Understanding Medication Use During Pregnancy: A Guide for Expecting Mothers
By Ginger Nichols, Licensed Certified Genetic Counselor at MotherToBaby Connecticut
With Birth Defects Prevention Month in full swing, it is crucial to highlight Tip #2 for preventing birth defects: consulting your healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medication.
Callers to MotherToBaby often inquire about the significance of discussing medication use with healthcare providers before making changes. A recent caller, Maria, shared her concerns about continuing her medications while planning a family. Like many, she feared the potential risks to her baby and felt alone in her decision-making journey.
However, Maria’s situation is far from unique. Approximately 70% of women require prescription medication during pregnancy to manage various health conditions, including depression, asthma, diabetes, nausea, and inflammatory bowel disease. Moreover, 90% of women report using over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or supplements for overall health or specific issues like acne, allergies, colds, constipation, and headaches.
Why Consult Your Healthcare Provider?
It is essential to discuss medication and supplement use with healthcare providers before and during pregnancy to ensure safety and efficacy. Healthcare professionals can offer personalized advice on managing health conditions without compromising fetal health.
Preparing for Your Healthcare Consultation
After speaking with MotherToBaby, Maria felt more confident about discussing her medications and prepared questions to ensure a comprehensive conversation with her healthcare providers.
Remember, just like Maria, you are not alone. MotherToBaby is here to assist you and your healthcare team in making informed decisions about medication options during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
About Ginger Nichols
Ginger Nichols is a licensed certified genetic counselor based in Farmington, Connecticut, working for MotherToBaby CT at UCONN Health. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Sociology from Juniata College and a Master’s Degree in Medical Genetics from the University of Cincinnati, with a focus on occupational and environmental exposures.
About MotherToBaby
MotherToBaby is a service of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), recommended by agencies like the CDC. For inquiries about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, call MotherToBaby toll-free at 866-626-6847, text your questions to (855) 999-3525, or visit MotherToBaby.org to explore a library of fact sheets or download the free app available on Android and iOS.
