Question

Mary, a 29 year old patient, calls the gynecologist office in November thinking that she may be 6 weeks pregnant for the first time. She has been waiting to have a child because of employment opportunities. Mary says she has been taking herbal supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) medications for headaches during the past 4 months and wants to know if it will be safe to continue. She states that she has read about the dangers of herbal supplements and pregnancy. Her other concern is that she has allergic rhinitis during the spring, for which she takes OTC antihistamine. She wants to know what medications she can take at that time, and when the danger from medications during pregnancy is the greatest.

1. What answer would be appropriate for the allied health professional regarding the taking of herbal supplements?

2. Why is it important for her to not take medications before seeing the physician if she thinks she might be pregnant?

3. Why would it be safer for Mary to take OTC medications for allergic rhinitis in the spring rather than during the early months of pregnancy?

4. What advice should the allied health professional give Mary about medications for headaches?

Answer 1

1.The allied health professional can describe about the herbs ,though it is a natural product,there are some herbs which can affect the pregnancy (both mother and fetus).It is always recommended for for women who is pregnant to be under a supervision of a gyneacologist or a obstetrician in regards to diet,medication,exercise for a healthy delivery of the baby.

2.Taking medication without the prescription or guidance from a physician in case if pregnant can be dangerous to the growing foetus. There are medications which are contraindicated in pregnancy and taking medicines may affect cell division, organogenesis causing birth defects

3.The early month of pregnancy is when the organogenesis occurs,so taking any form of medication (except folic acid supplements )during this period or in the first trimester is not safe to fetus.But it is advisable to take medication for allergic rhinitis after that as it will not impact the growth of fetus.

4.She should be advised to visit a physician first, get confirmed for pregnancy and get medication if necessary. There are chances certain women experience headache during the initial days of pregnancy.Encourage her to take adequate rest,a coffee can help and superficial application of ointments to soothe the discomfort of headache.