10 Drugs Pregnant Women Should Avoid

November 17, 2021

Pregnancy is such a beautiful and amazing experience and every woman goes through this journey with hopes, doubts, anxiety but it would always be worth it in the long run. This journey is the most delicate and requires women to take extra care of themselves looking after their bodies and also mind.

During the journey, your body will experience different changes and you will be required to maintain your health. Drug use in pregnancy is very risky and requires the guidance of your doctor to save you from harming yourself or your baby. Your doctor will guide you carefully and you will be warned about drugs pregnant women can use or should avoid.
Read also: 10 Exercises For Pregnant Women To Stay Active

1. Chloramphenicol
  Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that’s usually given as an injection. This drug can cause serious blood disorders and gray baby syndrome.
2. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin
  Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin are also types of antibiotics. These drugs could cause problems with the baby’s muscle and skeletal growth as well as joint pain and potential nerve damage in the mother. Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin are both fluoroquinolone antibiotics. This can result in life-threatening bleeding. People with a history of aneurysms or certain heart diseases may be at an increased risk of side effects. Fluoroquinolones may also increase the chances of having a miscarriage, according to a 2017 study.
3. Primaquine
  Primaquine is a drug that’s used to treat malaria. There isn’t a lot of data on humans who’ve taken this drug during pregnancy, but animal studies suggest it’s harmful to developing fetuses. It can damage blood cells in a fetus.
4. Sulfonamides
  Sulfonamides are a group of antibiotic medications. They’re also known as sulfa drugs. The majority of these types of drugs are used to kill germs and treat bacterial infections. They can cause jaundice in newborns. Sulfonamides may also increase the chances of having a miscarriage.
5. Trimethoprim (Primsol)
  Trimethoprim (Primsol) is a type of antibiotic. When taken during pregnancy, this drug can cause neural tube defects. These defects affect brain development in a developing baby.
6. Codeine
  Codeine is a prescription drug used to relieve pain. In some states, codeine can be purchased without a prescription as cough medicine. The drug has the potential to become habit-forming. It can lead to withdrawal symptoms in newborns.
7. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  High doses of this OTC pain reliever can cause many serious problems. It’s especially important to avoid ibuprofen during the third trimester of pregnancy, however. During this stage of pregnancy, ibuprofen is more likely to cause heart defects in a developing baby.
8. Warfarin (Coumadin)
  Warfarin (Coumadin) is a blood thinner that’s used to treat blood clots as well as prevent them. It can cause birth defects. It should be avoided during pregnancy unless the risk of a blood clot is more dangerous than the risk of harm to the baby.
9. Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  Clonazepam (Klonopin) is used to prevent seizures and panic disorders. It’s sometimes prescribed to treat anxiety attacks or panic attacks. Taking clonazepam during pregnancy can lead to withdrawal symptoms in newborns.
10. Lorazepam (Ativan)
  Lorazepam (Ativan) is a common medication used for anxiety or other mental health disorders. It can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a baby after birth.