What Anxiety Medications Are Safe During Pregnancy
Antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety. Even though antidepressants are used for depression, some of them are often first-choice options for anxiety.
There are many antidepressants available. Two of the most common classes of antidepressants used for anxiety in pregnancy are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors .
When Should I Talk To My Doctor
Although many medications are thought to be safe during pregnancy, its important to discuss any medications youre taking with your doctor. Thats especially true if you have a high-risk pregnancy. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking an over-the-counter medication, contact your doctor immediately. You should also contact your doctor if you think you have the flu or experience dizziness, vaginal bleeding, severe vomiting, high fever, reduced fetal movement, difficulty breathing, or chest pain. The flu can increase the risk of birth defects or premature labor.
Herbal Supplements And Vitamins
Some alternative therapies have been found to safely and effectively alleviate some of the uncomfortable side effects of pregnancy but natural doesnt always mean these herbal supplements are safe. As with any over the counter medication, its important to talk with your doctor about every supplement or vitamin you take while pregnant.
Prenatal vitamins are also an important part of a healthy pregnancy. Multivitamins that include folic acid are safe and important before and during the first few weeks of pregnancy because they can help prevent some birth defects. Your doctor or midwife can advise you about which type of multivitamin with folic acid you should take. Medical providers sometimes prescribe extra folic acid or iron supplements, depending on your specific situation.
Also Check: Donating Plasma While Trying To Conceive
What & When Drugs Cross The Placenta
Most issues occur with medications which cross the placenta and reach the baby. Those substances, which cross the placenta and lead to fetal abnormalities, are known as teratogenic.
You should know that there`s a susceptibility to the action of teratogenic agents .
In the first 2 weeks of pregnancy , the embryo seems to be resistant to the teratogenic factors` action, but too much exposure might be lethal. Between weeks 3 and 8 of pregnancy is the period of maximum susceptibility in relation to the action of these agents, as now is the time when organs are formed.
Now most fetal abnormalities are produced .
Between the week 9 and 38, the fetus is less vulnerable to teratogenic factors, in this period of time occurring only minor defects.
Sneezing Runny Nose And Watery Eyes
These symptoms are the result of histamine release, which isan immune response to an invading virus. Chlorpheniramine, such as TriaminicAllergy, and diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, are safe to take duringpregnancy. However, both can cause drowsiness, so these are best taken atbedtime. The maximum dosage for chlorpheniramine is 32 mg in 24 hours.
When compared to placebos, antihistamines have the most successful resultswithin the first couple days of treatment. Patients didnt report any relief ofsymptoms between days three and 10. Newer antihistamines, such as loratadine, are approved for allergies, not colds, so there isnt informationabout how well they work for cold symptoms.
You May Like: Donate Plasma While Pregnant
Is It Ok To Take Drugs Against Cold While Pregnant
Specific drugs are ok to be taken while pregnant, but only with prescription and your doctor`s approval, while other ones are completely forbidden. The medications that should be avoided entirely are antivirals . Pseudoephedrine isn`t recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy!
Flu vaccination is recommended while pregnant after the week 14 of pregnancy. According to the latest studies, schizophrenia in children who mothers got flu during the first 3 months of pregnancy quite frequent. Later, after the third month of pregnancy, the illness may lead to premature birth. In order to avoid possible complications during pregnancy, experts recommend expecting mothers to vaccinate themselves just in case before trying to become pregnant.
Sign Up For A Pregnancy Registry
Pregnancy Exposure Registries are research studies that get information from women who take prescription medicines or get a vaccine during pregnancy. Pregnancy registries help women and their doctors learn more about how medicines can be safely used during pregnancy.
- Help other pregnant women by sharing your experiences with medicines.
- You will not be asked to take any new medicines.
- You will provide information about your health and your baby’s health.
FDA does not run pregnancy registries, but it keeps a list of registries. See if there is a registry for your medicine.
You May Like: Can You Donate Plasma While Breastfeeding
What Is An Allergic Reaction
Simply put, an allergic reaction is the way your body reacts to an allergen. The severity of your reaction depends on your immune system and how much it deems an allergen a threat.
For example, most people dont have an immune response to pet dander, but some have an immune system that may perceive it as dangerous, so pet dander is treated as a pathogen.
When those who are allergic to it inhale when breathing, pet dander that was in the air can enter their nasal passages. From there, the pet dander particles stick to mucous membranes, causing irritation and inflammation to the eyes and nose. And for people who experience extreme reactions, their breathing is often affected, and they may even develop asthma.
So, why do some folks have such bad allergies while others dont, you ask? To be honest, no one knows for sure, but experts say genetics likely play a role.
Some of the most common allergens include:
- Animal dander
- Certain drugs, such as penicillin
- Chemicals, including dyes, household cleaners, and pesticides
- Foods, particularly shellfish, peanuts, eggs, wheat, and soy
Pain Medications To Avoid
- NSAIDs including aspirin and ibuprofen: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a category that includes aspirin and ibuprofen. Studies have shown that women who take these drugs are more likely to give birth to babies with heart defects.
- Opioid pain medications such as codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine: Taking these medications is associated with severe birth defects affecting the brain, heart, and intestines, as well as withdrawal symptoms in newborns.
Recommended Reading: Donating Plasma While Breastfeeding
What Pregnant Women Can Take For Yeast Infections
Safe to take: Monistat, Gynelotrimin
Yeast infections are common during pregnancy, and while the condition won’t harm the baby, the last thing you want to do is suffer through the itchy discomfort. “There is some absorption of vaginal creams into the body and blood stream, but doses are low and no studies show that it affects baby or mom negatively,” says Dr. Park. “We don’t prescribe the oral pill diflucan or fluconzaole because observational studies show that moms who have had to take extended doses for chronic fungal infections have had babies with birth defects.” However, it’s safe to take this oral yeast infection medication when breastfeeding if you get the fungal infection known as thrush from your baby.
What Should I Do If I Took A Less Preferred Anxiety Medication Before I Knew I Was Pregnant
If you took a less-preferred anxiety medication before realizing you were pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. You can talk with them about the concerns you have. They may recommend an ultrasound to look for any problems depending on the situation. Or, they might recommend medication changes to help lower the risk of complications.
If youre unable to reach your healthcare provider, you can visit the MotherToBaby website or call them toll-free at . MotherToBaby is a group of experts who specialize in medication use during pregnancy. They also have text, email, and live chat options to talk with someone when your provider is unavailable.
You May Like: Is It Bad To Donate Plasma While Pregnant
Where To Get More Information
Sometimes it’s unclear if a medicine or supplement is safe to use when you are pregnant. Before taking any medicine during pregnancy, get advice from your pharmacist or doctor.
Also look at the packaging or read the Consumer Medicine Information leaflet . Ask your pharmacist if one is available. You can also search for medicines and their CMIs by brand name or active ingredient in healthdirect’s medicine section.
There are organisations you can contact in your state or territory such as:
- National: healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered nurse
- NSW: MotherSafe, based at the Royal Hospital for Women Randwick, on 02 9382 6539
- ACT: ACT Alcohol and other drug service at the Canberra Hospital on 5124 9977
- Victoria: Royal Women’s Hospital Medicines Information Service on 8345 3190 or Monash Medicines Information Centre 9594 2361
- South Australia: Medicines Information Service on 8161 7555
- Western Australia: Obstetric Medicines Information Service, King Edward Memorial Hospital on 6458 2723
- NT: Northern Territory Drug Information Centre, Royal Darwin Hospital on 8922 8424.
You can also call the NPS Medicines Line on 1300 MEDICINE from anywhere in Australia .
How Do I Know If I Have A Cold During Pregnancy
Symptoms of a cold during pregnancy are no different than the usual cold symptoms. These include:
-
Cough
A cold can be easily confused with the flu because the two infections share many of the same symptoms. But unlike a cold, the flu can also cause more serious symptoms. These include:
-
Fever
-
Chills
-
Headaches
Having a fever in early pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. If you notice a fever at any time during your pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider to see if treatment is needed.
Don’t Miss: Is It Ok To Use Vagisil While Pregnant
Effects Of Medication Drugs Or Substances During Pregnancy
Generally a drug, substance or medication can cause harm by:
- interfering with normal fetal development
- damaging the babys organs
- damaging the placenta and putting the babys life at risk
- increasing the risk of miscarriage
- bringing on premature labour.
The potential for harm to the pregnancy and unborn baby depends on a range of factors including:
- the type of drug or medication taken
- how the drug or medication is taken
- the size of the dose
- how often it is taken
- whether the drug or medication is used alone or in combination with other drugs or medications
- the individual response of the baby to the drug or medication
- the gestational age of the baby
- other factors, such as maternal health and diet.
What Headache Medications Are Safe During Pregnancy
Theres generally little information about safe headache medications to take during pregnancy. Still, up to 70% of pregnant women with a migraine condition take medications to find relief. Knowing which headache medications are safe during pregnancy is important. It can help lower the risk of pregnancy complications and health problems for your baby.
Always ask your healthcare provider before taking any medications during pregnancy. If you need medications, take the lowest amount needed to relieve your headache. And take them for the shortest period of time possible.
Don’t Miss: Vagisil Pregnant
What Pain Medications Are Safe During Pregnancy
The safest pain medication during pregnancy is acetaminophen, which is sold over-the-counter as Tylenol . Acetaminophen can also be prescribed by your doctor.
However, recent studies have indicated that acetaminophen use may be linked to certain birth defects. Talk to your doctor to assess the risks and benefits of taking pain medication.
Can I Take Sudafed/sudafed Pe When Pregnant
Sudafed and Sudafed PE are generally safe OTC medications to take during pregnancy after the first trimester according to the Cleveland Clinic. Regular Sudafeds main ingredient is pseudoephedrine, a decongestant. Sudafed PE is similar to the plain Sudafed but it contains phenylephrine.
Regular Sudafed has been a go-to for a sinus infection during pregnancy for a long time. This cold medicine works by constricting blood flow to the nasal passages. Common side effects include dry mouth, feeling like your heart is racing, and high blood pressure.
Also Check: Is It Safe To Donate Plasma While Pregnant
Can You Get Allergies During Pregnancy
Yes, you most definitely can develop allergies during pregnancy especially if you have a history of them. In fact, for those who already have the condition, a bun in the oven can sometimes make allergy symptoms worse.
Every womans body is different, and no two pregnancies are alike. Its difficult to predict exactly how allergies will affect each individual mom-to-be. But in general, your allergy symptoms should be about the same as before you were pregnant.
Some of the most common signs of allergies include:
- Nasal congestion
- Watery eyes
- Rashes
In addition, you may have itchy skin after coming in contact with an allergen. Itchiness can be unbearable and often gets itchier when rubbed or scratched. Thankfully, a soothing oatmeal bath can usually do the trick to soothe itchy and irritated skin.
What Pregnant Women Can Take For Infections
Safe to take: Penicillin
If you have an infection such as strep throat or an UTI that calls for antibiotics, penicillin is the way to go. “There have never been any birth defects associated with the penicillin family, or any other issues linked to mom or baby,” says Dr. Park. However, the tetracycline and doxycycline families of antibiotics have been found to cause discoloration in babies’ teeth after the fourth month of pregnancy, because these meds affect the calcificationor the hardeningof their pearly whites. “It’s purely a cosmetic thing, but best to avoid those types of antibiotics,” says Dr. Park. At the end of the day, if your doctor prescribes any medications while pregnant, rest assured that the drug probably poses far fewer risks than the effects of an untreated illness or infection
Recommended Reading: Can I Donate Plasma While Breastfeeding
How Can You Make Sure A Prescription Drug Is Safe To Take During Pregnancy
Ask your provider. She can tell you if a prescription medicine is safe to take during pregnancy. She may want you to stop taking a medicine or switch to one thats safer for you and your baby. Dont stop taking a prescription medicine without talking to your provider first. Make sure that any provider who prescribes medicine for you knows that youre pregnant.
When your provider gives you a prescription for medicine, he tells you exactly how much to take, how often to take it and how long to take it. When you take any prescription medicine:
- Take it exactly as your provider says to take it.
- Dont take it with alcohol or other drugs.
- Dont take someone elses prescription medicine.
If youre using a prescription medicine differently than youre supposed to use it , tell your provider. She can give you treatment to help you quit. Or contact:
To find out more about the safety of prescription medicines during pregnancy, go to: mothertobaby.org or Treating for Two
Is It Ok To Take Antibiotics While Pregnant
This question needs a relative answer: it depends! There are antibiotics on the market which can be taken during pregnancy, antibiotics that may affect the development of the fetus and others that are somewhere in between. Still, most antibiotics pass the placental barrier and reach the fetal circulation, interfering with the normal development and causing abnormalities.
Penicillins are in the category of antibiotics that are less toxic and are used to treat a large range of infections. Cephalosporins are quite good, but they need to be taken with caution. Aminoglycosides may lead to deafness, toxic effects in the kidneys and affect the balance. Tetracyclines aren`t allowed while pregnant, especially when talking about the second or third trimester of pregnancy, because once they reach the fetal blood, they accumulate in bones and teeth, and are toxic for the liver. Chloramphenicol in newborns may cause gray syndrome, which manifests itself by diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting or bruised skin.
Amoxicillin is frequently used while pregnant. Research has discovered no relation between this drug and a poor outcome of pregnancy. It`s essential for bacterial infections during pregnancy to be treated as early as possible and used antibiotics that will offer results. If such an infection remains untreated, it may lead to serious harm to both the mother and her child. A treatment that includes amoxicillin might be the safest option for you or your future baby.
Read Also: Vagisil Cream Pregnancy
Finding Drugs That Are Safe To Take While Pregnant
Expectant mothers often face a dilemma about whether to take medication when they fall ill due to fears it might harm their unborn baby, but new research is unravelling which drugs are safe to take during pregnancy.
Pregnant women are excluded from trials of new medications for ethical reasons, which has led to growing uncertainty around the effects of drugs on the foetus. The thalidomide scandal of the 1950s and 1960s, when doctors prescribed the sedative to pregnant women to quell their morning sickness, has also highlighted the dangers of taking medications during pregnancy: thousands of women miscarried after taking thalidomide and tens of thousands of children were born with birth defects.
Studies now indicate that pregnant women tend to steer clear of medicines as much as possible.
We see women suffering with pain or conditions that should be treated, said Professor Hedvig Nordeng from the school of pharmacy at the University of Oslo, Norway. Non-adherence to needed treatment is a major problem during pregnancy.
But some women may be taking drugs in the early weeks of pregnancy before they realise they are expecting, while others can have serious conditions that mean they cannot avoid medication. For them, the lack of information about the impact this might have on their child can be a source of great anxiety.
Cord blood
‘We see women suffering with pain or conditions that should be treated.’
Professor Hedvig Nordeng, University of Oslo, Norway
” width=
