When you are pregnant, there is a long list of things you need to avoid in order to keep you and your baby safe. These items are both foods as well as various medications. For more information, visit braceyourhealth.
Here are 10 types of medicines to avoid at all costs when you are pregnant:
1. Ibuprofen
This is probably the one over-the-counter medication that is in everyone’s medicine cabinet as it is mild and most helpful for many ailments. But pregnant women should be careful using this due to the numerous problems it can cause.
Some of the issues Ibuprofen can cause include miscarriage, jaundice, brain damage in the unborn baby, delayed onset of labor, artery issues in the fetus, and many other problems. Small amounts are deemed safe in early pregnancy, but it is always best to check with your doctor before consuming any OTC medications.
2. Codeine
This is a prescription drug that helps relieve and control pain. This is a low-level narcotic and can become habit-forming. The main problem in pregnant women taking this drug is the withdrawal symptoms in their newborn babies.
3. Sulfonamides
This group of drugs is a type of antibiotic and also falls under the title of sulfa. They are prescribed for treating bacterial infections and killing germs. The danger to the unborn baby is a miscarriage.
4. Clonazepam
Another name is Klonopin. This is a drug used mostly to prevent seizures, however, it is also prescribed for panic or anxiety attacks. It is dangerous to the unborn for causing miscarriages.
5. Coumadin
This medication is also known under the name Warfarin and is a common blood thinner. It is used to treat and prevent blood clots. This medication can cause birth defects in newborns as well as miscarriages.
6. Ativan
You will also find this mediation labeled Lorazepam. It is used for mental health issues as well as anxiety. Taking this during pregnancy can cause birth defects or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn baby.
7. Xanax
Also known as Alprazolam. It is used to treat anxiety and other mental health disorders. It can cause damage to developing fetuses as well as possible miscarriages.
8. Methotrexate
This medication is prescribed for arthritis and can cause numerous issues in unborn babies.
9. Blood Pressure Medication
These are known as ACE inhibitors and are labeled Lisinopril and benazepril. These can be dangerous to an unborn infant.
10. Paroxetine
The brand name is Paxil and it is given to individuals to help with depression as well as other mental health conditions.
This is a small list of medications that can possibly harm a mother and her unborn baby. It may seem overly cautious, but even a simple cough drop or other types of mild medication could be a danger to an unborn baby.
It is always best to check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter drugs or prescription medications. Always tell any new doctor you are seeing that you are pregnant and when your due date is to make sure they know what they can and cannot prescribe for your condition.