Medication In Pregnancy - Will It Be Harmless?

It is hard to avoid medication during pregnancy. Most medicines do not enter the fetus' body but those that do, may cause serious damage. During the first weeks of pregnancy, the chances of damage are greater as this is the time of development of main organs. Researchers are however not aware whether taking medication during the later stages of pregnancy affect the baby or not.

Over-the-counter drugs and the medicines prescribed by your physician can be considered safe to consume. But no medicines are considered completely safe during pregnancy. The medicines that have been prescribed by your physician during the time you were not pregnant can harm you in pregnancy. Never forget to tell your doctor that you are pregnant and do not take any medicines on your own during pregnancy. Also avoid herbal products. Do not consider them as substitutes for your medical requirements.

Drugs are rated for safety by the Food And Drug Administration (FDA). This rating is for both the over-the-counter drugs and medicines prescribed by your physician. However, most drugs have not been tested on pregnant women. So you need to consult your physician if you are concerned about medication in pregnancy.

Category A drugs are considered safe to take in pregnancy. These drugs are vitamin B6, folic acid and thyroid medicine. Their dose is prescribed or moderated by the doctor.

Category B drugs are those which are taken a number of times during pregnancy and cause no problem or birth defects. Category B drugs include antibiotics, aspartame, acetaminophen, famotidine, insulin, prednisone and ibuprofen before the last trimester.

Category C drugs are those that can harm both the pregnant woman and her fetus. Such unsafe drugs include prochiorperzaine, fluconazole, Sudafed and ciprofloxacin and a few antidepressants. These medicines usually have a warning and a pregnant woman should avoid them or discuss with her doctor.

Category D drugs are those that are harmful for the growing fetus. They are lithium, alcohol, phenytoin and the medicines that are used to treat cancer. However, in certain cases these medicines are given.

Category X drugs are those which are never be consumed in pregnancy. This medication lead to birth defects in the fetus. These include medicines to treat psoriasis and cystic acne, sedatives and medicines that avoid miscarriage. Aspirin and the medicines which contain salicyclate are also not to be taken during pregnancy.

Do the right thing. Always take the opinion of your doctor if you need to take any medication during pregnancy.