It’s an excellent time for you to be pregnant. Many women go through it, and the expectation is that everything will be fine. However, this is only sometimes the case. Certain medicines can cause pregnancy complications, leading to various problems for you and your child during childbirth.
Let’s look at some of the most common medications pregnant women should avoid.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
One of the most commonly used over-the-counter pain relievers is ibuprofen. According to Verified Market Research, the Ibuprofen market was valued at $90 Million in 2022 and is expected to touch $110.7 Million by 2030.
It’s available in many forms, including Advil and Motrin. Ibuprofen is considered a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pregnant women avoid taking NSAIDs because they can cause congenital disabilities in the fetus.
NSAIDs block the action of chemicals called prostaglandins that are responsible for inflammation, pain, and fever. They work by reducing inflammation which helps to reduce symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, redness, and heat around affected joints caused by conditions like arthritis.
Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
Tylenol is a popular painkiller and fever reducer. It is taken by millions of people to relieve aches and pains, as well as colds, fevers, and headaches. Many parents give their children Tylenol for pain relief, but recent research has found that taking Tylenol during pregnancy could cause autism and ADHD in children. In addition to this finding, it has also been discovered that Tylenol can cause autism in infants.
One of history’s most recent and well-known lawsuits is the Tylenol autism Lawsuit. Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, has been associated with severe mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. The Tylenol Autism Lawsuit payout for each plaintiff may range from $50,000 to $500,000+, such is the intensity of the lawsuit.
Tylenol should not be taken during pregnancy due to the risk of congenital disabilities. Tylenol can cause congenital disabilities such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), liver damage, and even death in pregnant women.
Naproxen (Aleve)
Naproxen (Aleve) is not recommended for use in pregnant women. In animal studies, naproxen has been found to cause congenital disabilities and fetal loss. Naproxen use during the second and third trimesters may increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and perinatal death.
In a study by Dr. Robert Geller at Boston University School of Medicine, pregnant women who took Aleve or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) were twice as likely to have a miscarriage as those who did not take NSAIDs. These risks are increased even further if you drink alcohol while taking these medications as well.
Aspirin
Do you know that Aspirin is a blood thinner? It has been used in the past to prevent heart attacks and strokes. According to Science Daily, 6 million Americans take Aspirin every day without a physician’s recommendation.
However, this medicine can cause congenital disabilities if taken during pregnancy. Common side effects include bleeding and swelling in the brain, stomach lining, blood vessels, or lungs. It may also result in miscarriage or early labor.
It is important to note that different types of Aspirin are available on the market today. In general, it’s best for pregnant women to avoid all forms of Aspirin unless under medical supervision during labor. However, avoid taking this medication altogether.
Accutane
Accutane is s a prescription drug used to treat severe acne. According to AOCD, clearing acne takes four to five months of Accutane treatment. But it can also cause severe problems for unborn babies if taken during pregnancy.
Its manufacturer, Roche Pharmaceuticals, has been aware that Accutane poses serious health risks to unborn children since 1984 and has issued warnings about using this medication during pregnancy since 1995.
However, despite these known risks and warnings from doctors, the company has not done enough to prevent pregnant women from using their product or educate doctors about how dangerous it is for pregnant women.
Zofran
Zofran is a drug used to treat nausea and vomiting, particularly in pregnant women. It’s also used to prevent motion sickness, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, radiation-induced nausea, and the chronic loss of appetite caused by cancer or AIDS.
Zofran can cause congenital disabilities in babies if you take it during pregnancy. So if you’re pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, check with your doctor before taking Zofran. If your doctor tells you to take Zofran during pregnancy for any reason listed above, ask if there are other options for treating your condition besides taking this medicine.
Topamax
Topamax is a drug that affects the brain. It can be used to treat seizures, but it’s also prescribed for migraines and other pain. While taking Topamax during pregnancy can cause congenital disabilities, even small amounts of this drug taken after conception can cause those same defects.
If you’re pregnant, avoid taking Topamax at all costs. If you’ve been prescribed this medicine before becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor about switching to another medication instead.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you better understand the risk of taking certain medicines during pregnancy and what types of drugs to avoid. Remember, every woman is different, so talk to your doctor before deciding which medications are right for you.
