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| Over the next 2 days, 30% of the population
will use some kind of over-the-counter drugs (OTC). These are medications
bought without a doctor’s prescription. |
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| We are used to treating headaches, coughs
and other illnesses with medications by pulling a remedy out of the
medicine cabinet. But when a couple is planning a pregnancy, the door
of the medicine cabinet should not be opening as often! A drug that
is safe for an adult may not be safe for a developing baby. |
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Drugs
come in many disguises…
OTC drugs are designed as painkillers, sleep-aids, laxatives and others.
Don’t be fooled – vitamins and herbal treatments are drugs
too. OTC drugs are misleading because they don’t need a prescription.
And the directions on the label may not apply to pregnant women. They
are still serious drugs and a growing fetus can absorb all drugs. Also
some OTC drugs can be addictive—painkillers, nasal sprays or
laxatives. Even dads need to be concerned. Large amounts of Acetaminophen,
for example, Tylenol, can affect a man’s fertility. Before you
get pregnant, talk to your health care provider about all the drugs,
vitamins and herbal treatments that you use.
Prescription Drugs
If you currently use prescription drugs, talk to your health care provider.
You may be advised to:
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Continue using your prescription. |
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Switch to a safer prescription. |
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Lower the dose of your
prescription. |
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Stop using the prescription. |
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| Before taking OTC drugs, ask
yourself: |
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Why am I taking it? |
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What type of drug is it? |
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Are there limits
to who should use it or with what? |
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Am I taking more
than the recommended dose? |
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Can it harm my baby if my partner or I
get pregnant? |
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Is there something safer that
I can do or use? |
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Your first steps! When
planning a pregnancy I will:
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Assume that all OTC drugs
could affect the safety of my developing baby. |
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Talk to my health care provider
or pharmacist before taking any OTC drug. |
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Read instructions
on the OTC drug labels. |
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Keep track of what I am taking
and how much. |
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Recreational
Drugs
Recreational drugs such as marijuana and cocaine may affect the quality
of sperm and eggs. The effect of recreational drugs may not
be identified immediately after birth. The effects usually
show up at a later date in the form of learning disabilities.
It is safer to stop using recreational drugs before planning a pregnancy.
Drug-free answers for common
health problems
Many people face the health challenges below, but the first treatment does not
have to be drugs. Here are some alternative suggestions.
| Sleeplessness |
Pain |
Colds or Flu |
Constipation |
| Exercise regularly |
Take a bath or a shower |
Reduce activity |
Don’t put off the “urge” to go to the
bathroom |
| Relax – breathe deeply |
Relax |
Get some rest |
Eat a high fibre diet |
| Keep a regular sleep routine |
Do simple exercises |
Eat a balanced diet |
Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day |
| Cut caffeine, especially after 3pm |
Massage |
Drink plenty of fluids |
Be active every day |
| Avoid nicotine and alcohol |
Talk with friends and relatives |
Use a cool air vaporizer |
Aim for 5-10 servings of fruit or vegetables daily |
| Drink warm milk before bed |
Think of something else – book, movie |
Gargle with salt water or suck on hard candy |
Choose whole grain cereals and bread |
If you have been taking OTC drugs for an ongoing or worsening problem, you may
need medical help.
| For help
close to home, contact: |
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Motherisk Home Line: 416-813-6780 |
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• your
pharmacist
• health care provider |
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