For many moms-to-be, taking medication is up there with smoking, alcohol and caffeine – completely out of the question. If there’s a risk – even a very slight one – that that baby could be harmed, these substances are usually considered off-limits until after delivery.
But what if your health – and your baby’s well-being – depends on you controlling symptoms that could develop into a life-threatening situation? Would you take prescription medication?
As it turns out, approximately two-thirds of women take prescription medication during pregnancy. WiserPregnancy data shows prescription medication is often used for these conditions:
- Urinary tract infections – 91% treat with prescription antibiotics
- Yeast infections – 88% treat with prescription antibiotics
- Depression – 48% treat with prescription antidepressants
- Morning sickness – 20% treat with prescription medication
- Heartburn – 14% treat with prescription medication
- Headaches – 11% treat with prescription medication
There are a few widespread, reliable studies that fully investigate the effects of medication and mothers and babies. However, the effects of many drugs have yet to be studied, in part due to ethical concerns or the lack of large sample sizes tracked over time.
This has not gone unnoticed by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has proposed to study the safety of medications taken during pregnancy. The results will help physicians and patients make better decisions. They could also pave the way for future regulations and medical procedure guidelines.
Did you take prescription medication during pregnancy? Why or why not?
