Pregnancy is a time when a woman’s health is of utmost importance. Any medication that she takes has the potential to affect her unborn child.

Therefore, it is important to be cautious while taking any medication during pregnancy and take only those medications that are necessary and safe.

Medications to Avoid During Pregnancy

Some medications that are safe to take before pregnancy or while breastfeeding may not be safe during pregnancy. These medications can cause harm to the developing fetus or increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects.

Here are some medications to avoid during pregnancy:.

1. ACE inhibitors and ARBs

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are commonly used to manage high blood pressure and heart disease.

However, they are known to cause birth defects when taken during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

2. Aspirin

Aspirin is an over-the-counter pain reliever that is often used to manage pain, fever, and inflammation.

However, it can increase the risk of bleeding and cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, a critical blood vessel in the developing fetus, when taken during the third trimester of pregnancy. It can also cause complications during delivery.

3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are commonly used to manage pain and inflammation. However, they can increase the risk of miscarriage and cause heart defects in the fetus when taken during the first trimester of pregnancy.

They can also cause bleeding and delay labor.

4. Tetracyclines

Tetracyclines are antibiotics that are commonly used to treat acne, respiratory infections, and bacterial infections. However, they can cause discoloration and weaken the enamel of the developing fetus’s teeth when taken during pregnancy.

They can also affect bone growth and cause birth defects.

5. Accutane

Accutane is a medication that is commonly used to treat severe acne. However, it is known to cause birth defects, such as facial malformations, brain abnormalities, and heart defects, when taken during pregnancy.

Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not take Accutane or any other medication that contains isotretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A.

6. Warfarin

Warfarin is an anticoagulant that is commonly used to prevent blood clots and manage heart disease. However, it can cause bleeding and birth defects when taken during pregnancy.

Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should switch to heparin or another anticoagulant that is safe to take during pregnancy.

7. Methotrexate

Methotrexate is a medication that is commonly used to treat cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. However, it can cause birth defects and miscarriage when taken during pregnancy.

Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not take methotrexate or any other medication that contains it.

8. Thalidomide

Thalidomide is a medication that was prescribed in the 1950s and 1960s to manage morning sickness. However, it was later found to cause severe birth defects, such as limb abnormalities and deafness.

It is no longer prescribed in most countries, but it still may be available in some places.

9. Hormonal medications

Hormonal medications, such as estrogen and progesterone, are commonly used to manage menopause, endometriosis, and other conditions. However, they can cause birth defects, miscarriage, and other pregnancy complications when taken during pregnancy.

Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should avoid hormonal medications except under the guidance of their healthcare provider.

10. Herbal supplements

Herbal supplements may seem natural, but they can still cause harm to the developing fetus. Some herbs, such as black cohosh, dong quai, and echinacea, may cause miscarriage or birth defects.

Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should avoid herbal supplements unless their healthcare provider approves them.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is a time when a woman’s health is of utmost importance. Any medication that she takes has the potential to affect her unborn child.

Therefore, it is important to be cautious while taking any medication during pregnancy and take only those medications that are necessary and safe. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should always check with their healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement.