Whether you’re thinking about getting pregnant, or you’re currently pregnant, you might be wondering how to know which medications are safe to use during your pregnancy. This includes everything from prescription medications, to over-the-counter cold remedies to your daily multivitamin. How do you know what’s safe, and what you should
stop taking to protect yourself and your baby?
Nearly every pregnant woman will face a decision regarding medication at some point
during their pregnancy. However, there’s not detailed information on effects of many
medications when it comes to pregnant women, because they are not included in safety
studies.
What we do know, though, is that there are some cases in which it would be more harmful to stop taking a medication during pregnancy, if, for example, the medication helps control a health condition. On the flip side, there are also certain medications that increase the risk of birth defects, miscarriage or developmental disabilities. Certain things, such as the dose of the medication, during what trimester you take the medication and what health conditions you have, all play a role in this as well.
The best thing to do is to discuss any medications you are currently taking with your
health care provider. You can do this even before you are pregnant, as there are some
medications that are unsafe in early pregnancy. Your provider will help you create a
treatment plan so that you, and your baby, are as healthy and as safe as possible.
Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll want to check in with your doctor before starting or
stopping any new medication, and this includes prescriptions, vitamins, supplements or
over-the-counter remedies. Even after you deliver your baby, your doctor will be able to
work with you to determine if you should continue taking your medication or, when it’s
safe for you to resume taking medication you stopped taking during pregnancy.
Together, you and your doctor can work together to come up with a plan to keep you and your baby as healthy and safe as possible.
Obstetrician/Gynecologist Shawna Ruple, M.D., sees patients at MidMichigan Obstetrics & Gynecology in Midland. Dr. Ruple specializes in routine and problem gynecology care, gynecologic surgery, prevention of female reproductive cancers, birth control options, caring for women while pregnant and more. For more information on in-office treatments and procedures, contact her office at (989) 631-6730.
