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You are here : home > Pregnancy > Complications during Pregnancy > Risks of Self Medication During Pregnancy

Risks of Self Medication During Pregnancy

Risks of Self Medication During Pregnancy

Self medication during pregnancy is not recommended for pregnant women as they can have serious repercussions. Find out the dangers and risks of self medication during any stage of pregnancy.

The news of a confirmed pregnancy excites a woman like no other thing. She begins to dream of a new change; her transition from being a woman to a mother is a overwhelming experience for her. So she will begin to plan everything, right from the change in the decor of the house, to the changes in her wardrobe, to everything so that her baby is in the most comfortable condition all throughout.

A pregnant woman is often prone to decide her lifestyle changes and certain habits. Self medication is one of them. Many women often feel that they can self medicate themselves on “simple” health issues and not bother anyone else in the family or report to the doctor. This is a very wrong decision that can potentially have very dangerous repercussions.

Why Self Medication is Not Recommended?

There are innumerable reasons that justify the fact that self medication can indeed be harmful for the expectant mother and the unborn child. Even OTC (over the counter) multi-vitamins can be dangerous. Stated below are some of them:

Probable Miscarriage

If you indulge in self medication during the first trimester, it can cause serious complications for the foetus. Since the foetus is just formed, it is quite probable that the condition of your body changes to an extent that it can no longer hold on or sustain the new life. This implies that there are high chances of miscarriage and if the complications are severe, it can affect negatively your future chances of conception as well.

Malformation of the Baby

Self medication during any stage of the pregnancy can hinder the normal growth of the foetus. There can be a slew of malformation and developmental issues in the just conceived baby.

Development of Certain Organs is Affected

It has been found through numerous studies that self medication by pregnant women can adversely interfere with the development of the reproductive organs of the baby. This is due to the fact that there are certain elements in the medicines that affect the development of the baby and you are obviously unaware of it.

Cause Easy Infections

Research indicates that certain drugs that are commonly resorted to during self medication can cause irreparable damage to the body, when the individual is pregnant. Certain genital diseases are easily contracted and urethral issues are found to occur with self medication.

Avoid Concoctions

One needs to understand a vital fact. Those entire grandma’s concoctions and so called effective home remedies are better avoided during pregnancy. Although one might argue that these were in practice in the previous generations and that today’s clinical set up was unavailable during those ages, but since you are a part of this setup it is recommended that you do not resort to those homely medicinal alternatives as well. It is always better to safe than sorry.

Finally, try to understand a simple fact, no pregnancy completes the gestation period without minor cold, cough, fever and other similar minor ailments. So take them in your stride and make it a point to report every little happening to your doctor. Follow his advice on how you ought to deal with them and take the prescribed medications accordingly. Also ensure that you follow all his suggestions regarding the precautionary measures for each of those “minor” ailments. Remember, with the observance of simple precautionary measures you will save yourself the need for high dose medications.



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Suhasini
Suhasini.11 years ago
you should not take any over-the-counter medication while pregnant unless it is necessary.alternative therapies have been shown to be safe and effective for pregnant women to relieve some of the uncomfortable side effects of pregnancy. But you should talk it over with your doctor first, even if the product says it's "natural."
 
 
 
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Prakash
Prakash.11 years ago
Great informative article. Many risks can be avoided by taking proper care while popping the simple painkillers or cold medicines during pregnancy. Natural home remedies can be used instead to provide relief and that too after considering the ingredients.
 
 
 
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Prabhu
Prabhu.11 years ago
Its a very informative article. It's worth to note that for all pregnant women to avoid taking medicines without doctors consultation or that could harm the baby or further still cause miscarriage.Many birth defects are caused due to taking OTC medicines during pregnancy.
 
 
 
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Discussion Forum - Recent Posts
Can pregnant women take OTC (over the counter) multivitamins to ensure good health? Which medicines should be avoided during pregnancy? What are the risks of self medication during pregnancy?
Sudha Gandhi Sudha Gandhi
It is risky to take OTC vitamin supplements during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a delicate period so you should consult your doctor before taking any medicines and even supplements. It could lead to malfor...
read reply
Raman Trikoo Raman Trikoo
You should avoid painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, creams containing retinoids, OTC cold and flu medicines in pregnancy.anti-depressants are unsafe in pregnancy. sometimes medication that ...
read reply
Priya Saunchal Priya Saunchal
I agree with you Raman. During pregnancy, it is better to take precautions while taking OTC medicines. Any medicines should be taken only in consultation with the doctor. Even seemingly harmless medic...
read reply
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