Abusing prescription drugs during pregnancy

Any pregnant woman should evaluate her lifestyle and, if necessary, make changes to protect the health of her baby. If you have an addiction or abuse of prescription drugs, it is important that you seek help not only for your own health, but also for your child's health.

Commonly used prescription drugs

Opioids

These drugs are prescribed to relieve pain and are sometimes used as sedatives before anesthesia. Common names include morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, meperidine, and oxycodone.

Central nervous system depressants

These drugs are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Central nervous system depressants fall into two categories: barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Common prescription names include mephobarbital, sodium pentobarbital, alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, and chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride.

Stimulants

These drugs are prescribed to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Common prescription names include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate.

Popular drugs that may harm your child include:

Morphine and demerol are Category C for safety during pregnancy; they are used to relieve severe to moderate pain.
Tylenol with codeine is Category C for safety in pregnancy; it is commonly used for mild to moderately severe pain.
Xanax is labeled category D for safety in pregnancy; it is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
Valium is prohibited for use during pregnancy; it is used to treat anxiety disorders and alcohol withdrawal.
Ritalin is labeled category C for safety during pregnancy; it is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
OxyContin is labeled category B for safety in pregnancy; it is used to relieve moderate to severe pain over a long period.

It is important to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking.

How can prescription drugs harm my baby?

Anything a pregnant woman ingests can both positively and negatively affect her baby. Oxygen and beneficial nutrients reach the fetus through the placenta.

Any medicine taken by a pregnant woman also crosses the placenta and reaches her baby. The effect of any drug on the developing fetus depends largely on the woman's gestational age.

Prescription drugs can cause the following problems and complications during pregnancy:

Contraction of the uterus, which can affect the baby's blood supply or cause premature labour.
Violation of normal intrauterine development, which can lead to birth defects or fetal death
Violation of the function of the placenta, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the child, which leads to underdevelopment and lack of weight in some children.

How do I know if I am abusing prescription drugs?

You consume larger doses than prescribed
You use them more frequently than prescribed
You take the medication for reasons other than originally prescribed
You take medication prescribed for someone else
You use medication with alcohol, narcotics or other addictive substances

What should I do if I'm pregnant and taking prescription drugs?

The hardest step is admitting that you have a problem. When you get pregnant, your lifestyle needs to change for the good of you and your baby.

During your first prenatal visit, your doctor will ask you a series of questions about your lifestyle. You will be asked if you smoke, drink and/or take prescription drugs. Be completely open and honest with your doctor.