Giving birth to a healthy baby is the ultimate wish for every mom-to-be. Through the phase of pregnancy, a mother needs to intake nutritious foods and doctor-prescribed medications only. There are certain medications that should be strictly avoided during the delicate phase, as they can be harmful to the growing fetus. It is advisable to avoid potentially harmful drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and artificial sweeteners during pregnancy.
Here is a complete list of OTC medications that a mother needs to avoid during the entire phase of pregnancy:
• Antihistamines- Expecting mother should strictly refrain from taking antihistamines typically if they are allergic to the active ingredients. To overcome the risk of asthma attacks, it is best to make simple lifestyle changes. Some of the common side-effects that can occur with Antihistamines are dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness.
• Nasal Decongestants- Though this medication group is helpful in getting rid of severe nasal congestion and symptoms of watery eyes, and itchy nose, during pregnancy it can trigger the side effects like insomnia, vomiting, or a headache. Instead, the mother can overcome nasal congestion by using humidifiers or warm showers.
• Blood thinners- Women suffering from an artificial heart valve and blood clotting issues often take anti-platelet medications regularly. But certain blood thinner like Coumadin took during pregnancy can lead to severe bleeding, structural problems for the baby or even miscarriage.
• Antidepressants- Medications like Prozac are scientifically tested to be safe during pregnancy, but certain other drugs like paroxetine increase the risk of fetal deformity.
• Antifungal Medication- The potent ingredients of antifungal drugs can easily cross the placental barrier and reach up to the fetal cord blood. As a result, they can hamper the development rate of the unborn baby.
• Vitamin A pills- Most of the gynecologists often restrict the expectant mom to refrain from taking large doses of Vitamin A during pregnancy. The dose should lie within 8,000 IU per day. High dose of Vitamin A can often increase the chances of birth defects and liver toxicity.
• Painkillers- During pregnancy, some of the common symptoms that the mother experiences are vomiting, headache and nausea. To get rid of a headache, it is best to try natural relief methods like massage, yoga or reflexology. Taking painkillers like acetaminophen, and ibuprofen can have a harmful effect on the growing fetus.
• Aspirin- To get rid of severe migraine headaches, doctors may prescribe a patient to intake aspirin. But for a pregnant mother, the case is completely different. Intake of aspiring can elevate the risk of several other complexities. The woman can have higher chances to experience miscarriage and placental abruption.
• Antibiotics- Though doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat persistent fever, but certain antibiotics like Tetracycline and Streptomycin should be avoided.
• Acne medications- During the phase of pregnancy, a woman often complains about the problem of skin acne. But it is better to avoid taking acne medications, as it can lead to birth defects like facial abnormalities, heart defects, and brain malformations.
• Certain herbs- Though many people think that consumption of herbal medications is quite safe for the pregnant mothers, there are certain herbs that should be strictly avoided.
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Yes, a pregnant woman should be very much alert and cauious about the medications.