Pregnancy is a stage in life where we pay our full attention to our baby. One of the most frequent questions is what medications we can take...
I remember that when I was pregnant with my first daughter I was afraid of getting sick or having pain because I did not want to take any type of medicine because I did not want to put my baby at risk.
My doctor had told me that with mild pain I could only take paracetamol. The list is a little longer for other types of conditions.
Medication risk
According to the US Center for Disease Control, 9 out of 10 pregnant women will take some medication while pregnant. That is why it is important to know what the counter medications are you can take without risk.
There is a classification according to your risk. It is divided into A, B, C, D, or X. Those that fall into categories A, B, or C are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. This is because of the benefit of taking the drug outweighs any associated risks.
Category A. Very low risk: Controlled studies in women show no risk to the fetus in the first trimester (and there is no evidence of risk in subsequent trimesters).
Category B. Low risk: Either animal reproduction studies have not shown a fetal risk but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women, or animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect that was not confirmed in studies (and there is no evidence risk in subsequent quarters).
Category C. Probable high risk: Animal studies have revealed adverse effects on the fetus, or there are no studies in women and animals available. Medications should be given only if the benefit justifies the risk to the fetus.
Category D. Very high risk: There is positive evidence of human fetal risk, but the benefits of use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk.
Category X. Severe risk: Studies have shown fetal abnormalities and the risk of using the drug in pregnant women clearly outweighs any possible benefit. The drug is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant.
These are the medications you can take
Consult your doctor when you feel discomfort or pain of any kind. In the meantime, here is a guide that can help you.
Headache
The most recommended medicine for this ailment is paracetamol (or acetaminophen). The doctor may also prescribe ketoprofen or naproxen. Neither aspirin nor ibuprofen is recommended. Conscious breathing can also relieve headaches naturally.
Cold
The safest options include cough syrups such as expectorants or medications that contain acetaminophen to relieve fever and pain. Many people choose to use more natural alternatives for the cold to complete its cycle and alleviate the symptoms without using medications. Some good recommendations for colds are natural broths, staying hydrated, humidifying the environment and resting.
Heartburn and reflux
When I had severe heartburn in my second pregnancy, the doctor recommended antacid tablets and assured me that it was not a risk to the baby. In the meantime, a change in lifestyle can help: eat dinner three hours before bed, wear clothes that don't compress the abdomen, sleep with your head elevated, and eat small meals throughout the day. If the heartburn is severe, you should check with your doctor again.
Allergies: Antihistamines are considered safe during pregnancy. Some are loratadine or cetirizine. In more severe cases, the doctor may recommend budesonide or mometasone. Some natural options can help: avoid going out on days when there is a lot of pollen in the environment, wearing masks to go outdoors, using saline drops, etc.
Constipation
Some medicinal options are milk of magnesia or Dulcolax, among others. However, many times the natural options are the most recommended: drink more fluids during the day, drink prune juice, take a daily walk, and eat more fruits and vegetables.
Nausea and vomiting
This is very common in pregnancy and medication is only recommended in moderate to severe cases. In the meantime, you can try taking small meals throughout the day to minimize nausea.
Haemorrhoids
Constipation can lead to haemorrhoids during pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend medications such as witch hazel or unusual pads. Trying to use cushions to sit on, or not sitting for too long, can prevent haemorrhoids.
Natural care
The best way to take care of the baby that we carry in the womb is by taking care of our body. When natural treatments are accessible and it is proven that they do not represent risks for the baby, it will always be a good option to consider.
Then, when you are breastfeeding your baby, there is a page that raised my doubts during my two pregnancies, and which I recommended to my friends, is called E-lactation. This site is a project of the Association for the Promotion and Scientific and Cultural Research of Breastfeeding and provides information about drugs compatible with breastfeeding. The indications are formulated by specialized doctors, so the information is safe.
You should always consult your doctor before self-medicating during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Take good care of your body so you can take good care of your baby. Happy pregnancy and breastfeeding!
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