Use of drugs during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a specific condition of women and therefore the states of
health and illness of the mother may be determinants of good prenatal
development.
The woman pregnant may suffer any kind of illness so that sometimes it is necessary that the doctor has to prescribe a drug treatment.
According to some studies, it is estimated that about 35% of pregnant
women have to take any medications, excluding vitamin supplements.
In the early sixties it was discovered that a drug, thalidomide, was responsible for the birth of children with serious congenital malformations (absence of limbs, eye abnormalities, heart, etc.).
Since then he began to study the effect teratogénicode drugs in
experimental animals prior to marketing, and an epidemiological
investigation of the effect of drugs on human fetuses developed.
Called teratogenic drug (or any environmental agent) able to cause birth defects, ie, physical, mental or functional defects.
For any woman who becomes pregnant, the risk of having a child with a birth defect is 2-5%. Teratogenic agents increase the risk of certain defects occur in the children of women exposed to them. However, keep in mind that the action of teratogenic agents depend on:
- The genetic constitution of each individual exposed, ie fetuses there will be more likely to be affected than others.
- The time of pregnancy in which teratogens affect pregnancy.
During the first trimester birth defects may occur, since it is when
they develop and differentiate most fetal organs and systems.
In the period from conception to implementation (from ovulation to the
"first offense"), about two weeks, it is considered that the embryo is
very sensitive to drugs in the absence of circulatory bonding between
mother and fetus.
Between the third and the eleventh week of pregnancy it is considered that the risk is greatest.
During the second and third trimester of pregnancy some drugs may affect the growth and development of the fetus.
If given shortly before the end of pregnancy or during childbirth , problems can occur during this or affect the newborn.
What if a pregnant woman falls ill?
If a pregnant woman has a health problem and it is necessary to
administer a drug the doctor should perform an adequate and
individualized risk-benefit assessment, ie previously:
For example, high fever may cause damage to the fetus, but there are
drugs such as paracetamol, able to correct it and do not harm the fetus.
There are also many medications, like acetaminophen (Termalgin®,
Efferalgan® ...), which are considered safe for the fetus, which can be
used during pregnancy when needed, but always under prescription and
medical supervision .
Therefore, pharmacological treatment of a pregnant woman can only be performed by a knowledgeable doctor. Self-medication is prohibited, as well as change of treatment prescribed by the doctor.
This indication should not extend to self-medicate medicinal products
advertising, as advertising any of these drugs carry active ingredients
whose safety during pregnancy has not been proven.
Moreover, there are some drugs whose use is considered not only safe
during pregnancy, but also prevent the appearance of certain birth
defects, such as the folic acid . It has been shown that this substance prevents the occurrence of neural tube defects (spina bifida, myelomeningocele, etc.).
For this preventive effect folic acid must be ingested daily since the
woman decides to get pregnant, continue once you have become pregnant
(however long it takes) and continue, without interruption, until the
end of the third month of pregnancy, to unless your doctor considers
that it should continue because there are other clinical indications.
- A part will assess the risk that such treatment poses to the fetus.
- And on the other, take into account the risk to the woman and the fetus that let untreated disease.
During pregnancy, the use of creams indicated for skin aging caused by
the sun that contain retinol or derivatives in its composition is not
recommended.
It has been shown that retinoids, administered orally, are associated with the appearance of numerous fetal malformations.
Sunscreens
Sunscreens are able to stay long in the surface layer of the skin,
where they perform their function, so that its absorption is minimal.
Its use is considered safe during pregnancy, pregnant women and the use
is recommended to avoid even the appearance of so-called "chloasma
gravidarum" (dark spots that appear on the skin of the forehead and
cheeks).
Deodorants
They may be used, except those containing aluminum salts are used for large surfaces such as hands or feet.
Fragrances
They can be used. There have been no cases of malformations in humans.
Hair dyes
They can be classified into temporary, progressive, semi-permanent or permanent. In principle, dyes can be used during pregnancy except "progressive" (mostly used by men), which may contain lead salts.
Other products
It has not been shown that the use of chemicals to straighten or curl your hair produce effects on the fetus or newborn.
Cosmetic use during pregnancy
We must keep in mind that all drug or product applied to the skin and
mucous absorbed, passes into breast blood and therefore may also affect
the fetus.
The marketing of cosmetics does not require previous studies on safety
and efficacy, so there are few publications about their potential
toxicity.
For any questions about prescription drugs, maternal diseases or
environmental exposure health professionals they have a telephone
information on teratogens.
There is also a Telephone Information Service for Pregnant (site- 913
941 589) to answer the questions that were posed to women planning a
pregnancy and those who are already pregnant.
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