Over-the-Counter Drugs in Pregnancy
Over-the-Counter Drugs in Pregnancy
OTC drugs are the ones you prescribe for yourself. Sixty-five percent of pregnant women medicate themselves for various ailments. A sound rule to follow is to avoid all medications for the relief of minor aches and pains in the first trimester. Only take medications ordered by your doctor and follow the directions to the letter. Here’s a review of some common OTC drugs used during pregnancy.
Aspirin
Aspirin is the most commonly used drug in pregnancy. It’s a great drug but not the best one for the pregnant woman. In excessively high doses, aspirin can cause congenital defects. Aspirin also alters the body’s clotting mechanism in both mom and baby, which is why it’s not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the last trimester.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is the generic name for products such as Tylenol, Datril, and Tempra, which have a safe track record in pregnancy. It has the same ability as aspirin to ease those aches and pains and to lower temperatures. In small doses, acetaminophen can be used safely during pregnancy.
Vitamins
Everyone agrees the pregnant woman needs extra iron, but what about vitamins? Physicians almost routinely prescribe vitamins during pregnancy. The experts in the field say vitamin supplementation isn’t necessary; the benefits are unproven. But ask the experts if they prescribe vitamins in their practice: They do.
Vitamins aren’t an acceptable substitute for a balanced diet. If you take a vitamin supplement, keep it simple. You don’t need to spend a fortune on prenatal supplements. One-a-day multiple vitamins will suffice. Megavitamin therapy during pregnancy is very risky. The fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K can accumulate in the body and produce toxic effects. Birth defects and other problems have been related to excessive vitamin intake. For example, vitamin C in high doses taken regularly during pregnancy can lead to scurvy in the newborn baby after birth. The baby is used to the high levels of vitamin C, and when the supply is decreased after birth, the baby gets scurvy. When it comes to vitamins in pregnancy, “A little dab will do ya.”
Antacids
Heartburn can be a problem during pregnancy. Avoid drugs with high sodium content such as Bromo Seltzer, Alka Seltzer, or Fizrin. Two of these products also contain aspirin and caffeine. Baking soda isn’t a good idea either because it’s just more salt in your system. There are two acceptable remedies: TUMS and Amphojel. TUMS contain 500 grams calcium carbonate per tablet. You can alleviate your heartburn and supply some of your daily calcium requirements. Some doctors recommend TUMS instead of calcium pills if you don’t drink milk. Don’t overdo the calcium, or you may become constipated; three tablets per day is sufficient. Amphojel gives effective relief from heartburn but causes even more constipation than TUMS. Use both these drugs moderately. A word of forewarning: Antacids can be like nasal sprays. When they wear off, the heartburn can be even worse than before. Avoid all other antacids on the market while pregnant.
For an eye-opening guide to medications, read The Medicine Show by Consumer Reports, which gives the real scoop about the effectiveness, dangers, and expense of all those drugs you learn about in the media. It’s an education that could save you a lot of money.
Risky Rays
X-rays aren’t drugs, but many pregnant women are exposed to them during pregnancy, often inadvertently when x-rays are taken before the mother-to be even knows she’s pregnant. Current medical opinion feels that there’s no increased risk of abnormalities in these cases. Diagnostic x-ray studies (upper and lower intestinal series, kidney studies) generally should be avoided during pregnancy, but if they’re done, there’s no great reason to worry about the baby being abnormal.