In the days before your pregnancy, you could just go into a clinic and walk out with a prescription to solve your problem. When you’re carrying a baby, it becomes a lot more complicated. If you’ve ever had a friend, sister, or co-worker who had a difficult pregnancy, you know that the options for safe medications during pregnancy can be few and far between. If this prospect worries you, we’ve got some suggestions for how to seek safe medications during pregnancy.
The first rule to consider when discerning safe medications during pregnancy is to never prescribe anything yourself. Don’t buy any drugs or medicines for yourself over the counter without first checking with your doctor, a midwife or an approved pharmacist. A quick Google search will tell you that Acetaminophen (Tylenol and Shake that Ache) are safe medications during pregnancy, but it’s still best to talk to your doctor before starting any new medications.
Even if you’re just visiting the urgent care after a series of tension headaches, always tell a health professional that you are pregnant. With that awareness in mind, they will be able to give you their best advice based upon the balance of any possible risks to your baby against your own health needs.
Also check with your doctor, a pharmacist, or a qualified herbalist before taking any herbal treatments.
Be sure you address untreated health issues, as well. Our bodies are complex organisms. Even conditions that seem completely unrelated to pregnancy, such as anxiety, depression, and poor digestion can affect you and your baby’s well being. If you’re having any issues, be it muscular pain, migraines, diabetes, insomnia, or inexplicable fatigue, bring it up with your doctor. They may be able to suggest safe medications during pregnancy, a different dietary plan or at least exercise options to improve your quality of life.
It’s common to feel as though you’re asking a stupid question when you’re visiting a doctor—pregnant or not—but health is more important than pride. See if you can optimize your health ahead of time instead of going into conception blind.
Finally, always check things out with a doctor, pharmacist or a qualified practitioner before you use any aromatherapy treatments, homeopathic remedies or massage oils. The key here is to ask first about safe medications during pregnancy.
If you’re lucky, your pregnancy will impact your daily life on only a minor scale in the months leading up to your due date. If you’re like most of us there will be some really hard days. When the nausea and back pain and sleeplessness are weighing you down, remember that the sacrifices you make today will all be worth it when you welcome that baby into the world and hold them in your arms.
By the way, pregnancy isn’t all about morning sickness and back pain. Check out these 11 Fun things to do when you’re pregnant, too!
