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Should you take anti-nausea drugs during pregnancy?
Results so far:
| No | 55% | 197 votes | Total: 355 votes | |
| Yes | 45% | 158 votes |
No
by Katrina Norman
Created on: April 12, 2008
While the effects of morning sickness or nausea varies with each woman and each pregnancy, it is important to remember that the health of the unborn child is of the utmost importance. As a mother of five wonderful children, I have encountered my share of nausea. In my opinion there are many ways you can cut down or even eliminate nausea without the use of drugs, which may have side effects on you and your unborn child. Folic acid is a supplement which has been shone to aid in the relief of morning sickness as well as motion sickness. Eating saltine crackers helps, as well as drinking small amounts of carbonated (caffeine free) beverages. Sometimes taking prenatal vitamins on an empty stomach can be the cause of an upset tummy; try taking them with or after a meal, or before bed time. When all else fails, a trick I picked up was keeping a supply of antacids nearby. When I got the feeling of "here it comes", I would quickly chew one or two. The base of the antacid eliminated the burning feeling of the stomach acid as it exited. Avoid fried foods, or any foods that turn your nose during pregnancy, as they will most likely cause your nausea to amplify. Compromising the lifelong health of your child during his or her fetal development isn't worth easing a few months of your personal discomfort.
It is important to know yourself as well as your limits. Stress can also be a cause of nausea during pregnancy. Try to eliminate as much stress as possible. Your body is going through some pretty major changes including hormonal and chemical variations. You may find yourself becoming sensitive to things that never bothered you before. Your body is telling you that something isn't right. Listening to it, rather than drugging yourself to eliminate a natural occurrence may be in your best interest.
Smells are among the leading causes of nausea during pregnancy. Try eliminating as many chemicals or fragrances in your environment as possible. Change your detergent to a "perfume free" brand, or clean with soap and water instead of bleach or other cleansers which require ventilation when being used. Your senses are bombarded by so many different chemicals and smells; shampoo, body soap, hand soap, dish soap, floor cleaner, window cleaner, laundry detergent and fabric softeners. When you stop to think of everything that is in your environment, it becomes easier to see the steps you can take to prevent nausea rather than just treat it with a drug.
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Yes
by Taylor Rios
Created on: December 05, 2009
Pharmaceuticals have made great medications for pregnancy-related nausea. These drugs manufactured specifically for pregnancy-related nausea are safe for the unborn child. With both of my pregnancies, my morning sickness (which was really 24-7 sickness) did not end until the day I had them, which is unusual because pregnancy-related nausea usually ends around the 12th week of pregnancy. I was unable to eat and even threw up saltine crackers and water. Who knew you could actually throw up water? Without the nausea medication my doctor prescribed me, I would be jeopardizing my life and the life inside me because I was not getting the proper nutrients. Not only did I throw up crackers and water, I also started throwing up bile (some people refer to this as "stomach acid") when I didn't have anything in my stomach at all. This is very painful and can actually cause a lot of damage to your esophagus.
According to www.webmd.com, Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a rare disorder characterized by severe and persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that may necessitate hospitalization. As a result of frequent nausea and vomiting, affected women experience dehydration, vitamin and mineral deficit, and the loss of greater than five percent of their original body weight.
I understand why some women would be hesitant to take any medications during pregnancy, but sometimes they are necessary. In my case, the nausea was so severe and lasted through the entire pregnancy, so my doctor felt it was necessary to ensure a healthy baby. You have to decide if the benefits are worth the risks. With the particular medication I was on, there were no known risks and both of my girls, age 9 years and 4 months, are perfectly healthy.
I was diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum in both of my pregnancies. I required several hospitalizations for treatment with intravenous fluids as a result of this condition. According to my doctor, Hyperemeses Gravidarum occurs in approximately 1% of pregnancies and cannot be prevented, although it can be managed with mediciation and dietary changes. Once I was prescribed anti-nausea medication, my vomiting decreased by about 50%, making it possible to finally stay hydrated and eat small amounts.
For someone who is not medically trained to suggest to a pregnant woman who is vomiting past her first trimester that she should not take any medications could unknowingly be endangering the life of both mother and child. Would these people also tell a diabetic to not take insulin? Only a licensed doctor can make the determination of whether medication would be in the mother and child's best interest.
I do not recommend that pregnant women take any kind of medication, prescribed or over-the-counter unless they have consulted their doctor.
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