When you are sick, it is important to take medicine and seek medical attention in a timely manner. However, "medicine is three parts poison." Can you still have a baby if you take medicine during pregnancy? Here are the 5 taboos for pregnant women taking Chinese medicine.
Can you still have a baby if you take medicine during pregnancy?
Pregnant women usually face a dilemma when they get sick during pregnancy: can they take medicine or not? If they don't take medicine, they will feel uncomfortable, but if they do, they worry that it might affect the baby in their womb. However, some medicines are safe for pregnant women to take, as long as they follow the doctor's instructions.
During pregnancy, there are certain changes in the enzymes in a pregnant woman's body, which can affect the metabolism of drugs. Some drugs may not be easily excreted from the body, causing toxicity and affecting the baby's development. Therefore, pregnant women should be cautious when taking medication. If a medication is prohibited or should be used with caution for pregnant women, they should avoid taking it.
Pregnant women should also follow the doctor's instructions when taking medication. Even if it is an over-the-counter drug, they should not take it casually. They should choose medications that have minimal impact on their bodies and the fetus. It is also advisable to avoid taking medication in the early stages of pregnancy to prevent miscarriage.
As the saying goes, "medicine is three parts poison, and using medicine requires caution." Ordinary people should be careful when taking medication, let alone pregnant women during this special period. Pregnant women should also adhere to certain dosages when taking medication and avoid taking large quantities of medication.
The use of medication during pregnancy - birth defects
Thalidomide is one of the most notorious teratogenic drugs. From 1956 to 1962, it caused nearly 100,000 newborns to suffer from phocomelia.
Nowadays, its use is strictly controlled and is only used to treat certain leprosy conditions and multiple myeloma. In addition, the use of the drug isotretinoin to treat severe acne may also cause phocomelia.
Many of the above-mentioned drugs may be unfamiliar to you, and the side effects of most common drugs may not be so "bizarre." However, this does not mean that side effects do not exist or should be ignored.
Taboos for pregnant women taking Chinese medicine
Firstly, toxic Chinese medicines such as aconite and soapberry should not be used during pregnancy.
Secondly, blood-activating and stasis-breaking drugs, especially those that can cause bleeding, such as sanleng, curcuma, and leeches, should be avoided. Some blood-activating drugs, such as angelica and salvia, should be used with caution.
Thirdly, drugs with hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, such as fleeceflower root, should be used with caution.
Fourthly, laxatives, especially strong ones like rhubarb, mirabilite, and croton, should be avoided or used with caution.
Fifthly, drugs that promote Qi circulation, such as magnolia bark and bitter orange, should be used with caution.
