Social Drugs in Pregnancy

October 16th, 2009 No Comments   Posted in Health, Pregnancy

Social Drugs in Pregnancy

Demon Rum

Alcohol doesn’t discriminate between mother and baby. It’s an equal opportunity drug that easily crosses through the placenta to the baby. If you become tipsy, your baby won’t pass a sobriety test. You wouldn’t dream f giving your newborn a martini, so don’t give your unborn baby one either.

The detrimental effects of alcohol on the developing fetus have been known for centuries. Carthage and Sparta passed laws to prevent newlyweds from drinking so they wouldn’t produce defective children. Thus, it’s not hot news that alcohol can cause problems for babies.

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Over-the-Counter Drugs in Pregnancy

October 16th, 2009 No Comments   Posted in Health, 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.

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Drugs in Pregnancy

October 16th, 2009 No Comments   Posted in Health, Pregnancy

Drugs in Pregnancy

The Right Stuff

We have prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and the ever popular social/recreational drugs. There’s something for everyone. Pregnancy provides the opportunity for many women to examine their particular pattern of drug use.

Everyone wants a healthy baby with all the designated parts in the proper places. Pregnant womeI1 worry about birth defects and try to do everything possible to avoid harmful substances that might harm their developing baby. There’s much confusion and anxiety about what causes birth defects and the role that drugs play. When a miscarriage or abnormality in the baby occurs, the normal reaction is to look for a place to lay the blame. But it’s not that simple most of the time.

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