Virtually all medications are contraindicated in pregnancy and should only be used under medical supervision. To assess the risk / benefit that the drug may bring during pregnancy, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has created a risk classification.
According to the FDA, drugs classified as D or X risk are prohibited during pregnancy because they may cause poor fetal development or abortion, and drugs that are not recommended for use during pregnancy are at risk B and C because of lack of studies in pregnant women. Thus, only drugs with risk A can be used during pregnancy, but always under the guidance of the obstetrician.
The information about the risk that the medicine possesses is present in the package leaflet and therefore the pregnant woman should only take the medicines prescribed by the doctor during pregnancy, but also read the package leaflet to see if there is a risk or what side effects may occur to occur.
Classification of medicines according to their risk
The classification of medicinal products indicates that:
Risk A - There is no evidence of risk in women. Well-controlled studies do not reveal problems in the first trimester of pregnancy and there is no evidence of problems in the second and third trimesters.
- Examples : Folic acid, Retinol A, Pyridoxine, Vitamin D3, Liothyronine.
Risk B - There are no adequate studies in women. In animal experiments, no risks were found, but side effects were found that were not confirmed in women, especially during the last trimester of pregnancy.
- Examples: Benzatron, Gamax, Keforal, Simvastatin, Busonid.
Risk C - There are no adequate studies in women. In animal experiments there have been some side effects in the fetus, but the benefit of the product may justify the potential risk during pregnancy.
- Examples: Hepatilon, Gamaline V, Pravacol, Desonide, Tolrest.
Risk D - There is evidence of risk in human fetuses. Only use if the benefit justifies the potential risk. In a life-threatening situation or in the case of serious diseases for which safer medicines can not be used.
- Examples: Apirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid); Amitriptyline; Spironolactone, Azathioprine, Streptomycin, Primidone, Benzodiazepines, Phenytoin, Bleomycin, Phenobarbital, Propylthiouracil, Cyclophosphamide, Cisplatin, Hydrochlorothiazide, Cytarabine, Imipramine, Clobazam, Chlorambucil, Valproate, Chlorazepate, Cortisone, Mercaptopurine, Vincristine, Daunorubicin, Methadone, Doxorubicin, Enalapril.
Risk X - Studies have revealed poor fetal formation or abortion. Risks during pregnancy outweigh the potential benefits. Do not use under any circumstances during pregnancy.
- Examples: Tetracyclines, Methotrexate, Penicillamine.
Caring for the pregnant woman before taking medicines
The care the pregnant woman must have before taking any medication includes:
1. Only take medicine under medical supervision
To avoid complications every pregnant woman should only take medicines under medical supervision. Even commonly used medications such as Paracetamol to relieve a simple headache should be avoided during gestation.
Although its use is released, taking more than 500 mg of Paracetamol during pregnancy can damage the liver, bringing more complications than benefits. In addition, some medications are prohibited at different stages of pregnancy. For example, Vontaren is contraindicated after 36 weeks of gestation with a serious risk to the baby's life.
2. Always read the package insert
Even if the medicine has been prescribed by the doctor, it is necessary to read the package leaflet to check its risk of use during pregnancy and what are the side effects that may occur. If in doubt, seek medical advice.
Anyone who took any medication without knowing they were pregnant should not worry, but should stop using the medication and do the prenatal checkups to see if there has been any change in the baby.
Natural remedies contraindicated in pregnancy
Some examples of natural remedies contraindicated in pregnancy are those composed of the following medicinal plants:
| Aloe vera | Kill grass | Heavy herb | Jaborandi |
| Catuaba | Santa Maria herb | Swallow herb | Weed |
| Angelica | Cinnamon | Ivy | Purslane |
| Vase | Tear of Our Lady | Macaé herb | Sacred shell |
| Arnica | Myrrh | Azedaraque | Rhubarb |
| Artemisia | Copaiba | Guaco | Jurubeba |
| Sene | Clove of the gardens | Breaking stone | Ipê |
How To Cure Diseases Without Remedies
What is recommended to recover faster during pregnancy is:
- Rest as much as possible for the body to invest the energy in curing the disease;
- Invest in light food and
- Drink plenty of water so that the body is properly hydrated.
In case of fever, what can be done is to take a warm bath, neither warm, nor very cold and wear light clothes. Dipyrone and paracetamol may be used during pregnancy, but only under medical supervision, and it is important to keep the doctor informed of any change.
