If you are expecting, you are probably confused about which medications to avoid during pregnancy. The general rule of thumb is to avoid all over-the-counter medications during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy, because during that time, the baby’s heart, lungs, and brain are formed. As the fetus grows and matures, the list of medications you can safely take gets a little longer. However, there are 10 types of medications you should absolutely avoid throughout your pregnancy, as they could harm the fetus at any stage of development.

1. Antihistamines

Most antihistamines should be avoided. If you are suffering from allergies, you should try to avoid your allergy triggers as much as possible. Try kicking your housekeeping routine up a notch: run the air conditioner, use a steam cleaner, change out all your filters, keep your shoes outside, etc.

2. Nasal Decongestants

A stuffy nose is a classic side-effect of pregnancy, but most nasal decongestants are not safe. You might try a neti pot, which uses warm salt water to clean your sinuses and combat congestion.

3. Antifungals

If you have a yeast infection during your pregnancy, consult your OB/GYN for a remedy. Some OTC yeast infection remedies are not cleared for use during pregnancy.

4. Painkillers

If you are suffering from headaches during pregnancy, most painkillers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen are off-limits. Seek alternative therapies, such as reflexology or massage.

5. Acne Medications

Most prescription acne medications, such as Accutane and Retin-A, are not safe to use during pregnancy. As your hormones adjust, you may find your skin clearing naturally.

6. Antibiotics

If you require a cycle of antibiotics during your pregnancy, your doctor will choose one that is safe. Tetracycline and Streptomycin are not OK to use.

7. Tranquilizers

Generally speaking, all tranquilizers such as Librium and Valium, are not safe for use during pregnancy.

8. Anticonvulsants

Some anticonvulsants are not safe to take, such as Diazepam or Clonazepam. If you need anticonvulsants, work with your doctor to find a prescription that has been cleared for use by pregnant women.

9. MAO Inhibitors

Antidepressants that have MAO inhibitors, such as Isocarboazid or Phenelzine, are not safe to use when pregnant. It’s not uncommon to experience depression during pregnancy, so if you are in need of an antidepressant, your doctor will find one that is safe to use.

Even if you are going through a rough period you should always think about the well being of your future child. A healthy baby means also a healthy and happy life for you.

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada recently published a study, which found that women don’t know their options when it comes to childbirth.  Many don’t even know they have options.  This may be surprising to the general population, but ask any childbirth educator or doula, and they’ll tell you it’s no shock to them.

Another study found that only 11% of women attend a childbirth class while pregnant, and many of those take only the class offered by the hospital.  Those classes tend to focus on how women should behave as patients, and less on the risks and benefits of various procedures they may encounter during labor.

Now for our indian readers, we have something on this topic :

Blissful Pregnancy is the only childbirth education center in Vizag. Now, you have easy access to Lamaze Classes in Vizag. We provide complete Pregnancy & childbirth education classes in our program for expectant parents. These classes are designed to give you confidence during pregnancy and labor, making it more enjoyable period for you. These classes are essential even to be dads.

By joining Birthing Classes, you will learn about the following topics in detail.

Antenatal classes include:

• Nutrition & Diet during pregnancy
• Nutrition & Diet during lactation or diet for breastfeeding moms
• Common Physiological changes which women face during pregnancy and how to tackle them
• Pregnancy Exercises to have a normal vaginal birth.
• Kegels exercises and pelvic floor exercises, this helps in preventing urinary incontinence, rectal prolapse, uterine prolapse & it also helps for smoother labor.
• In Pregnancy Yoga or Prenatal Yoga classes, you will learn asanas and yoga poses to help you calm your mind and find the spiritual connection with the baby.
• Infant care or newborn care sessions will help you learn about complete infant care. It includes how to hold the baby after birth, how to feed the baby, how to sooth the crying baby and many more details.
• Lamaze classes and breathing exercises to help you cope with the labor pain.

We strongly suggest pregnant women to avoid taking suggestions from just anyone. It is best if you seek advice from our childbirth experts during pregnancy.

So Dear expectant moms, Join Blissful Pregnancy Classes and have a safe, healthy & enjoyable Pregnancy.

You can also join our postnatal program to help you lose weight after pregnancy. It also includes special exercises which you need to follow after pregnancy.

We also help women with PCOS or PCOD. Our special PCOS Weight-loss program includes special exercises, diet and lifestyle changes, which will serve in improving health.

Our doctors also provide Preconception counseling service, to access risk factors for expecting mom and the baby. This counseling session will help reduce the chances of poor perinatal outcomes. Read more at https://blissfulpregnancy.com/