Common medications turn dangerous - lifelines - pregnancy risks - Brief Article

Vibrant Life, Jan-Feb, 2004

If you're pregnant, watch out! Common over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin can harm your child. Doctors say chronic use of aspirin is associated with increased hemorrhage risk both before and after childbirth, extended pregnancy, prolonged labor, and pulmonary hypertension.

"Although aspirin is common, it's a very potent medicine," says Dr. Norman Gant, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Other medications that women might consider harmless include antihistamines and diuretics. Not so, says Dr. Gant. "While it is sometimes necessary for women who are pregnant to take medication, this should be done only under a doctor's supervision."

(University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas)