Would like to Have Other Moms Opinions on Using Phenergen During Pregnancy

It put me to sleep when I took it with my daughter, adult dosage was to high for my body. But, I lived on an child's dosage for 5-6 months with my son. That pregnancy was much more enjoyable than the 1st, and my kids have no problems.
Jen D.-Frisco

I took phenergen quite often with my first pregnancy and didn't have any problems. That was over nine years ago. It also helped me with my nausea but put me right to sleep.

I used phenergen for the first 5 months of my pregnacy and it really helped me. I only found that it made me sleep but i havent heard anything about any autism or any other disorder. Everything I smelled made me nauseas so i recomened taking it if you neede it.

my husband is a pharmacist, i'm on my sixth pg, have been to a variety of specialists, and i have NEVER heard such. phenergan is WIDELY used in pg women, and NO ONE really knows what causes autism.

edited to add: to the person that suggested promethazine as a "safe alternative" to phenergan, i'd highly suggest educating yourself further - phenergan is the trade/brand name for promethazine. it can be made/taken in MANY forms, including liquid, tablets, suppositories, wrist gel, etc.

Hello,

I am sorry to hear about your issues. I used it for a week when I was pregnant. I was about 10 weeks along when I had to use it. I was getting dehydrated because of the constant vomiting. My recommendation is to drink a lot of gatorade. I did get kidney stones because of getting dehydrated when pregnant. Sometimes water is not enough. My daughter is now 2 yrs old. and is in perfect health! I wouldn't worry too much. But it might be worth getting a 2nd doctors opinion. Maybe another dr. could give you advice on stopping the vomiting.

L.

Girl...if it wasn't for that medication I would have never made it thru 2 pregnancies AND my two girls turned out just fine! I had hyperemisis (which is severe throwing up) and even had to wear a Reglan pump 24/7. The only con is that phenergen knocked me out! Hope this helps!

I took this with my son (along with Zofran) and had no problems. He is two now and is perfectly healthy and happy. I was told it was perfectly safe and believe it.

D.,

I took this medicine with my last pregnancy as well for my extreme nausea. It was so bad that I had to seriously hold in thowing up while in the car. I was always nauseated. This medicine was like pure gold to me because it controlled my nausea. Made me a little sleepy but was definitely well worth it! I had a healthy baby girl:). I had never of those problems when taking it. I definitely believe it's totally safe and you should have no worries. Enjoy the bliss of not throwing up all the time. I had no problems or anything with it. I hope this helps you out, I know things like that runs through your mind, it did mine. Have a great day D.! :-)

I took phenergan in both my pregnancies, more often in my first and only when I had someone who could watch my daughter with my second (I get extremely tired when I take phenergan) Anyway, my kids are healthy and normal, well, normal, I don't know, they are kinda weird, but that's cause of DNA not phenergan ;P, haha. For real, I didn't have any problems with my pregnancies or my babies and I had the nausea and vomiting for 4 months with my first and 5 months with my second. Congrats on the pregnancy!!!

I used it durning my second pregnancy for headaches. I had headaches with my first pregnancy, but they didn't last long. With my son they lastes what seemed like forever. My OBGYN prescribed Phenergen and I took it for almost my entire second trimester. My son is now almost 2 and has not had any problems. I have never heard of it causing any type of side effects to the baby. If I remember correctly it is a class C drug that has been tested to cause no problems to the baby. I might have the class wrong, but I know there where 3 types one that has not been tested, one that has only had little testing and one that was tested safe.

I have never heard of it causing either problem. Suggestion, since you are into your second trimester now, have you tried to cut back on the dosage to see if the nausea and vomiting is any better? You may find that you might not need it any more or not as much as you have been taking it.

Hello D.,

Phenergan is a Class C drug not associated with birth defects but there are still a lot of studies that need to be done. Whenever you take prescription drugs in pregnancy the benefits should outweigh the risks.

When I was pregnant with my twins, the doctor prescribed a compound RX - Promethazine.

Promethazine is commonly compounded for topical or transdermal application to treat nausea, vomiting, and vertigo, but this preparation may be used as an antiemetic for cases ranging from chemotherapy to motion sickness. The dose is typically 25mg for adults, and the dose is decreased for children. The gel is applied to an area of soft skin, such as the inside of the wrist or arm, the side of the torso, or the inside of the thigh. For children, doses are often applied to the inside of one wrist, and then the wrists are rubbed together.

Only certain pharmacies will compound medication. Best wishes and Many Blessings.

DK

I am not sure about the medication; however, you would probably want to read the prescribing instructions and talk to your doctor if you are concerned. However, I do know that there is no known cause for autism or Asburgers Syndrome. That mother is incorrect. If you are concerned about these conditions, the best source of information is from the CDC.

I was miserably sick throughout all of my pregnancies. My doctor prescribed Zofran and Phenergan, which I alternated (I tried to take the Phenergan at night because it will make you sleepy) throughout the day...everyday...for nine months...twice. I have two happy, healthy little boys (ages 4 and 6) with no hint of any neurological disorders. Being sick for your whole pregnancy is horrible...take the meds and enjoy the good moments. By the way, there are no proven reasons for autism or Asperger's Syndrome. God bless.

I was put on Phenegren when I was 7 months pregnant with my second child when I came down with a nasty case of the stomach flu. He is now a perfectly healthy 6 year old. I was never told of any possible side effects at the time but I would put a call in to your doctor just to be on the safe side.

First of all, i am a l&d nurse and a mom of 3 who has needed meds during all of my pregnancies. You have nothing to worry about. Forget what that lady said, she doesn't know what she is talking about and is just trying to scare you! Phenergan is an old medication that millions of pregnant women have used for nausea during pregnancy for a long time without any problems! If it is working for you, then you should continue taking it as long as you need to. You are a SAHM of 3 and you should not have to suffer with nausea all day when you have tons of other things to do! I am certain that your doctor will confirm this as well! I hope this helps you stop worrying that you are doing any harm to your child. Oh, by the way, in regard to a previous response, phenergan and promethazine is the same thing, brand vs generic.

A medical professional explained to my daughter that some women are highly sensitive to the hormones being generated and released by their baby, and nausea is the response, but this same hormone is highly protective of the child, and that mothers with this kind of nausea rarely experience miscarriage. If that's true, then it's both good and bad, good for the baby, difficult for the mother. Having not ever read anything about that, I'm not sure if it's true, but it seems plausible.

Ginger is recognized as having antinausea properties, fresh ginger, ginger tea, candied ginger, even old-fashioned ginger snaps.

I took zofran sublingual tablets thru my entire first pregnancy. My daughter is 2 almost 27 months to be exact and she is perfectly healthy. I am pregnant with my 2nd and due in 6 weeks. I have taken zofran probably even more so this time around. I tried phenergan but for some reason it didn't work for me. It seemed to make me even more nauseous.
I think zofran has been prescribed for morning sickness for at least 8 years or more and my Dr. says its perfectly safe. By the way they do have a generic that works just as well. I know this medicine is high dollar and I couldn't even get it in generic with my first pregnancy.

I definitely would try to avoid taking any medications during pregnancy. I recommend you go into "Mike's Health Collection" in McKinney and ask them to give you an all-natural supplement/vitamin for nausea. Your doctor will probably say it's fine, but NO drug has been proven safe to use during pregnancy.

I took it off and on with both of my kids (not 2 1/2 and 15 months)...they are both happy and healthy. Don't listen to people who don't know what they are talking about. That is horrible she scared you like that. Trust your doctor and your own instincts. Good luck and I'm sorry you are feeling so miserable...I totally understand that. I was sick with both my pregnacies.

I took it when i was pregnant with my twins. It was the only thing that helped me. I hadn't heard anything bad about it though, i took it for 6 months and the girls came out just fine.

Actually, my mother said that she absolutely had to use it and she was worried that there would be something wrong with us because they thought at one time that it did cause autism. Nothing was wrong with either one of us. I know lots of people that have had to take it and I take it. Nothing else works! Do what you need to do and pray, that's all you can do.

I took it with my pregnancies this being number four and none of my babies ever developed a problem from it. I even had to take the more severe nausea meds this time that they give you if phenagran doesn't work and no problems now either. Good luck! Try to trust the dr thats what I have to do because I know they wouldn't give me something to hurt my baby or me.

Congrats on your four children. I have four sons and it is a true blessing everyday. On my last pregnancy I also had the same problems. My doctor prescribed Zofram instead of the phenegren because the phenegren can cause you to be extremly drowsy. That is not something you need with three children. the zofram comes in many forms but I had tablets that dissolved quickly so I didn't up vomitting the pill. Neither medication has been shown to pass to the unborn child. I think the benefits of being able to add nutrition to your child outways any risk.

I am sure you probably got this advice already. I didn't want to read through all your replies to find out. Good luck with the pregnancy and again Congrats!

I took it - still lost 23 lbs with my first pregnancy, but phengran let me keep some things down. He's 5 now, reads on a second grade level - one of the most popular kids in his class. Didn't take it with my second. HE has the issues. Go figure.

S.

Hi, I am also expecting my fourth child with this pregnancy. My doctor had put me on a Zofran pump for extreme nausea and vomiting. He also said it was safe to be on Phenergen during the night time.

Here's more reassurance for you... your "friend" doesn't know what she is talking about... people are quite paranoid about "medicine". I have many, many family members in the medical field, so any concerns I have are always put into perspective. Get through your pregnancy as comfortably as you can... there are no indications that phenergen causes autism... in fact, nobody knows what does! I personally know many people who took that medication in pregnancy, and none of their children have any sort of birth defects or complications... so there's something to add to your peace of mind. Good luck with your delivery!!

I was horribly sick (hospitalized for dehydration) throughout both of my pregnancies and used several different medications including Phenergen, and although it didn't help me at all, I had no problems with it. I have always heard that it is completely safe during pregnancy. My doctor checked medications carefully (I was having to try different things often), and there was no question about that being safe. I hope you feel better and can enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.

Yes. I used it everyday my entire pregnancy. I dont know what i would have done without it. I did extensive reasearch before taking it and I felt it was as safe as possible considering the alternative. My daughter is perfectly normal. I recommend it. Good luck

D.,

Don't worry. My daughter took phenergen and several other medications while she was pregnant and I have a beautiful and healthy 4 year old grand-daughter. I know as a Mom we all worry about our babies and want to do what is best for them. Sometimes you have to think about yourself as well. I hope you enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.

M.

I agree with Gloria W. The Zofran is great during the day....works very quickly. And phenergan at night b/c it made me sleepy. I have a healthy 2 1/2 yr old! And I was not in the hospital for dehydration, which I think is worse for the baby than taking the medication.

I had to use this with my 3rd child due to necessary travel during pregnancy. I had severe nausea with each one but it was the worst with the last. It really help the nausea but I was very constipated while I was on it so I'm not sure the positives outweighed the negatives. Other than that, I had no problems, very good delivery of a very healthy baby

I understand the worry, but try to calm yourself. It is fine. I took it for a while when I was pregnant, but it just wasn't strong enough, so they put me on a stronger medication that I took until I was around 5 months pregnant. I was on that from about 10 weeks to 5 months pregnant. I have a healthy, happy, toddler. He is so smart and wonderful. No issues at all. He is in a learning center daycare and they are so amazed at how smart he is. No issues whatsoever. I know taking medicine is scary, but you have to trust what your doctor tells you. If it will make you feel better, get a second opinion, from doctors not friends. Hope this helps.

I also took Zofran (besides phenergin) during my pregnancy (although the headache side effect wasn't great). My son is perfectly fine. I honestly wouldn't listen to people like that - she has no idea what she's talking about and I hate that her children are going to be brought up worrying about every little thing. If you are sick, you should listen to your doctor!

I used it during both of my pregnancies and have no issues with my kids. I usually took 1/2 a pill because it made me so sleepy. I also took Zofran.

Whoever told you that is not very smart and is just playing up some hype they heard from an email blast or something. Women are given Phenergan during preg, during labor, etc...if it had a risk of autism or Aspergers I don't think they'd continue the med.

I took Phenergen with my 2nd and had no effects. She is now almost 5 and other than being VERY busy she is a typical girl. I suggest taking it at night so that when you wake you aren't as tired. Hope that helps.

Hey D., I am a labor and delivery nurse who has personally used phenergan with both of my pregnancies. Phenergan is the most commonly used anti-nausea medication that there is for pregnancy. It is used daily on every labor and delivery unit across the country. I feel quite certain that if there were ANY possiblity of adverse affects on the baby from this med, it would be very ovious, b/c millions of babies across the US would have them. Hope this makes you feel better. Keep using it!!

I have used phenergen from time to time, and occasionally have to get it in shot form (combined with a pain drug) from migraines. I don't recall having used it during pregnancy though. I know this doesn't answer your question, but I was just wondering, are you able to stay awake after having taken this each time (with 3 children in your care, possibly?). I just know that it knocks me OUT for many many hours every time I have ever taken it. Consider yourself lucky if you're able to stay awake after taking it.

I wish you the best, and hope someone is able to answer your question, especially your doctor.

I have issues with nausea for many things. I was extremly sick during my pregnancy and anytime I am put to sleep I get very sick. I have found a wonderful medicine and it is something that should not effect the baby at all. It also does not make you sleepy. Transderm patch is what I have come to love. It goes behind your ear and looks like a little round band aide. You have to replace it every three days. It works wonders.

I used it with both my pregnancies and both my boys were just fine! The only thing with each was reflux (minor). It was the only thing that helped me too! My boys were born in 01 and 04. I have never heard of it causing the things your friend mentioned.
Best wishes and congratulations on your 4th!

I had major morning sickness with my 1st pregnancy. My Dr. put me on phehergen and I was amazed at how much better I felt. The down side to the Phenergen is that it made me tired. Feeling better out weighed the sleepiness.

My ob/gyn specialized in studying morning sickness, and I used it w/ both pregnancies. My understanding is that it's quite safe & has been used for a long time. If you need it, use it! You can check on Medscape as well.

Phenergen is perfectly safe to take during pregnancy. Don't listen to anyone who tells you stuff about it that is bad! If your doctor gives it to you, it is fine! I know many people who took it during pregnancy including me.

Hi D., congratulations. I'm sorry you are having a rough time. Don't listen to everyone they all have their oponions. Have faith and trust that you are going to have a happy healthy wonderful little baby. I did read an article today that said vinegar is great for nausea.
You might give it a try. Just a Tbls. several times a day. You might try Apple cider vinegar might taste better or just drink some pickle juice. You might have a little heartburn but it's better than nausea. Good luck and God Bless.

Hi Diana, Phenegran is the only thing that saved me throughout my pregnancy. I took Phengran during the last 7 months of my pregnancy everyday and they even gave me a dose of it while I was in the process of labor. The only side affect I had was that I was groggy in the morning following. My son was born healthy at 9.5lbs so it did not affect him any.