Drugs in Pregnancy

Pregnancy, whether planned or a pleasant surprise, brings with it important concerns about prescription and over the counter drugs. Not every medication poses a risk to your unborn baby. However, some do. Talk to your doctor. Discuss the relative risks and benefits of any prescribed drug therapy and do NOT take over-the-counter drugs or naturopathic remedies without first consulting your physician.

If you are currently planning your pregnancy, supplement your diet now with appropriate amounts of folic acid.

If you are already pregnant, Motherisk's published research can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about possible drug therapy. Since 1985, Motherisk has reviewed data from around the world, conducting controlled, prospective studies to determine the potential risks of therapeutic drugs during pregnancy. It is now clear that there are many drugs that are safe for use in pregnancy.

Click on any of the following links to find Motherisk's published studies on the safety or risk of specific drugs during pregnancy, and be sure to consult your doctor or other medical professional.

Drugs, chemicals, radiation & herbal products in pregnancy

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Resources

Morning Sickness

Approximately 20% of women experience NVP for a longer period of time. Some women may suffer from NVP until the end of the pregnancy.

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Drugs in Pregnancy

Pregnancy, whether planned or a pleasant surprise, brings with it important concerns about prescription and over the counter drugs.

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Breastfeeding and Drugs

There are several agents for which safety during breast-feeding is not well-defined and may be a risk to the infant.

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Alcohol, Nicotine, Substance Use

Pregnant? It's never too late to get the facts about alcohol and pregnancy

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Conditions in Pregnancy

Exposure to certain infectious diseases during pregnancy may pose a risk to the unborn baby.

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Folic Acid

Research shows that women who take vitamins that contain folic acid may lower the risk that their baby will be born with a birth defect called a neural tube defect.

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Nutrition

Good nutrition during pregnancy improves the chances of having a healthy baby who will be at lower risk of diseases.

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Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy

Exposure to certain infectious diseases during pregnancy may pose a risk to the unborn baby.

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Herbal Products

Natural doesn't always mean safe. But that doesn't stop millions of people, including pregnant women, from consuming naturopathic products.

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Cancer in Pregnancy

Motherisk has been painfully aware of the lack of data about the management of cancer in pregnancy.

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HIV and HIV Treatment

It is important that you get tested for HIV. There are many pregnant women who are HIV positive and do not know about it.

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Occupational & Environmental Exposures

There are thousands of chemicals in use in today's workplaces - and more women at work than ever before.

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