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Drug usage during pregnancy and lactation raises several questions. Should all drugs be avoided during pregnancy? What drugs are safe to use? Are drugs that are not advisable during pregnancy also not advisable while breastfeeding? What about natural products? How do drugs affect the foetus? Here is a summary of the main recommendations regarding drug use during pregnancy and lactation.
During the first three months of pregnancy, the foetus is developing slowly. Exposure of the foetus to certain drugs during this stage can impair organ formation. During the following months, certain medicine could cause a growth delay or impair psychomotor development (motor and mental functions). Finally, during the last two months of pregnancy, certain drugs could induce or delay labor. Certain drugs can also prolong labor unnecessarily.
Fortunately, a limited number of drugs can caused those problems. Several products are known to be safe and effective during pregnancy. Caution is of course warranted. Many pregnant women experience various malaises during this period, which require drug therapy. With such malaises, it is best to resort to non-drug measures to try to relieve symptoms. Here are a few examples.
Symptoms | Non-drug measures |
Constipation |
|
Cough |
|
Heartburn/Reflux |
|
Hemorrhoids |
|
Insect sting (prevention) |
|
Nausea |
|
Pain / Back Pain / Headaches |
|
Most pregnant women will be exposed to various non pharmaceutical products during their pregnancy. Some of these products should be avoided while others should be used in moderation.
When non-drug measures are not enough to alleviate your symptoms, certain over-the-counter (or even prescription) drugs can be used. Most health problems can be treated efficaciously and safely during pregnancy.
As during pregnancy, some drugs are not recommended while breastfeeding. Drugs used during breastfeeding can:
Some products should be avoided at all times during breastfeeding, while others should simply be taken differently so as to interfere as little as possible with breastfeeding. Pharmacists are in the best position to advise women on product safety. Breastfeeding women should not hesitate to ask their pharmacist to help them safely alleviate health problems.
A cautious approach to drugs combined with a healthy lifestyle enables you to consider safer and more pleasant pregnancy and breastfeeding period. You and your child are at the heart of these choices!
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The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.