I am scared that my baby will have a birth defect because I was taking medications lyrica, ultram and vicodin. I did not know that I was pregnant so I took these meds all the way into my second month. I had a genetic test done for downs and other genetic problems they came out negative. But I am worried about physical problems. All of my ultrasounds have not shown any problems but I don't know how reliable those are. My doctors don't have much to say and neither do the pharmacist that I have spoken to. I am trying to be positive, but I also feel like I need to hear from some one in the same situation. Thank you.
try contacting the March of Dimes for information they are more open and honest.
I am also 36 - 3 daughters and a son - - - my oldest is a senior in HS - and I am about to deliver number 5... I have put the shock aside and decided to deal with it when my sone gets here....
Best of luck to you and try not to worry too much - - - I had x-rays on my back with my 2nd before I knew I was pregnant and her only defect is a missing tooth -
I have SLE (lupus). During my last pregnancy, I was on many medications through the first and part of seccond month without knowing that I was pregnant. My doctor did many tests... the genetic one and ultrasounds... I read up on everything and worried until the day I gave birth. My beautiful son Jacob came out just perfect! Trust the tests you have done and you will see that everything will turn out just fine. Congrats on the baby! They are blessings!
Steph
Hi P.,
I didn't experience taking meds during pregnancy, however I remember the nurse in birth class telling us that there are mom's who have car accidents and have to take pain killers throughout pregnancy and in that case let them know at the hospital and they can give the baby a drug that reverses it. Perhaps someone out there knows what it is called. You are a good mom for worrying, however, don't worry yourself sick! Ask the doc about that reverse stuff on your next visit, perhaps it is not even necessary for just 2 out of 9 months.
Best of luck.
C.
Please do not worry. I have a permanent nerve condition in my back that I have had since 1998. I usually take Ultram. I took Ultram up to about 6 weeks and then, when I found out I was pregnant, switched to Vicodin for the rest of the pregnancy. That was for my first son (who is perfect and nearly 5). I am currently 29 weeks pregnant with my second son. I am back on Vicodin for pain. It is safe to take Vicodin for the baby. People will be shocked to hear it, btu it is. My doctor is very conservative and keeps telling me that it is fine, provided I am monitored re how much I am taking. I take 1-2 pills per day. That is fine. You cannot take Ultram during pregnancy because it has blood thinning properties in it like Motrin does. The risk there is miscarriage while you are taking it. If you stopped, have continued to be pregnant, have had tests done that say that genetically the baby is fine, you and the baby are FINE. The only med I don't know about is the third one you talked about. As long as you stopped taking it, I am sure it is fine. Good luck.
I suffer from Migraines. When I was pregnant with my son I had a big one that lasted 2 1/2 days, even while TAKING Imatrex. I didn't yet know I was pregnant. (I didn't realize I was late until almost 3 weeks AFTER I should have known.) I had taken 6 or 9 pills (don't recall if the max allowed is 2 or 3 a day) within those 2 1/2 days. Plus, I finally figured out I was late when I had decided that after 4 years without smoking, I suddenly NEEDED a cigarette. I felt SO stupid for not recognizing I was pregnant before, and was SO scared that I had destroyed me baby.
After I started my OB visits I asked the Dr. about the risk. He said "As with all medications, there is some risk toward the baby, however most drugs simply have unknown outcomes. Ethically, the drug companies can't test on pregnant women, so they simply advise against it's use for pregnant women." He also told me that "The medications that say 'If pregnant or nursing please check with the Dr. before taking this product' are usually either unknown or okay in limited doses, but you should check with me before taking them. The ones that state in bold caps 'DO NOT TAKE IF PREGNANT OR NURING.' are the ones to be more concerned with. He told me not to worry unless HE said there was a possible problem.
2 1/2 years later I have a healthy, happy, huge, and EXTREMELY intelligent little boy. (Already reads about 30 words, counts to 20 without help, and as a vocabulary that surprises most strangers, even when they think he's 3+ years because of his size.) I would guess that if all has show that she is okay, then you will have the similar outcome. Try not to stress, because they KNOW stress is bad for the baby. Just keep doing things right now that you know. Congratulations, and thanks for being a GREAT mom. Our world needs more moms like you! ~J.
Hi,
First of all, calm down and don't stress out. You will do your baby more harm than good. I was on pain meds for the first few months with 2 of mine and they are fine.
D.
I was in a similar situation, i had to take anti epileptic drugs and got pregnant without consulting my doctor about the effects of the drugs on my baby. There was a chance of birth defects, but the ultrasound turned out fine and that was enough comfort for me. Thank God nothing was wrong with my daughter. I think if you are still concerned of the possibility then do as much as you can now, with information, coping techniques, and any extra info and support you will need to deal with any type of disability if it happens. but, at the same time, don't think negatively, there's still a good chance your baby will be fine. keep us updated!
hi! try not to worry so much. if the doctors have told you that all the exams have came out normal and the ultrasound are fine, then just try to take it easy. you know our bodies the way it functions it's so amazing. during the first 6 weeks of pregnancy there is a yolk sac, this yolk sac will be the earliest source of nutrients for the developing fetus. then the placenta will take over, and will take care of the baby. but if you don't mind me asking why were you taking pain medication? and were you taking them all at one time? I took pain medication a couple years ago because I broke my clavicle, and wow they would knock me right out. anyways, when i came out pregnant with my third girl, i had been really sick with the flu i was taking all sorts of antibiotics,and nasal medication, and cough . I had the same concerns as you. all my exam came out normal and so did my ultrasounds. just eat right, take your prenatal vitamins, folic acid and a fatty acid or omega 3. my baby is now 7 months old.
wow! so your fourth girl OMG!! I think I am on the same route. my husband wants a boy, and I keep having girls. LOL! girl power.
I'm not sure about the other two but when I was pregnant with my second child and broke my foot my doctor prescribed vicodin knowing i was pregnant and said it wouldn't hurt anything. He turned out okay.
P., Relax and don't stress. Your baby may or may not have problems but that's the same chance if you hadn't taken medicine. Remember the sames doctors that scare you and tell you not to medicate when pregnant (and we know you shouldn't) give you class Anna Nicole style, class three narcotics (nubaine, fentanyl)during labor and delivery. Just take care of your body as best you can here on out and prayer never hurts. My opinion is the worst thing to do during pregnancy is consume alcohol and not eat well. What I have heard is that the problem with abusing/using moms is that they don't get adequate nutrition and in return baby's physical and mental development is effected from lack of nutrition.
I understand how you feel. When I was pregnant with my last baby, I had to take heart medication, and also had a chest x-ray and I was very concerned. My ultrasound said my baby was okay, but it was scary. I now have a beautiful baby girl, whom I love. Nothing is 100% sure, but hopefully if all your tests are negative, your baby should be fine. Good luck. Try to enjoy your pregnancy.
