Drug use in pregnant women.

During pregnancy, drug treatment may be needed in order to treat common complaints related to the pregnancy for example constipation or vomiting or even to treat pre-existing/chronic conditions. However, drugs taken by a pregnant mother may enter the baby’s blood stream through the placenta. Some of the drugs may cause harm to the developing baby or the mother or even both. Hence, it is vital to CONSULT your doctor before taking any medication including over-the-counter or herbal medicine if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. Your doctor will prescribe drug treatment only if the possible benefits of administering the drug outweigh any potential risks. It is also important to seek your doctor’s advice before you continue taking the long-term drug treatment for chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or epilepsy. Modification in the drug therapy may be required in this case. During pregnancy, pregnant women must avoid using drugs of abuse such as marijuana and heroin as their newborn babies will have low birth weight and withdrawal symptoms (for example feeding and sleeping difficulties, trembling and seizures) and the babies may then die. Pregnant women who are intravenous drug abusers may infect their babies with HIV. You must also avoid smoking (nicotine) and drinking alcohol if you are pregnant. Smoking during pregnancy may lead to premature labour and low birth weight of babies. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy may affect the fetus by causing growth retardation, facial abnormalities and serious central nervous system problems.

Pregnancy period is categorized into 3-month stages that are usually called trimesters. If you administer drugs during:

• the first 3 months of pregnancy / first trimester :

some of the drugs may interfere with the fetal organ development leading to birth malformations /defects. Very severe defects may lead to miscarriage. Therefore, unless directed by your doctor, you must avoid taking any drugs during the first trimester.

         

• the next 3 months of pregnancy / 4^th –6^th month of pregnancy / second trimester : 

some of the drugs may retard/slow down fetal growth leading to low birth weight of the baby. Whereas, some drugs may cause specific fetal tissue damage.

• The end of pregnancy period / 6^th – 9^th month of pregnancy / third trimester or during labour / delivery :

Labour may be premature, delayed or prolonged by certain drugs. Additionally, some drugs may cause problems to the newborn baby. For example, newborn baby may experience breathing difficulty if the mother is administered with narcotic analgesic.

Note:

• Remember to always seek your doctor's advice before taking any medication including over-the-counter or herbal medicine if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.
• Drugs that have been usually used during pregnancy and usually safe are preferred compared to new drugs.
• Smallest effective dose of drug should always be used.
• Unless directed by your doctor, you must avoid self-medication with any drugs at any stages of pregnancy. If possible, you should try non-drug or alternative treatments first. For example, if you experience vomiting during pregnancy, you should take small, frequent meals. In addition, you should avoid foods, smells, or situation that induce vomiting. Then, take an effervescent glucose (However careful if you are diabetic).  If these are not effective, then only you seek your doctor advice on drug therapy. 
• If you have constipation during pregnancy, you should try proper diet, adequate fluid intake and exercise. If these are ineffective, you should seek your doctor’s advice on laxative preparations.
• Before taking any vitamins or health supplements, you should also consult your doctor first.
• If you are pregnant or suspect pregnant, you should avoid or reduce food or drugs containing caffeine.