Pregnant women are making the choice not to treat common pregnancy conditions because they believe that taking medicine will harm their baby. Research from the University of Anglia on 1,120 online survey volunteers has shown that pregnant women overestimate the risks of taking medicine.
In the survey, the pregnant women answered questions on common conditions that happen during the course of their pregnancy, Science Daily reported. These were colds, constipation, headaches, heartburn, nausea, neck and pelvic pains, sleeping problems and urinary tract infections (UTI).
Uninformed pregnant women are avoiding medicine for normal symptoms #InTheNews https://t.co/PBFzz67Qpu pic.twitter.com/HElJV4bfD6
— CommPrac (@CommPrac) June 6, 2016
Common Medicines Avoided By Pregnant Women
They researchers also asked the women about the degree which they thought medicine to treat common conditions in pregnancy were helpful or harmful. "A total of 72 percent of the women said they deliberately avoided using certain medicines during pregnancy—particularly paracetamol, ibuprofen, cough and cold remedies, antihistamines and nasal decongestants—for fear of harming their unborn child," study leader Dr. Michael Twigg said, as per Daily Mail.
Twigg, who is with the University of East Anglia School of Pharmacy, added that many pregnant women who had UTI did not take medicine for the ailment. It was said that if UTI is not treated, it may cause complications and harm the unborn baby.
Common Medicines And Pregnancy
The Telegraph interviewed general practitioner Justine Setchell who said that paracetamol is alright to take for pregnant women. "In small doses, occasional use of paracetamol in pregnancy is fine," said Setchell while noting that rest and liquids should be the first remedy for headache.
Meanwhile, Setchell has told pregnant women to avoid taking ibuprofen. Ibuprofen can reportedly increase a baby's heart problems, as well as decrease amniotic fluid in the pregnant woman's womb.
While the East Anglian study revealed that half of the women surveyed turn to the internet for medical information, Setchell does not recommend consulting "Doctor Google." Setchell recommended that pregnant women consult general practitioners, health care experts and pharmacists.
