Medications During Pregnancy
It is well known that the use of medications should be avoided during pregnancy, as the fetus will inevitably be exposed to small amounts of them, and their effect on fetal development is unknown. Teratogenesis is a condition that has been shown to result from a small number of medications. Nevertheless, many medications have not yet been proven safe for use during pregnancy.
Thus, there are drugs for which no teratogenic effects have been confirmed, yet their safety during pregnancy has not been established. A physician should have a valid and well-justified reason for prescribing any medication, particularly during the first trimester, when the fetus is still very small and, consequently, any foreign substance poses a significant risk. At later stages, as the fetus grows, gains mass and weight, and its organs have already formed, it becomes less susceptible to harm from external substances entering the body.
Additionally, special attention should be given to the use of medications prior to a missed menstrual period—that is, during the time when a woman may be pregnant without yet being aware of it. Certain drugs may negatively affect the normal progression of pregnancy and fetal health. Even common medications such as aspirin should be used with caution; in fact, it is advisable to avoid it during the third trimester, as it may affect the baby’s cardiovascular system.
On the other hand, antibiotics are not entirely contraindicated. When there is a genuine need, specific groups of antibiotics that are considered relatively safe during pregnancy may be prescribed. These generally include penicillins, such as ampicillin, and cephalosporins. However, tetracyclines, quinolones, and aminoglycosides should be avoided. In any case, only a physician is qualified to determine both the appropriate type and dosage of an antibiotic, and patients should strictly follow their instructions.
A pregnant woman who develops a high fever should consult her doctor, who will likely prescribe an antipyretic (most commonly paracetamol) to help restore normal body temperature. Fever requires careful attention, as there is concern that prolonged elevated temperature (above 39°C)—especially during the early weeks of pregnancy—may harm the fetus. This is because it may induce uterine contractions and increase the fetal heart rate.
In all cases, as physicians emphasize, pregnant women themselves should also take care to protect their health throughout pregnancy, in order to avoid situations that might necessitate medication. For example, they should try to avoid catching a cold and minimize the risk of accidents.