Once you know that you are pregnant, your doctor would give you plenty of instructions along with do’s and don’ts list. During the first visit to your doctor would request for complete checkup for analyzing the blood sample and urine sample. She would also collect necessary information about your general health and the list of any medication(s) you are currently taking. From then on, you need to follow the instructions of your doctor by taking healthy diet and avoiding any medications unless specified.
Any drug that you take during pregnancy can affect the unborn child inviting complications. It is quite common for many of us to take OTC medications for common cold and fever. But you should not do such thing once your pregnancy is confirmed. You don’t want your baby to have any health problem due to commonly used drugs.
Getting the symptoms of cold and flu is common during pregnancy and is quite common during the first month of pregnancy. As per the recommendations given by the University of Michigan Health System, you should avoid taking any medications during the first trimester of pregnancy. First 12 weeks is the critical time for the development of vital organs for the baby and any drug/medication taken during this period can interfere with the overall health of the baby.
The following Lists Of Common Medications Are Not Considered Safe For The Baby :
- Nasal strips used for nasal congestion
- Menthol rub used on the chest and temples
- Lozenges and cough drops
- Tylenol and similar drugs for treating pains and aches
- Mylanta and similar medications used for treating nausea and heartburn
- Cough suppressant drugs and expectorants and other cough syrups
- Aspirin, Advil and naproxen
- Avoid taking any antibiotic and antiviral drugs totally unless given by your doctor.
- During the first 3 months of pregnancy even small things can affect the development of the baby.
Paracetamol has been widely used for getting relief from fever, and body pain. It is safe to take paracetamol during pregnancy but remember to take it in the lowest possible dosage. Healthy adults can take paracetamol 500 mg up to 4 times a day but when you are pregnant you can minimize the daily dose to 2 pills per day. There is no clear evidence that this medication can produce adverse effect on the growing fetus.