Some medications that pregnant mothers take may affect the growth or health of the baby in the womb. Therefore… before buying or using any medication, always consult a doctor first!!
Medications for Morning Sickness
Currently, medications believed to be safe for the baby in the womb are Vitamin B6 and Dimenhydrinate. However, if the mother has mild symptoms and does not want to use medication, here are some techniques to help relieve the symptoms.
- Keep your mind fresh and cheerful, reduce anxiety
- After waking up, drink warm beverages such as soy milk
- Avoid greasy, spicy foods and strong odors
- Drink enough water because vomiting causes loss of water and minerals, leading to fatigue
Cold and Allergy Medications
The safe medication is the antihistamine chlorpheniramine, but it has side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness. Therefore, if the mother has mild nasal congestion, natural methods such as inhaling steam, smelling or applying aromatic oils, keeping the body warm, and drinking plenty of water can help relieve symptoms.
Cough and Expectorant Medications
If the mother has mild symptoms, it is recommended to drink warm water, possibly with a little lemon juice, sipping frequently. However, if symptoms do not improve or worsen, medication should be used with caution because some cough medicines affect the fetus.
Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
The well-known safe medication is paracetamol, taken 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours when experiencing pain or fever, and “should not” be taken more than 8 tablets per day or continuously for more than 10 days. If the mother has liver or kidney problems, she should consult a doctor or pharmacist and should not self-medicate.
Antibiotics
- Penicillin group antibiotics are safe except for those allergic to them, who may use erythromycin instead
- Harmful antibiotics include tetracycline and doxycycline. These bind to tooth enamel and bones, causing babies to be born with yellow-black teeth and weak bones. If expired or degraded, they can also affect the mother’s liver and kidneys.
- Sulfonamide antibiotics should not be used near delivery time because they can cause jaundice in the baby, foamy urine, and in severe cases, brain damage and intellectual disability.
- For other antibiotics, some may affect the fetus, so always consult a doctor to receive proper and safe treatment.
Supplements, Vitamins, and Minerals
During pregnancy, the body requires increased amounts of certain vitamins and minerals such as iron and calcium. When the mother visits for prenatal care, the doctor will consider prescribing vitamins as appropriate.
Laxatives and Treatments for Diarrhea
Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy. Mothers should eat plenty of high-fiber vegetables and fruits and drink enough water. Medication should only be used when necessary and should be gentle, such as those made from psyllium husk (Metamucil), senna leaves (Senokot), or suppositories. If diarrhea occurs, it is recommended to drink oral rehydration salts. If symptoms do not improve, consult a doctor.
