Get the Facts on Using Medicines Wisely During Pregnancy

Release Date: December 2007

GET THE FACTS ON USING MEDICINES WISELY DURING PREGNANCY

If you’re expecting, you probably have many questions about the types of medications you can take. That’s why the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Women’s Health and the Federal Citizen Information Center have put together the free Medicines and Pregnancy package. It’s full of valuable information that can help you use medicines wisely and keep you and your baby safe.

Start by making a list of all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you were taking before you became pregnant, including herbal remedies and vitamins. Treatments for pre-existing health problems may need to be adjusted, so share this list with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist. The Medicines and Pregnancy package includes a handy chart that you can keep in your purse and refer to during your office visits.

Because your heart and kidneys work harder when you’re pregnant, some medicines may pass through your body faster than normal. As a result, your doctor may need to adjust a dosage or have you take some medicines more frequently. Make sure to ask your health care provider about any problems or side effects you should watch for and what you should do if you miss a dose.

It’s also important to talk with your doctor about how certain drugs can be harmful at different stages of your pregnancy. For example, it’s recommended that you not use aspirin or ibuprofen during your last three months. And with any medication that you use, be sure to read the label to find out what the risks are for pregnant women.

Learn how to use medicines wisely during your pregnancy by sending for your free package of publications. There are three easy ways to get the Medicines and Pregnancy package:

Send your name and address to Medicines and Pregnancy, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.

Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov/rc/n72medicinesandpregnancy.htm to place your order online or to read or print this and hundreds of other Federal publications for free.

Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO. That’s 1 (888) 878-3256, weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ask for the Medicines and Pregnancy package.

Get even more information and take advantage of online government resources at www.USA.gov and www.GobiernoUSA.gov—your official English and Spanish web portals to the Federal government.

###

Please check with Rebecca Fulcher if you plan to use this release after March 15, 2008.
To receive New for Consumer releases by e-mail, send a request to rebecca.fulcher(at)gsa.gov or call (202) 501-1794.

GSA #2860

Return to Feature Releases