Medicine and Illegal Drug Use During Pregnancy

Medicines

Do not use any medicines during your pregnancy, except for acetaminophen, unless your doctor prescribes or recommends them.

• Some complementary and alternative medicines, such as herbs or vitamin and mineral supplements, are safe during pregnancy, but check with your doctor before using one.
• Do not take ibuprofen during pregnancy. Taking ibuprofen during the first trimester may increase the risk of miscarriage. Taking ibuprofen during the third trimester has been linked to fetal heart problems and may increase your risk of placenta abruptio.

Illegal drugs

The use of illegal drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, during pregnancy can cause fetal harm or death resulting from:

• Placenta abruptio.
• Early (preterm) labor and premature birth.
• Fetal drug exposure.

Injected drugs are linked to an increased risk of infections, such as hepatitis or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

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