antibiotic that is safer to use during pregnancy.
- Tetracyclines should be avoided till the fifth week of pregnancy. Tetracycline affects bone growth and causes stained teeth.
- Chloramphenicol causes blood disorders and gray baby syndrome.
- Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin result in poor muscle growth.
- Sulfonamides increase the risk of heart disease, cleft palate, cleft lip, and jaundice, and are avoided during the first trimester and before the baby's birth.
- Anticonvulsants: Increase the risk of fetal loss, prenatal growth restrictions, and premature birth when taken during pregnancy.
- Few anticonvulsants, such as phenobarbital, topiramate, and zonisamide, are taken during pregnancy and are associated with intrauterine growth retardation.
- The risk associated with taking anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, gabapentin, and oxcarbazepine remains unspecified.
- Benzodiazepines: Should be avoided during pregnancy. It causes premature births and low birth weight of the baby.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): May put your pregnancy at risk and reduce amniotic fluid levels, so it is critical to use NSAIDS under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
- Naproxen, aspirin, and celecoxib increase the risk of miscarriages.
- Avoid ibuprofen as it causes various side effects, such as:
- Miscarriages
- Delayed labor
- Premature closure of an important artery called fetal ductus arteriosus
- Jaundice
- Hemorrhage in both the mother and fetus
- Necrotizing enterocolitis or destruction of the lining of intestines
- Decreased level of amniotic fluid
- Brain damage
- Vitamin K abnormalities
- Thalidomides: These are sedative drugs that cause malformation, especially in the limbs. Thalidomide was banned in pregnant mothers in 1960 after a great tragedy occurred causing the malformation of limbs in thousands of children. Previously the medicine was used to treat morning sickness. Now, it is used to treat skin conditions and cancer. However, the medicine should be strictly avoided.
SLIDESHOW
16 Early Signs & Symptoms of Pregnancy: Could You Be Pregnant? See SlideshowWhat is the safe medication during pregnancy?
The following medications are generally safe to use during pregnancy:
- For allergy:
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Claritin (loratadine)
- Budesonide (Steroid nasal spray)
- For cold and flu:
- Saline spray and nasal drops
- Acetaminophen
- Warm or salt water gargle
- For constipation:
- First aid ointment:
- For rashes:
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine) cream
- Caladryl (calamine/diphenhydramine hydrochloride) lotion or cream
- Hydrocortisone cream or ointment
Medically Reviewed on 1/9/2023
References
Image Source: iStock image
https://www.webmd.com/baby/medicines-avoid-pregnant
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/antibiotics-and-pregnancy/faq-20058542
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/4396-medicine-guidelines-during-pregnancy
https://www.webmd.com/baby/medicines-avoid-pregnant
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/antibiotics-and-pregnancy/faq-20058542
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/4396-medicine-guidelines-during-pregnancy
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