Running head: THE SIDE EFFECTS OF Using SOME DRUGS DURING PREGNANCY
The Side Effects of Using Some Drugs during Pregnancy
Hiba Alansari
University of the District of Columbia
English 515
November 13, 2015
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THE SIDE EFFECTS OF SOME DRUGS DURING PREGNANCY
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Introduction
Pregnancy and wellbeing of pregnant women has been a very critical issue in the medical
sector. The rate of maternity deaths has risen due to lack of proper handling of maternity issues
and other diseases that are widespread during pregnancy. In many countries, expectant mothers
and infants fall in to bad medical conditions because of application or poor consumption of
certain medications. We all know that some drugs usually have side effects, and these drugs are
the ones that are the primary source of such problems. They contain some substances that are
harmful to infants and pregnant women. Such drugs don’t suit the pregnant women, and hence
affect them and the fetus in different ways.
Congenital anomalies usually occur in one of every thirty-thee babies according a
research done by centers for disease control and prevention (NICHD, 2012). Birth defects are
commonly genetic, may be due to environment, or other unknown or known cases. However, it is
well known that allergic and drug substances play a major role in detailing some side effects that
are experienced by mothers and infants. Women especially, must know about pregnancy
complication, some of the side effects of drugs that they use during pregnancy, and get advice on
how to reduce birth defects risk.
Pregnancy Complications
Pregnancy complications are health problems which usually occur in time of pregnancy.
The problems usually involve baby health, mother’s health or both. Some women have health
problems that arise during pregnancy, and other women have health problems before they
become pregnant that could lead to complications. Therefore, it is really important for women to
THE SIDE EFFECTS OF SOME DRUGS DURING PREGNANCY
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receive health care before and during pregnancy to decrease the risk of pregnancy complications
(CDC, 2015).
The Side Effect of Using Some Drugs during Pregnancy
Antithyroid Drugs
Thyroid hormones are a key factor in the wellbeing of a pregnancy and the life of an
infant. A study reveals that maternal thyroid dysfunction may cause pregnancy complications and
birth defect in the fetus. Wrong application of certain drugs and medication can affect the proper
functioning of the thyroid hormone. According to Laurberg and Andersen (2015), there are
concerns about the side effect of taking antithyroid drugs (ATDs) during pregnancy period.
ATDs have a history of affecting the right functions of the thyroid hormones causing fatal
complications to the fetus. The other negative outcomes of using the ATDs are the occurrences of
allergic or toxic reactions and overtreatment of the fetus. On the contrary, the study suggested
that using the lowest dose of ATDs during the pregnancy may decrease the high risk of birth
defect. This contradicting statement gives the idea that a huge consumption of ATDs has a direct
effect on the functionality of the thyroid hormone. Besides, the study further reveals that
Methimazole (MMI) and Propylthiouracil (PTU) are other drugs that can be used to reduce
hyperthyroidism associate themselves with birth defects when used in early pregnancy (Laurberg,
& Andersen, 2015).
Antipsychotic Medications
Doctors found out that severe psychiatric illness is common in pregnant women. It is
important to conduct careful procedures while treating pregnant women suffering from severe
THE SIDE EFFECTS OF SOME DRUGS DURING PREGNANCY
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psychiatric illness. Some studies indicated that using Antipsychotic medications may effects on
the fetus in different ways. According to Kulkarni et al. (2015), there are no distinct patterns of
fetal limb or organ malformation associated with using these drugs. However, the effect of using
Antipsychotic medications during pregnancy is associated with the development of gestational
diabetes and increased neonatal respiratory distress and withdrawal symptoms (Kulkarni et al.,
2015). Some of the effects of these antipsychotic medications have a long-term effect on the fetus
health. Even after birth, the fetus could still experience the effects of antipsychotic drugs through
health complications. Further, clinicians ought to be cautious before endorsing the measurement
of Antipsychotic for pregnant to alter high maternal passionate prosperity, sound pregnancies,
and incredible infant tyke wellbeing results.
Inflammatory Eye Diseases Drugs
Mothers who attested to using drugs used to treat inflammatory eye diseases (IED)
reported that their babies had post-birth health complications. An example of the drug was the
Uveitis. IED commonly occur in the first trimester and postpartum period, but treatment on
women that are expectant should be done by professionals. Therefore, it is essential to have
prepared medications that control the disease and do not affect the fetus health. According to
Wakefield,
Abu
El-Asrar,
and
McCluskey,
"Several
immunosuppressive
drugs
are
contraindicated in pregnancy (methotrexate and alkylating agents), while others (corticosteroids,
azathioprine, and cyclosporin) may be considered for use in pregnancy."(2012). Specific drugs
were banned for use in the maternity treatment services, not only were they are harmful to the
fetus but also because there is no sufficient evidence to prove that they are safe for fetus health
(Wakefield et al., 2012).
THE SIDE EFFECTS OF SOME DRUGS DURING PREGNANCY
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Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that usually abbreviated to NSAIDs are drugs with
analgesic, antipyreticdrugs that lowering body temperature and relieving pain without impairing
consciousness in low doses, and in higher doses with anti-inflammatory effects (reducing
inflammation). The study indicated that using these drugs during pregnancy may have the
potential to cause adverse maternal and fetal effects. According to Valha and et al, "Maternal
effects include prolongation of pregnancy and labor, whereas constriction of the ductus
arteriosus, renal dysfunction and haemostatic abnormalities can occur in the fetus and
neonate."(2010). This means using NSAIDs during pregnancy may be harmful and cause birth
defect, and pregnancy have to be very careful when they need to use it.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is necessary for fetal development and pregnancy has to take sufficient amount
of vitamin A from natural resources. Some animal studies with retinoic acid have been suggested
that consumption of high doses of retinol during pregnancy may cause birth defects. Also, some
synthetic derivatives of retinol such astretinate, isotretinoin, and tretinoin have been associate
with birth defects when women use it during pregnancy. However, there is no increase in the risk
of vitamin A associated birth defects has been observed when pregnancy consumed vitamin A
supplement at doses below 3 mg/day (10,000 IU/day). In addition, consumption of vitamin A
from beta-carotene has been not associated to increase the risk of birth defects. So, pregnancy has
to be careful with doses of vitamin A to avoid the birth defects (Nutri-Facts, 2012).
THE SIDE EFFECTS OF SOME DRUGS DURING PREGNANCY
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Alcohol
Drinking alcohol will be harmful during pregnancy and cause to have a range of lifelong
baby's health conditions. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, preterm
birth, and stillbirth. When pregnant drinks alcohol, all the amount of alcohol quickly passes
through the placenta and to her baby through the umbilical cord. That means the dose of alcohol
in pregnant blood is the same in her baby's blood. Although pregnant body is able to manage
alcohol in her blood, her baby's little body isn't. Because of pregnant liver can work hard to break
down the alcohol in her blood, her baby's liver is too small to do the same then alcohol can hurt
baby's development. Many studies indicated that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to
serious fetal health conditions known collectively as “fetal alcohol spectrum disorders” (FASDs).
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) can seriously harm the baby's development mentally and
physically. In addition, drinking alcohol has been directly associated with birth defects in the
baby's heart, brain, and other organs. The infant may also suffer from vision, hearing, learning
and behavior complications. Some studies have been observed that infants be born too
soon (preterm) and at low birthweight which lead to them to be likely to die (Marchofdim, 2012).
Advice to Reduce the Risk of Birth Defects
Not all birth defects can be prevented but also women can increase their chances of
having a healthy baby by managing health conditions and adopting healthy behaviors before
becoming pregnant. Centers for Disease Control and Preventionis in an effort to increase public
knowledge about healthy pregnancies and to reduce the risk of birth defects that can be easily
avoided. According to the CDC, pregnant women should take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic
acid every day to prevent major birth defects of the infant’s brain and spine. Pregnant women
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must avoid drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, smoking marijuana and other “street drugs” at
all times during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant should always talk to a healthcare provider
before taking any medications or vaccinations. Therefore, by following these plans may help to
reduce occurring birth defects risk (CDC, 2015).
Conclusion
To sum up, birth defect is an issue in the world and pregnancy has to be educated by their
doctor to avoid occurring birth defects in their fetus. Also, pregnancy has to ask the doctor before
using any medications during pregnancy especially when they need to use antithyroid drugs,
antipsychotic medications, inflammatory eye diseases drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs), and vitamin A. Finally, pregnancy has to stop drinking alcohol and smoking
cigarettes which be harmful for both her health and baby's health.
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References
Alcohol & Drug-Related Birth Defects Research at the NICHD. (2012). Retrieved November 12,
2015, from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/resources/spotlight/Pages/062712-alcoholdrug-related-birth-defects.aspx
Alcohol during pregnancy. (2012). Marchofdim. Retrieved December 4, 2015, from
http://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/alcohol-during-pregnancy.aspx#
Make a PACT for Prevention. Commit to Healthy Choices to Help Prevent Birth Defects. (2015).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved December 4, 2015, from
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/prevention.html
Pregnancy Complications. (2015).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved
December 3, 2015,
fromhttp://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pregcomplications.htm
Vitamin A, Adverse Effects, Overdose - Nutri-Facts. (2012). Retrieved December 6, 2015, from
http://www.nutri-facts.org/eng/vitamins/vitamin-a-retinol/safety/
Kulkarni, J., Storch, A., Baraniuk, A., Gilbert, H., Gavrilidis, E., &Worsley, R. (2015).
Antipsychotic use in pregnancy. Expert OpinPharmacother, 16(9):1335-45. Retrieved
October 25, 2015, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26001182
Laurberg, P., & Andersen, SL. (2015). Graves'-Basedow disease in pregnancy. New trends in the
management and guidance to reduce the risk of birth defects caused by antithyroid
drugs.Nuklearmedizin, 54(3):106-11. Retrieved October 25, 2015, from
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26105719
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Valha, P., Zmrhal, J., &Feyereisl, J. (2010). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in
pregnancy.Ceska Gynekol,75(1):69-72. Retrieved October 25, 2015, from
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20437842
Wakefield, D., Abu El-Asrar, A., &McCluskey, P. (2012). Treatment of severe inflammatory eye
disease in patients of reproductive age and during pregnancy. OculImmunolInflamm,
20(4):277-87. Retrieved October 25, 2015, from
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22621209
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