Quiz on pregnancy and breastfeeding

During his latest health segment on the television show “2 filles le matin,” our pharmacist, Charles Milliard, answered questions about pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Are there drugs to stimulate milk production?

Yes, certain medications can be prescribed when lactation is inadequate. The most common of them is domperidone, a drug that is generally well tolerated. Dosage varies from one woman to the next. Its effect can normally be felt within the first few days of treatment and reaches its peak after 2 to 3 weeks. Treatment generally lasts 3 to 8 weeks and doses are progressively reduced before stopping the medication completely.

Is folic acid important during pregnancy?

Yes, absolutely! All women of childbearing age should take a supplement of folic acid. The supplement should be taken 3 months prior to conception and throughout the pregnancy. Also known as vitamin B9, folic acid plays a major role in the growth of maternal and foetal tissues. It prevents neural tube defects (NTD) and other anomalies, such as defects of the heart, urinary tract and limbs ). Some studies have even shown that an adequate intake of folic acid could prevent up to 50 percent of birth defects.

Here’s an interesting fact: Since 1998, folic-acid fortification of white flour, pasta and cornmeal has been mandatory in Canada in order to increase our intake and, in turn, decrease NTDs. Talk to your pharmacist to find out which dose is right for you based on your medical history and profile.

I have recently become a vegan and now only drink soy milk. While I am pregnant, should I make an exception and drink cow’s milk?

Pregnant women who are vegetarian or vegan must make sure they get enough calcium, vitamin D, iron, B12 and zinc. If cow’s milk isn’t part of your diet, you need to get calcium from other foods (i.e. sesame seeds, beans). As for the other vitamins and minerals, vegan women may need to take a supplement. If you have questions about your diet, it’s best to talk to a nutritionist.

Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding?

Yes. Breastfeeding is a reliable form of birth control only if ALL of the following conditions are met:

• The baby is under 6 months old;
• The baby is exclusively breastfed (no other type of milk being given, no breast pump being used);
• The baby feeds every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night;
• The mother has not experienced the return of her menstrual period (with the exception of blood loss in the 6 weeks following childbirth).

Should over-the-counter drugs be avoided during pregnancy?

Many drugs can be taken during pregnancy. Just be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication. The stage of pregnancy is also a factor given that the foetus develops gradually and will be more or less affected by a given drug at given times. Your pharmacist will weigh the risks of the treatment versus its health benefits for you.

Are there products to help soothe cracked nipples? What about cabbage leaves? Are they just an old wives’ tale?

Lanolin can soothe and prevent cracked nipples by moisturizing and protecting them. Also, if an infection develops, your doctor can prescribe a product to treat it.

When breastfeeding, you must position the baby properly. This is key to preventing nipple soreness. If you need help, talk to a lactation consultant or visit the breastfeeding clinic at your CLSC.

If engorgement is the issue, make sure you feed your baby often in order to completely empty the breasts. As for cabbage leaves, they might help to reduce engorgement, but since this method has not been scientifically proven, I recommend hot compresses instead.

If I develop gestational diabetes, am I more likely to have diabetes after giving birth?

No, there is no connection.

Gestational diabetes occurs because certain hormones produced by the placenta during pregnancy block the action of insulin, resulting in a rise in blood sugar levels in some women. Gestational diabetes develops during the latter part of the 2nd and in the 3rd trimester. It occurs in 2 to 4 percent of pregnancies and can affect both the mother and the child. In 90 percent of cases, it disappears after childbirth.

Can I use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) like the “patch” during pregnancy?

It is important that pregnant women understand the benefits of not smoking during pregnancy. Women wishing to quit should also receive the support they need. However, non-pharmacological measures are better options in such cases.

If non-pharmacological measures are not working, NRT may be more effective. But before starting treatment, be sure to talk with your pharmacist or doctor to obtain appropriate follow-up.

There are new pregnancy tests that indicate how far along you are. Are they reliable?

All store-bought pregnancy tests must meet certain standards in order to be sold. They are therefore reliable. For greater accuracy, however, a blood test is recommended.

Pharmacy services

For more information, talk to your pharmacist!

Related articles

• Vitamins and minerals : Healthy eating is the way to go
• Menstruation : Understanding the menstrual cycle