Managing Medications and Pregnancy: A Guide for Women with Chronic Conditions
By Beth Kiernan, MPH, Interviewer & Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby
“I just found out I’m pregnant, and while I am glad, I’m also pretty overwhelmed,” lamented Marian, a newly-married woman who had struggled with Crohn’s disease. “I’m not sure I’m comfortable taking my medications now, even though my doctors say they are fine. I can’t even sleep! I am worried I’m harming my baby.”
These concerns are common among pregnant women managing chronic health conditions. It’s crucial to carefully consider the risks versus benefits of continuing or altering medication use. The goal is to ensure a healthy pregnancy by managing conditions like Crohn’s disease effectively.
Where to Find Support
MotherToBaby is an excellent resource for expecting mothers, providing up-to-date information on exposures during pregnancy. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and more. Counselors like myself are available to help you make informed decisions.
Medication Use During Pregnancy
In the U.S., half of all pregnant women take at least one prescription medication. For many, this is essential for managing conditions such as seizures, psychiatric illnesses, or autoimmune diseases. Not treating these conditions could pose greater risks to both the mother and baby. It’s important to consult with healthcare providers and consider all available information.
Planning for Pregnancy
If you’re planning a pregnancy, discuss your medications with your healthcare team to ensure a well-managed pregnancy. Studies show that conceiving while a condition is in remission decreases the risk of complications. Starting a multivitamin with folic acid is also recommended.
Unplanned Pregnancies and Medications
Over 50% of pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned. Even if you’re not planning a pregnancy, understanding potential medication risks is crucial. Discuss with your doctor or contact MotherToBaby for guidance.
Breastfeeding Considerations
Understanding the impact of medications on breastfeeding is important. While breastfeeding is highly beneficial, consulting with your pediatrician or resources like the American Academy of Pediatrics can provide valuable insights.
Reaching Out for Help
For questions about medications or exposures during pregnancy, contact MotherToBaby at 866-626-6847 or visit MotherToBaby.org. We provide fact sheets and resources to help you make informed decisions.
References:
1. Mitchell, AA et. al. (2011). Medication use during pregnancy, with particular focus on prescription drugs: 1976-2008. Am J Ob GYN; 205(1): 51.e1–51.e8.
2. Finer LB and Zolna MR. (2011). Unintended pregnancy in the United States: incidence and disparities, 2006. Contraception; 84(5):478–485.
3. Abhyankar et. al. (2013). Meta-analysis: the impact of disease activity at conception on disease activity during pregnancy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 38(5):460-6.
