Pregnancy is an exciting time for couples. The joy of welcoming a new member in the family is unparalleled. At the same time, parents also become aware of unknowns and uncertain situations. These usually revolve around the health of the mother and the developing baby. The reason is that the well-being of the mother has a direct result on the health of the growing baby.
Health Problems During Pregnancy
With the advancing stages of pregnancy, you might face some health issues. These can range from morning sickness to nausea, weakness as well as deficiencies of vital nutrients. An effective way to resolve such issues is the use of medications. You may opt for over-the-counter drugs or medicines prescribed by your doctor. What you need to keep in mind is the effect of these medicines on your and your baby’s health.
According to a report by the CDC, more than 66% of pregnant mums rely on prescription drugs. One of the reasons for caution is the passage of chemicals to your unborn baby via the umbilical cord. During the first trimester, the baby experiences a rapid phase of growth. The first 12 weeks sees the development of the nervous system, the circulatory system, bone and muscle formation as well as the formation and maturation of several vital organs.
Medicines for Illnesses
There is a possibility that these drugs may interfere with the developmental processes of the baby. Therefore, it is important for you to speak to your doctor about the possible side-effects of prescription drugs. Another caution you must exercise is informing your doctor of pre-existing conditions. One can have diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, asthma, chronic cold and cough. The doctor can compare the risks and benefits for both, you and your baby. Based on the analysis, your doctor can recommend the continuation or withdrawal of a drug regimen.
Similarly, many conditions can develop over the course of the pregnancy. For instance, skin allergies can be a common occurrence. It usually happens due to the hyper-reaction of the immune system. Harmless substances such as dust, pollen, spores, mould etc. can act as triggers, leading to the activation of the body’s defence mechanism.
Other conditions that may require you to opt for medicines include constipation, heartburn, nausea, morning sickness, nutritional deficiencies, headache etc. It is wise to find out the composition of medicines and understand their various physiological effects.
