Medical Questions » Pregnancy Questions » Question No. 794
| Question: | I have just iearnt that I am pregnant for the first time, and I am very anxious that nothing should go wrong. I keep hearing about women who have done something during their pregnancy that has caused a deformity. What drugs and medicines should I avoid in pregnancy? |
| Answer: | Many things should be avoided in pregnancy, and not just the medicinal types of drugs that you are considering.
Smoking causes you to inhale many drugs that can cause small and immature babies and has been associated with birth deformities. The embryo is bathed in hundreds of foreign chemicals that are inhaled with every puff. If you smoke and plan to get ptegnant, ask your doctor how to stop now!
Alcohol should be avoided during the first three months of pregnancy when the vital organs of the foetus are developing. Even in later pregnancy, only one drink every few days with a meal is allowed, and never get drunk.
All medications should be avoided during that vital first three months unless prescribed by a doctor who knows you are in early pregnancy. Later in pregnancy, check with your pharmacist or doctor before using even the simple grocery type pharmaceuticals.
All illegal drugs, including marijuana, will cause damage to the developing infant. If you are addicted, discuss the problem confidentially with your doctor well before you fall pregnant, so that expert help can be obtained. Avoid the temptation to have the spontaneous smoke of pot or sniff of cocaine during the pregnancy—the consequences could haunt you for life every time you look at your child.
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