Medicine
Fever
A slight fever early in the pregnancy is probably not a problem, but a high fever (more than 39 ° C) can be dangerous for the baby. The physiological processes in the early development of the baby, such as the protein activity, are temperature-dependent. The development of the baby depends on the supply of the right proteins at the right time, a considerable fever can completely disrupt this. Later in pregnancy, when the baby is growing, fever is not so much a problem unless it is caused by an intrauterine infection. If you are not sure, always consult your doctor.
Depression
During routine checks, your doctor looks at signs of depression. If you have a mild to 'normal' depression, start with psychotherapy. If you are no longer able to do normal daily things due to your depression, you can get medication. Antidepressants for pregnant mothers appear to be safe. Untreated depression can have serious consequences, ie - it can be difficult for you to bond with the baby. So do not hide it and take action if you think you have a depression.
Exposure to chickenpox
If you have never had chickenpox before, it is unwise to be around chickenpox while you are pregnant. If you get chickenpox during pregnancy, you become sicker than usual, and you have a greater chance of getting lung diseases. In the first trimester, the risk of birth defects is also higher. If you have had direct contact with someone (child, partner) with chickenpox you should ask your doctor, within a few days, for `varicella immune globulin`, which combats the development of the disease. If you are already at a further stage, there are medicines that try to relieve the disease.
Ibuprofen during pregnancy
The use of the painkiller / fever inhibitor ibuprofen is not recommended in the last trimester. Iboprufen and other painkillers can have very serious consequences for your baby's heart. It can also thin the blood. Consult with your doctor if you want to use this medicine during the first six months of pregnancy or if you want to become pregnant. You have a little more chance of miscarriage or congenital abnormalities with the baby. The chance of this is very small, but increases with a higher dose and with prolonged use. If you use this medication, you also have a slightly lower chance of becoming pregnant. This medication is only recommended during pregnancy if the painkiller paracetamol is inadequate.
Ibuprofen in breastfeeding
Ibuprofen can be taken if you are breastfeeding, but paracetamol is preferred. Use ibuprofen only if there are no other options. Preferably on the advice of a doctor or midwife. The total maximum dose of ibuprofen per day is 1200mg, spread over three (i.e., 3x400mg) to four (i.e., 4x200mg) doses. Preferably take it right after feeding, because Ibuprofen can pass to the breastmilk.
Paracetamol during pregnancy
You can use paracetamol to a limited extent. This means no longer than one week in a row and no more than four tablets (2 grams) per day. It has been used in that dosage for years by pregnant women, without harming the child. If you need more than four tablets per day, talk to your doctor first. If you need long-term paracetamol, for example longer than a week, consult your doctor first.
Paracetamol during breastfeeding
Paracetamol may be taken to a limited extent during the breastfeeding period. The total maximum dose of paracetamol per day is 4000mg (some doctors even recommend a maximum of 3000mg during the lactation period). Spread the medication over four (i.e., 4x1000mg) to six (i.e., 6x500mg) intakes. Preferably take your dose right after feeding, as it can be passed along in breastmilk. Also be aware that paracetamol can make your child sleepy and / or drowsy. If you need paracetamol longer than two days in a row, talk to a doctor first!
Injections against wrinkles
A treatment against wrinkles in your face means that by means of 3-5 injections a substance is put in your skin (botox). Botox is only available on prescription and is not given to pregnant women or if you are breastfeeding. If you plan to become pregnant soon, it is also not recommended.
Donating blood
The amount of blood during a pregnancy increases by about 50 percent. Extra blood is needed to feed your placenta and your baby. If you give blood, you reduce the amount of oxygen you can give to the baby. No blood bank will let a pregnant woman donate.
Vaccination in older children
Vaccination of children is generally safe during pregnancy. However, vaccination against chickenpox and measles must wait until after pregnancy. Make clear before the vaccination that you are pregnant, and ask if the vaccination that is done is compatible with your pregnancy.
Heartburn pills / drinks
Before purchasing, ask your pharmacist whether the medicine is safe to use during pregnancy. Read the instructions carefully, and ask how often you can use it as a pregnant woman. Too much stomach acid inhibitors can lead to constipation. However, this is not harmful for the baby.
Pain / Headache
Small aches and headaches are common complaints in pregnant women. Rest and relaxation techniques can reduce them. If nothing seems to help, ask your doctor which painkillers he can safely prescribe. Read more about headaches.
Do you have any more questions about the use of medication during your pregnancy or breastfeeding? Contact your doctor or pharmacy.
Most read information articles
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1st trimester (Bloodloss)
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Stomach cramps
Babies get tummy cramps. They come and go many times. It's no fun for parents either; you can see your little one in pain, the crying doesn't seem to stop, and sometimes it seems like there's nothing you can do to help. Bowel cramps oc......(121573 x) Read more » -
Pregnancy symptoms
It is important during pregnancy to know the difference between normal symptoms and those which should be reported to your midwife or doctor. Below is a list of the most common symptoms experienced by pregnant women. Areola around the nipples get ......(87815 x) Read more » -
Mucus plug
During pregnancy, a mucous membrane forms in your uterus. The mucous membrane prevents infections of your uterus. The mucous membrane will remain in place until you give birth. When labour starts, the cervix is stretched and softer. This can c......(67055 x) Read more » -
Empty days (Breastfeeding)
If you are breastfeeding, you will probably wake up early and go to bed late in the early days. Your milk production is not yet set to your baby's demands. Moms often feel uncertain during these "empty" days; baby seems insatiable and y......(63906 x) Read more » -
Feeding
For the first six months, breastfeeding or complete infant formula will usually provide your baby with enough nutrients. The amount of food a baby needs is always different for each child. According to pediatricians, you can use the following guideli......(62145 x) Read more » -
Breasts
Pregnancy and breast changes: During your pregnancy, your breasts are temporarily a little bigger. The following breast changes are normal: The breasts feel fuller and are more sensitive because pregnancy hormones p......(59378 x) Read more » -
Stillbirth (Loss)
If you lose your child after the 16th week, or your child dies during childbirth, this is officially classed as a "stillbirth". It's a tragic and often traumatic experience for parents. A mix of emotions are involved; anger, guilt, sadn......(58407 x) Read more » -
Development of the foetus
An interactive video of the development of your baby. Slide the sliders to see the growth! The first picture shows the growth from 0 to 8 weeks, the second the growth from 8 to 40 weeks. You may also like this animated gif: ......(58274 x) Read more » -
2nd trimester (Bloodloss)
Occassionaly you may have some blood loss during your second trimester. Common causes include cervical growth or inflammation. Bleeding can pose a threat to both the mother and the unborn child. The most common cause of severe vaginal blood loss duri......(55946 x) Read more » -
Teeth
First teeth Generally, babies get their first teeth between 5 and 9 months. Normally, the first two are bottom incisors, followed by the top two, then the teeth to either side. All eight cutting teeth usually come through when the baby is 8 ......(53001 x) Read more » -
Sleep (Sleep during pregnancy)
During your pregnancy, you may have more difficulty sleeping than usual. A larger abdomen, heartburn, anxiety, back pain and shortness of breath lead to less sleep. You can get frustrated about the lack of good sleep. Yet sleep is very necessary......(51888 x) Read more » -
Checklist baby outfits (Checklists)
When you're pregnant you need to spend a lot of time and money, because the new little addition to your family will need a lot more than you first think! What will you need? Well, print this handy checklist so you don't forget anything! &n......(51150 x) Read more » -
Skin changes
The increase in hormones during pregnancy as well as other factors can result in changes to your skin which can include: "Pregnancy glow" You may get a radiant glow over your face. Your face seems to blush because you have more bl......(50799 x) Read more » -
Pregnancy after 35
Women are increasingly choosing to become pregnany at a later age. This has several reasons; work and career, still busy with study or promotion, no suitable partner, financial worries. The average age at which women have their first child increased ......(46734 x) Read more » -
Reflux in babies
Milk-spitting isn't the same as reflux Many newborns may spit out or dribble a mouthful of milk after they've been fed. They can drink more than they can handle, and some of it comes right back up. This little bit of returned is ......(42960 x) Read more » -
Gender of the baby
Dr. Landrum Shettles was a pioneer in fertility techniques. He was involved very early in experiments in which ova could be fertilized in a laboratory. He has also researched for years to influence the sex of babies. He also wrote a book about it, wh......(42540 x) Read more » -
Coughing and choking
It's well known that babies put "everything" in their mouths. They do this to explore their surroundings. Small objects can be dangerous to children (especially young children), the objects may become clogged in the trachea, res......(41971 x) Read more » -
Conceiving 30 tips
If you want to use a lubricant then use PreSeed. When you are dry the sperm have less chance of swimming up, PreSeed provides a comfortable environment for the sperms to swim through. Eat green leafy vegetables with plenty of folic acid, and thi......(41076 x) Read more » -
Fluid retention (edema)
It's normal for your body to retain excess water during pregnancy. This can be on average 2 to 3 liters. In the last month, especially, this is very noticeable; symptoms include swollen hands, feet and face. Even in warm weather, you will retain ......(41071 x) Read more » -
Clustering (Breastfeeding)
Clustering is a common term within the breastfeeding world. In short, it means that a child wants to drink at a certain time of the day, or sometimes even more often, with you. Sometimes a child wants to be at the breast continuously. It is completel......(40971 x) Read more » -
Sex (Safety during pregnancy)
Sex during pregnancy Many people worry that having sex during pregnancy will somehow harm or disturb the baby. Although perhaps the mechanics, especially as you get further on in your pregnancy, may prove challenging, there is no reason couples cann......(40463 x) Read more » -
Pregnancy tests
When can you take a pregnancy test? Urine tests can take place one day before the next period starts. Blood tests can be done at 6 to 8 days after ovulation. Pregnancy tests work by checking your urine for a hormone called human chori......(39126 x) Read more » -
Jaundice
The cause of the yellow color of the skin and mucous membranes is the substance bilirubin. This substance is released by red blood cell degradation. The baby has much more red blood cells than an adult in the womb. The red blood cells also ......(38671 x) Read more » -
Pelvic instability
Experiencing pain in your pelvic region is another symptom of pregnancy and quite normal. Research shows that 50 to 60% of women suffer from pelvic pain or low back pain. Early in pregnancy, hormones make the pelvis more flexible. In addition, the......(38107 x) Read more » -
Hypotension (Blood pressure)
Your blood pressure depends on age, weight and health. Average blood pressure is 120/80 (120 over 80). The first number is systolic pressure. This indicates how high the arterial pressure is and when the blood is pumped into the arteries every heart ......(37816 x) Read more » -
Vaginal infections (Tests before pregnancy)
Normally the vaginal discharge is whitish or slightly transparent in color and feels slimy and sticky. In pregnancy it is normal that the amount and thickness of the secretions vary greatly. Most women have more discharge than normal during pregnancy......(37387 x) Read more » -
Foreskin (Baby care)
The penis primarily consists of what could be called a stem and an acorn. The "acorn" tip is very sensitive and protected by a thin fold of skin. In some boys this covering is complete, while in other boys the covering is only partial. I......(37139 x) Read more » -
During a twin pregnancy (Twins)
Approximately 3 out of every 100 pregnancies is a twin or multiple pregnancy. Normally during your first ultrasound scan it will be determined whether you are having more than one baby although it may take the entire nine months for you to get over t......(35672 x) Read more »