During your pregnancy, there will be times when you feel ill and want to take medication to make you feel better. However, it can be confusing to know what medication is safe to take and what should be avoided. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before taking any medication, even over-the-counter medications, to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
Always consult with your doctor before taking any medications while pregnant, as they can pass through the placenta to your baby. Some medications are considered safe during pregnancy while others may pose risks to your developing baby.
Here is a pregnancy guide that covers information on medicine and pregnancy. This guide will provide you with information on the types of medicines that are safe to take during pregnancy, as well as those that should be avoided. In addition, the guide will also offer advice on how to safely take medication during pregnancy.
Get medical advice:
During your first appointment with your doctor or midwife, make sure to inquire about which medications are safe for you to take. Also, ask if there are any alternatives that you can take instead of the ones you need to avoid. They will have a detailed pregnancy guide on the dos and don’ts at this time that you can refer to.
Read the labels:
All medication has potential risks that may not be safe for you to take during pregnancy. Be sure to read all labels carefully and check with your healthcare provider before taking any medication, even over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
Share the news:
Make sure to inform your doctor or chemist if you are pregnant when they are prescribing you any new medications. This is important because some medications can be harmful to a developing fetus.
Vitamin and mineral supplements:
It’s important to speak with your doctor or midwife before taking any supplements during pregnancy, as some supplements can actually be harmful. That said, there are some supplements that are recommended for pregnant women. Namely, pregnant women should take 10 micrograms of vitamin D each day throughout their pregnancy and 400 micrograms of folic acid each day. It’s best to start taking these supplements before conceiving and continue taking them until you’re 12 weeks pregnant. However, you should avoid taking vitamin A supplements or any other supplements containing vitamin A.
Natural remedies:
There are natural alternatives you can try to avoid taking medicine in pregnancy for common health issues such as morning sickness. These include ginger root (250 milligram capsules 4 times a day), or acupressure where you wear sea bands three-quarters of an inch down your wrist in between tendons to relieve feelings of nausea.
Complementary therapies:
Acupuncture and massage can be excellent complementary therapies to use during pregnancy in order to relax and ease any aches and pains. If you are considering using a complementary therapy, it is always important to consult with your GP or midwife beforehand. Once you have decided to use a complementary therapy, only consult with qualified practitioners.
