Offspring in Danger

Offspring in danger

About 80% of pregnant women take various medications, including hormones, antibiotics, tranquilizers and other drugs that can negatively affect the development of the child.

For example, aspirin has a bad effect on blood clotting in a baby. Some tranquilizers are especially dangerous. Thalidomide causes defects in the limbs, hearing and vision. Diazepam can cause respiratory depression and weaken the sucking reflex in newborns.

A number of studies suggest that meprobamate, diazepam and phenazepam may cause behavioral and learning problems in the future.

Among the antipsychotics, reserpine and its analogues can cause disturbances in breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure and muscle tone in a child.

The antidepressant imipramine is associated with muscle malformations. Lithium salts often lead to congenital heart pathologies.

Anticonvulsants diphenin, trimethin and valproic acid have a pronounced teratogenic effect, causing abnormalities in the development of the brain, skeleton, and sensory organs.

Some antibiotics are dangerous. Streptomycin, kanamycin and gentamicin can cause hearing and coordination problems in the infant. Tetracyclines contribute to cleft palate and other defects.

Among painkillers, narcotic analgesics are fraught with respiratory depression and the development of drug addiction in a newborn. Aspirin increases the risk of intracranial hemorrhage and pulmonary failure.

Hormonal contraceptives at the beginning of pregnancy can cause abnormalities of the limbs and internal organs of the fetus.

Thus, taking medications during pregnancy requires caution and consultation with a doctor. The health of the unborn child depends on the correct choice of drugs and dosages.