by Pregnancy is a delicate period in a woman’s life, it’s crucial to ensure that expectant employees are aware of potential risks to their health the health of their unborn child. Among these risks are certain medications that can adversely affect the developing fetus.
This topic focuses on seven common drugs that can pose a significant threat to the well-being of pregnant employees. It highlights the impact of these drugs on fetal development outlines the potential health risks they pose to both the mother her baby.
By raising awareness of these risks, expectant employees can make informed decisions about their health take appropriate precautions to safeguard themselves their children.
Tylenol
Tylenol is the most common pain reliever that people take during pregnancy. But it’s also one of the most dangerous over-the-counter drugs that your pregnant employee can take. The drug has been alleged to cause birth defects.
Acetaminophen-containing drugs are commonly used during pregnancy, with around 59% to 65% of pregnant women estimated to have used them at some stage. Nevertheless, there have been claims by the Autism Claim Center that there is a connection between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. Some scientific studies have indicated that this may be a possibility.
The manufacturers of the drug are facing a Tylenol lawsuit for autism cases filed by families who allege that their children developed autism spectrum disorder due to exposure to the pain medication Tylenol during pregnancy. According to TorHoerman Law, LLC, one of the leading lawyers representing the case, the lawsuit claims that Tylenol’s active ingredient, acetaminophen, caused neurological damage to the developing fetus.
Accutane
Accutane is a powerful drug that can cause severe birth defects when taken during pregnancy. It’s used to treat severe acne, it should not be used during pregnancy. If you are pregnant taking Accutane, stop immediately.
If you need help quitting the drug or managing your symptoms while you’re pregnant, talk to your doctor or pharmacist right away.
Antidepressants
WebMD notes that depression is a common issue faced by many women, to manage their symptoms, they often require the use of antidepressants. Previously, it was believed that pregnancy provided protection against depression, but recent research has shown that this is not the case.
As a result, an increasing number of women are turning to antidepressants during pregnancy to manage their symptoms. A study conducted between 1998 2005 found that nearly one in twenty women reported using an antidepressant either three months before pregnancy or during the pregnancy.
Studies show that the use of antidepressants during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects. Antidepressants like Prozac Zoloft have been linked to heart defects in babies born to mothers who took them while pregnant. Other studies suggest that antidepressants may increase your chances of miscarriage or premature birth if you’re taking them while pregnant.
These medications also cause low birth weight in newborns, a condition that leads to health problems later on in life.
Birth Control Pills
According to Healthline, approximately 50% of all pregnancies in the United States occur unintentionally. Although some of these pregnancies happen due to the lack of birth control measures, others occur because birth control methods are not always 100% effective. In case you are taking birth control pills suspect that you might be pregnant, the initial step is to take a home pregnancy test. If the result is positive, discontinue taking the pill.
If you are unable to obtain a pregnancy test but have a suspicion of being pregnant, halt the use of the pill opt for an alternative form of birth control until the pregnancy can be confirmed.
Birth control pills, patches, injections contain hormones that can harm the baby’s development if taken during pregnancy. The pill is safe for women who are not pregnant but should be avoided in the first three months of pregnancy because it may cause a miscarriage.
Blood Thinners
Blood thinners are used to prevent blood clots treat them if they do occur. They include warfarin (also known as Coumadin), aspirin, heparin, other medications. These drugs can cause birth defects fetal bleeding if taken during pregnancy.
If you feel your employee is on blood thinners is not aware of the risk, you may ask them to consult a doctor about it.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are used to treat allergies cold symptoms, but they can also cause drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth. While antihistamines are generally considered safe during pregnancy, some studies have linked their use to an increased risk of birth defects.
If you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, if your employees are, you need to be aware that these drugs should be avoided by women who want to conceive or who are already pregnant.
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics are used to treat schizophrenia other mental disorders. They may also be prescribed for anxiety, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Common side effects of antipsychotic medications include weight gain, drowsiness, dizziness. Some antipsychotic medications also pose a risk of birth defects developmental delays in the baby when taken during pregnancy.
Though antipsychotic drugs are an essential part of maintaining healthy mental health, not taking them can have a considerable effect on work life, your expecting employee should be careful about these medications during pregnancy. They can cause serious health problems for both the mother the baby.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that pregnant women are more susceptible to the side effects of drugs than other people. They need to be aware of this fact consider it when choosing a medication. It’s also important for employers to know of their employees’ conditions support them during this period so those working for the company can make better health choices.
