Getting sick and taking medication are common and simple things for everyone, but for two types of people, they are a big problem.
Doctors often encounter two types of expectant mothers: one has serious concerns about medication during pregnancy, fearing it may affect the fetus and even refusing to take any medication. For example, patients with chronic internal medicine diseases such as hypertension, epilepsy, asthma, etc. may experience poor disease control due to discontinuation of medication during pregnancy, which not only poses a threat to expectant mothers but also affects the fetus. And another type of expectant mother is more blind in using medication during pregnancy, leading to unreasonable use of drugs, especially in early pregnancy, causing fetal malformation or miscarriage, and causing harm to herself and her family. I hope every expectant mother can learn with us about how to use medication during pregnancy before she has to.
1、 Medication during pregnancy
(1) Medication before pregnancy
Women should try to avoid using medication before preparing for pregnancy. If women need to use medication to treat diseases, they should use it under the guidance of a doctor. Some medications may cause harm to women and even affect their reproductive ability.
（2） Early pregnancy medication
Early pregnancy is the most critical period for expectant mothers during pregnancy, as the organs and tissues of the fetus are forming at this time. During this period, expectant mothers should try to avoid using medication as much as possible. If expectant mothers need to use medication to treat illnesses, they should use it under the guidance of a doctor and try to use medication that has the least impact on the fetus.
（3） Mid pregnancy medication
Mid pregnancy is a relatively safe period for expectant mothers during pregnancy, as the organs and tissues of the fetus have already formed but have not yet fully developed. During this period, expectant mothers can use some medications under the guidance of a doctor, but should try to avoid using medications that affect fetal development as much as possible.
（4） Medication in Late Pregnancy
Late pregnancy is the final stage of a expectant mother's pregnancy, during which the fetus has fully developed. During this period, expectant mothers can use some medications under the guidance of a doctor, but should avoid using medications that affect the health of the fetus.
2、 Pregnancy Safety Medication Instructions
In terms of drug selection, we emphasize "safety", which refers to choosing drugs with pregnancy safety ratings of A or B as determined by the US Food and Drug Administration as much as possible. At present, the reference for medication during pregnancy in China is mainly based on the pregnancy safety drug classification formulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA categorizes safe medication during pregnancy into five levels.
Grade A: such as folic acid B-class complex vitamins containing folic acid, such as penicillin Amoxicillin and cephalosporins
Grade C: They can only be used after weighing the benefits to pregnant women over the harm to the fetus.
Grade D: There is clear evidence that the drug is harmful to human fetuses, but for example, it is necessary to use the drug to save the life of pregnant women or to treat diseases that are ineffective with other safer drugs.
Level X: Prohibited for pregnant or potentially pregnant women
III. Safety guidelines for medication for expectant mothers
To ensure the safety of medication for expectant mothers, the following are some important guidelines:
(1) Consult a doctor
Before using any medication, expectant mothers should consult a doctor. Doctors can assess the risks and benefits of medication and provide the best advice.
（2） Follow the medication instructions
Expectant mothers should strictly follow the medication instructions and not exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use.
（3） Avoid self medication
Expectant mothers should avoid self medication, even over-the-counter drugs. Some drugs may cause harm to the mother and fetus. If expectant mothers need to use medication to treat illnesses, they should use it under the guidance of a doctor.
（4） Avoid using herbs and health products that have not been approved by a doctor
Expectant mothers should avoid using herbs and health products that have not been approved by a doctor. Some herbs and health supplements may cause harm to the mother and fetus.
（5） Avoid using alcohol and nicotine
Expectant mothers should avoid drinking and smoking. Drinking and smoking may cause harm to the fetus, leading to physiological and psychological problems after birth.
（6） Understanding the safety and risks of medication
Expectant mothers should be aware of the safety and risks of medication, including the dosage and duration of use. Expectant mothers should also be aware of the potential effects of medication on the fetus and newborn in order to make informed decisions.
（7） Medication therapy during pregnancy should be short-term
Expectant mothers should try to avoid long-term medication as medication therapy should be short-term. Expectant mothers should try to avoid using any medication during pregnancy.
4、 The safety of common drugs
Here are some safety information of common drugs:
(1) Analgesics
The use of analgesics during pregnancy may have adverse effects on the fetus, so they should be avoided as much as possible. When necessary, it should be used under the guidance of a doctor.
（2） Antibiotics
Some antibiotics can be safely used during pregnancy, but some antibiotics may cause harm to the fetus. Expectant mothers should consult a doctor and follow their guidance before using antibiotics.
（3） Iron supplements can be safely used during pregnancy as iron deficiency anemia may affect fetal growth and development.
（4） Most vitamins can be safely used during pregnancy, but excessive use of vitamin A may cause harm to the fetus. Expectant mothers should use vitamin supplements under the guidance of a doctor.
（5） Antidepressants
Antidepressants can have negative effects on mothers and fetuses, so expectant mothers should try to avoid using them as much as possible. When necessary, it should be used under the guidance of a doctor.
（6） Antihypertensive drugs
The use of antihypertensive drugs during pregnancy may have adverse effects on the fetus, so they should be avoided as much as possible. When necessary, it should be used under the guidance of a doctor.
（7） Anti inflammatory drugs can be safely used during pregnancy, but some anti-inflammatory drugs may cause harm to the fetus. Expectant mothers should consult a doctor and follow their guidance before using antibiotics.
7、 Summary
During pregnancy, the use of medication should be very cautious as some drugs may cause harm to the mother and fetus. Expectant mothers should avoid self medication, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Expectant mothers should use medication under the guidance of a doctor, understand the safety and risks of medication, and avoid long-term use. Expectant mothers should avoid using any medication during pregnancy as much as possible, unless necessary and under the guidance of a doctor.
When choosing medication, expectant mothers should consider the safety of the medication, including the dosage and duration of use, as well as the potential impact of the medication on the fetus and newborn. Expectant mothers should try to avoid using certain medications, such as painkillers, antidepressants, and antihypertensive drugs. For other medications such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, expectant mothers should use them under the guidance of a doctor.
Finally, expectant mothers should remember to consult a doctor promptly for proper treatment and guidance if any illness or discomfort occurs during pregnancy.