Pregnant women fearful of medication

A recent UK study has found that pregnant women often avoid taking medication for common pregnancy related conditions, despite those medications being considered safe, as they do not want to risk any harm.

Approximately 76% of women in the study reported taking medication for at least one of eight common pregnancy related conditions. These included, nausea, heartburn, constipation, colds, urinary tract infections, pelvic pain, headaches or sleeping issues.

However, within the 79% of women who had nausea during pregnancy for example, only approximately 10% reported taking any medication. A similar pattern was seen with those experiencing urinary tract infections, whereby only 65% of those with an infection took any medication.

The researchers voiced concern, as women therefore “suffer unnecessarily from conditions that can be treated relatively easily”. It can also often be the case that common conditions can escalate without treatment, and cause further health concerns for both woman and baby.

Women should always discuss any concerns that they may have with their midwife or doctor in regards to taking prescribed medications during pregnancy.

 
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