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Prescription Medication Use During Pregnancy |
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Late -
Pregnancy
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Prescription Medication Use During Pregnancy Some prescription medications are more common than others; the discussion below includes common substances many women must take during pregnancy. Please note-this information does not take the place of talking with your doctor.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Today, the average age of menopause is 51. At menopause, you stop ovulating (necessary for conception) and stop having periods. The change is usually gradual, occurring over years, but it may be sudden. If you still have menstrual periods, you can probably still get pregnant.
In the past, women didn't start taking hormones (hormone-replacement therapy or HRT] until their periods stopped and they were certain of menopause. Today, more women start HRT at younger ages.
If you become pregnant while taking HRT, tell your doctor immediately. There are minor risks associated with pregnancy if you have been taking female hormones. They are usually not severe enough to warrant terminating the pregnancy.
Thyroid Medication
You need to continue taking thyroid medication throughout pregnancy. Thyroid hormone is made in the thyroid gland, which is found in the neck. It affects your entire body and is important to your metabolism. Thyroid hormone is also important in your ability to get pregnant.
Thyroxin (medication for a low-thyroid or hypothyroid condition) can be taken safely during pregnancy. Propylthiouracil (medication for a high-thyroid or hyperthyroid condition) passes to the baby; you will probably be given the lowest amount possible during pregnancy.
Prozac
Discuss taking Prozac with your doctor before you get pregnant or as soon as you discover you are pregnant. Prozac is safe to use during pregnancy, as are other antidepressants, such as Zoloft.
Skin-Care Medications
Accutane (isotretinoin) is a common acne treatment. Do not take it if you are pregnant! A woman taking Accutane during the 1st trimester of pregnancy is at greater risk of miscarriage and fetal malformation.
Retin-A (tretinoin) is a medication used to relieve minor wrinkling in the facial area. We don't know its effects on the fetus, so it's probably best to avoid Retin-A during pregnancy until we know more.
Occasionally steroid cream is prescribed for a skin condition.
Before using it during pregnancy, discuss it with your doctor. You may be able to use another preparation that is safer during pregnancy.
Tetracycline, an antibiotic, is often prescribed for skin problems.
During pregnancy, avoid all tetracyclines! Use of the drug during pregnancy can cause discoloration of your baby's permanent teeth later in life (one of the reasons tetracyclines should not be prescribed for children under age 8).
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