Pregnant? Pay Attention to What Medicines You Take, Even Prescription Medicines

Carrying a baby to full term is one of the biggest responsibilities a woman can every assume. But many women are causing their unborn babies harm and many may not even realize they are doing it. The harm is taking too many prescription drugs. Prescription drugs are medicines that are prescribed by a doctor. Most people assume just because a doctor prescribes a medicine that it is safe. But this is not always the case.

As soon as you become pregnant you must discuss any and all medications you are currently taking that have been prescribed from your other doctors with your obgyn. If you have a medical condition that warrants that you stay on certain medications your regular doctor and your obgyn may have to consult on what the best approach is to keep both you and your baby healthy. You also need to discuss any and all over the counter medications you take, including vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies. What you ingest into your body is very important. It is not only you that are ingesting it. Your baby is ingesting it as well.

Prescription abuse among pregnant women has increased nation wide. In the state of Kentucky, it has really risen since 1998. They have especially seen an increase in pregnant women who are taking oxycontin and methadone (both are potent pain pills given for prolong pain or dental procedures). The increase is due to doctors prescribing too much of the drugs and of course pregnant women getting the drugs on the black market. The increase of the number of babies born addicted to these pain pills has risen so much that many of the hospitals in Kentucky have started given expectant mothers drug tests before the babies are born, so the staff knows what to expect as soon as the baby is born.