Medications for Depression
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are given to patients for the treatment of depression. They include brand names such as Prozac, Lexapro and Paxil, among others. They have been considered safe for expectant mothers to take, but some studies indicate that they increase the risk for the baby to be born with hypertension or high blood pressure as well as heart defects and other conditions.
Medications for Anxiety
A popular category of medication for treating anxiety is benzodiazepines. This class of medications also treats insomnia and other mental health issues. Studies have shown that taking these drugs during pregnancy can increase the risk of respiratory problems in the baby and cause lack of muscle control.
Medications for Inflammation
One of the most popular kinds of drugs OTC or in prescription form for treating inflammation is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Drugs in this category include Aleve, Excedrin and Motrin. In prescription form, you can find it as Lodine, Diclofenac and Meloxicam. The risk of birth defects is very small with this medication, but doctors often advise the mother to switch to Tylenol during pregnancy.
Fluconazole
Recognized by its brand name, Diflucan, this medication is designed to treat yeast infections and other fungal infections. It’s been around for several decades with a great deal of success, but it does carry some risks. In fact, it can increase the risk of miscarriage for the mother.
Anitconvulsants
This type of drug is given to people with a history of seizures. It can prevent them or control them when they occur. Brand names include Tegretol, Dilantin and Depakote. These medications can cause various birth defects, including cleft lips, abnormalities with the organs and delays in development for the baby. However, it’s critical to be able to control seizures in the mother because they can lead to a miscarriage. Anyone with a history of seizures should talk to their doctor if they are thinking about becoming pregnant.
Antibiotics
Most antibiotics are considered safe for pregnant women. They aren’t too strong while still taking care of the infection or condition for which the patient is being treated. However, some advanced antibiotics can lead to birth defects, such as heart issues, a cleft lip and anencephaly, which is a malformation of the skull. Some of the antibiotics that fall in this category include the following:
- Tetracycline – a broad spectrum antibiotic that is effective against certain strains of bacteria
- Nitrofurantoin – antibiotic used to treat UTIs and inflammation of the bladder
- Sulfonamide – general antibiotic to prevent bacteria cells from multiplying
As you can see, not all prescription or OTC medications are safe for a pregnant mother to take. It’s important to always discuss with your doctor the risks to you and your baby.
