Can I take medications while pregnant?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:You should follow these basic guidelines when it comes to medication:
- Don't self-prescribe meds. Any pill you want to pop, run it by your OB or midwife first.
- Don't stop any medications you're currently taking. The issue of medicine is often a risk-benefit decision. If you're at high risk of a complication by not taking your medication, you may very well be putting your baby's in harm way by stopping.
- Don't rely on the average Internet site. It's easy to get caught up in message boards and the thousands of health sites out there. When it comes to medical info, you need to make sure the source is reliable and respectable. Three very reputable sites we recommend for cutting-edge updates: www.motherisk.org, www.realage.com, and www.drugsafetysite.org
- While your doc will advise you on medication doses, you should know that you may need a higher dose as your pregnancy progresses because the rate that you break down drugs while pregnant differs from the non-pregnant state.
If you're interested in complementary medicine, choose a provider who shares your perspective on herbs and other natural remedies.
Find out more about this book: YOU: Having a Baby: The Owner's Manual to a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy
You should follow these basic guidelines when it comes to medication: Don't self-prescribe meds. Any pill you want to pop, run it by your OB or midwife first. Don't stop any medications you're currently taking. The issue of medicine is often a... More -
Health Science Channel answered:Any woman who is pregnant or is even considering becoming pregnant should discuss any medicines, or vitamin supplements she takes with her doctor. The FDA assigns a pregnancy risk category to any drug that it approves. Watch this video to learn more.
Any woman who is pregnant or is even considering becoming pregnant should discuss any medicines, or vitamin supplements she takes with her doctor. The FDA assigns a pregnancy risk category to any drug that it approves. Watch this video to learn... More -
Dr. Purvi Shah of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:There are many medications which are safe in pregnancy, but it is always a good idea to first discuss these with your doctor. The FDA assigns a risk rating to medications as follows:
A - Controlled studies show no risk
- Adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester of pregnancy.
- Adequate, well controlled studies in pregnant women have not shown increased risk of fetal abnormalities despite adverse findings in animals,
or
In the absence of adequate human studies, animal studies show no fetal risk. The chance of fetal harm is remote, but remains a possibility.
- Adequate, well-controlled human studies are lacking, and animal studies have shown a risk to the fetus or are lacking as well.
- There is a chance of fetal harm if the drug is administered during pregnancy; but the potential benefits may outweigh the potential risk.
- Studies in humans, or investigational or post marketing data, have demonstrated fetal risk. Nevertheless, potential benefits from the use of the drug may outweigh the potential risk. For example, the drug may be acceptable if needed in a life threatening situation or serious disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective.
- Studies in animals or humans, or investigational or post-marketing reports, have demonstrated positive evidence of fetal abnormalities or risk which clearly outweighs any possible benefit to the patient.
There are many medications which are safe in pregnancy, but it is always a good idea to first discuss these with your doctor. The FDA assigns a risk rating to medications as follows: A - Controlled studies show no risk Adequate,... More -
Dr. Elif Oker answered:Yes but it depends on the medication. Be sure to check with your physician to find out which medications may be taken while pregnant.
If you are on daily medication your doctor will advise you about continuing, changing or discontinuing your medication while pregnant.
Yes but it depends on the medication. Be sure to check with your physician to find out which medications may be taken while pregnant. If you are on daily medication your doctor will advise you about continuing, changing or discontinuing your... More -
Talk with your doctor if you are pregnant and you have taken any medication or are thinking of taking any medication. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as dietary or herbal products. Pregnant women should not stop or start taking any type of medication that they need without first talking with a doctor. Women who are planning to become pregnant should discuss the need for any medication with their doctor before becoming pregnant and ensure they are taking only medications that are necessary.
Some pregnant women must take medications to treat health conditions such as asthma, epilepsy (seizures), high blood pressure, and depression. If these conditions are not treated, a pregnant woman or her unborn baby could be harmed. It is important that women discuss with their doctor which medications are needed during pregnancy and which are likely to be the safest to take during pregnancy. It is important to balance the possible risks and benefits of any medication being considered.
In addition, women sometimes take medications before they realize that they are pregnant. When this happens, they may worry about the effects of these medications on their unborn child. The first thing a woman who is pregnant or who is planning on becoming pregnant should do is talk with her doctor. Some medications are harmful when taken during pregnancy, but others are not.
The presence of the CDC logo and CDC content on this page should not be construed to imply endorsement by the US Government of any commercial products or services, or to replace the advice of a medical professional. The mark “CDC” is licensed under authority of the PHS.Talk with your doctor if you are pregnant and you have taken any medication or are thinking of taking any medication. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as dietary or herbal products. Pregnant women should... More
