FMEDICAL CARE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN: DRUGS MAY BE DANGEROUS
In
the
early 1960s, the first warning shots that certain drugs administered
during early pregnancy might be dangerous were fired by an
Australian obstetrician named William McBride.
It was reported in London's
medical magazine Lancet in the form of a short letter in the
correspondence pages. Of course, what transpired is now
well-established, world-wide medical history.
It was the start of the thalidomide disaster revelation. This drug had
been prescribed with good intent by physicians around the world as a
safe and reliable sedative. But given to pregnant women during the
early months, it proved to be a monster in disguise. It had a
profound effect on
the development of certain key parts of the body, and subsequently
great numbers of deformed and crippled children were born.
Since the tragic sixties, an enormous
amount of research has been pumped into the study of drug therapy
during pregnancy. The results have been so startling that now there
is a blanket procedure followed by most obstetricians throughout the
Western world. It is simple, clear and straightforward. In essence
it merely says: "No drugs of any description during pregnancy."
In practice it is modified a little. The
risk is highest during the early months of pregnancy (particularly
the first four.) So, doctors are loath to recommend any form of drug
therapy during these first few vital months when cells are dividing
and vital organs are being formed.
Perhaps the only forms of medication to
escape this blanket edict are simple preparations such as iron,
which is often required by the pregnant woman.
Many doctors order vitamin preparation, and
I believe this is a good idea. Much misinformation has been printed
about vitamins over the past few years, but there also seems a lot
of evidence supporting their value, both for normal healthy people
as well as for pregnant women. I think they have a lot going for
them. Most are water-soluble, and any unwanted excess will be
excreted. We gain enough vitamin D from the sunlight, and probably
receive sufficient vitamin A from our food -
A and D are the ones which may cause trouble if used in excessive
amounts.
Some women may have heard of medication
called Debendox, which was used for many years to check the nausea
of pregnancy. In
1982
this was removed from prescribing lists and its
manufacture ceased. Public pressure was against the medication,
although for many years, thousands of women took it with good
results, and with no ill effects either to themselves or their baby.
Today, many doctors are swinging back to simple old vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, to check
nausea.
But as for other forms of medication,
doctors say, "Hands off -
leave them all alone!" This extends even to simple
everyday over-the-pharmacy-counter lines such as aspirin products.
So, any pregnant woman is well advised NOT
to take any form of medication under any circumstances,
particularly during the first three or four months of pregnancy. Be
guided absolutely by your doctor's recommendations. And do not
forget that this includes any of the readily available products you
might not place in the category of drug therapy. Think twice before
you place anything in your mouth when you are pregnant! This could
be the only way to guarantee complete safety.
*80/76/5*
GENERAL HEALTH
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