Pregnancy and
Medications
When
you’re pregnant, you have to be aware of everything you eat or drink, including
medications and herbal supplements, both prescription and over-the-counter.
There are very few things that won’t cross across the placenta and affect your
baby, so it’s important to understand what you’re taking.
It’s
especially important that you avoid any medications that aren’t absolutely
essentially during the first 8 to 10 weeks of your pregnancy. This is the time
when your baby's brain, heart, and lungs are developing – medication
interactions could lead to defects in these areas.
Before
prescribing any medicine, your doctor or nurse-midwife will look at whether the
risk of taking medicine is higher than the risk of not treating your illness.
If you or your baby would face worse problems without treatment, then your
doctor or nurse-midwife will prescribe medicine or recommend an
over-the-counter one. He or she will also look at which medicine to give you.
For example, some antibiotics are safe for pregnant women, and some are not.
And
while there are no medications which are 100 percent safe for every person,
there are certain people for whom the benefits of a particular medication
outweigh any possible side effects. For example, a type I diabetic needs to
take synthetic insulin during pregnancy, regardless of what interactions you do
need medication while pregnant, you want to take the smallest dose for the
least possible time to still be effective. Follow all dosing directions
provided by your doctor – for example, some medications should be taken with
food, others on an empty stomach. Take each medication with a full glass of
water – if you take a sip of water before taking your medication, it may be
easier to swallow. Make sure your doctor knows you’re pregnant, and if you have
any questions about a medication's safety, talk with your obstetrician or
pharmacist.
Among the medicines that increase the chances of birth
defects are:
The acne
medicine isotretinoin (such as Amnesteem and Claravis). This medicine is very
likely to cause birth defects. It should not be taken by women who are pregnant
or who may become pregnant.
ACE
inhibitors, such as benazepril and lisinopril, which lower blood pressure.
Medicines
to control seizures, such as valproic acid.
Some
antibiotics, such as tetracycline and doxycycline.
Warfarin
(such as Coumadin), which helps prevent blood clots.
Lithium,
which is used to treat bipolar depression.
Alprazolam
(such as Xanax), diazepam (such as Valium), and some other medicines used to
treat anxiety.
Paroxetine (such as Paxil), which is used to
treat depression and other conditions.
Natural Ways to Help With Pregnancy Discomforts
Prevent Backaches
While
most women will get a backache during pregnancy there some things you can do to
prevent one from even starting.
•Gain the proper amount of weight to keep
pressure off the ligaments and joints in your back. Speak to your care provider
about proper weight gain during pregnancy.
•Avoid high heels after your first trimester.
High heels cause the back arch which can cause backaches.
•Bend at
the knees to lift objects.
•Avoid
standing for long periods. If you have
no choice about how much you stand, try standing with one foot on a low stool.
Switch feet every so often.
•Alleviate stress. Stress is a huge culprit of
backaches, with or without pregnancy. Talk to your partner or care provider
about stress release options.
Try Heat
Heat is
probably one of the best ways to relieve backache during pregnancy. A warm bath
or a warm shower can ease tense muscles. If possible, take a chair (sit
backwards in it) or a birthing ball into the shower with you so you can aim the
water at the exact spot that hurts and sit down at the same time. However, you
should make sure you take warm, not hot showers. Raising the body temperature
too high can harm the baby. Heating pads
set on a low setting are usually safe as well, with the approval of your care
provider.
Take a Pregnancy Yoga
Class
Pregnancy
yoga stretches and strengthens muscles, which for many women alleviates
backaches. It also may help prevent backaches from even starting. In addition,
pregnancy or prenatal yoga prepares your body for labor and birth. Speak to
your gym or your care provider for a recommendation to a pregnancy yoga class.
Sit on a Ball
Sitting
on a birthing or exercise ball during pregnancy can help with backaches too.
Sitting on a birthing ball takes pressure off the lower back muscles. It also
aligns the torso forcing users to sit up straighter. If you're having back
problems during your pregnancy, consider making the birthing ball your primary
chair both at work and at home.
Get a Pregnancy
Massage
A simple
massage every two weeks may help to prevent or alleviate backaches during
pregnancy. Most massage therapists are trained to give massages to pregnant
women and many have special tables built for a pregnant woman's belly.
Always let your masseuse know you're pregnant
before you beginning a pregnancy massage as some massage/essential oils should
not be used on pregnant women and some massage techniques can actually trigger
labor.
Do a Pelvic Tilt
A pelvic
tilt helps with spine alignment. It also helps to strengthen abdominal muscles
and is very helpful if you have back labor during birth. To do a pelvic tilt,
get into a hands and knees position. Keep your back straight and don't let it
sag or arch. Take a deep breath, tuck your head under and tighten your
abdominal muscles. If you've lost your abdominal muscles, try tucking your
buttocks inward while tightening your stomach muscles. If you do this exercise
correctly, your upper back should round.
Use a Full-Body Pillow
A full
body pillow is a super long pillow that pregnant women can use to support their
back, place between their legs to keep their hips in alignment and even support
their belly, all at the same time. This support can help prevent backaches from
starting when you're asleep.
Wear a Maternity
Support Belt
A
maternity support belt goes around the middle to support a pregnant belly. With
proper use, many women find the support belt takes away all backache. Talk to
your care provider about which brand they recommend you use.
Disclaimer
The
information in this article should not be considered medical advice. The
information in this article is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure
any ailment. Always check with your physician before taking any products or
following any advice you have read on the internet. Always consult your doctor before you start,
stop or change anything that has been previously prescribed. Certain herbs and
holistic remedies are unsuitable to take if you are pregnant or nursing.
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