28 answers

Question About Medication Taken During Pregnanvy

Hello Moms!

I am 12 weeks pregnant and this past weekend was so sick, I spoke to my OB and he said the only thing I could take was Robitussin. I waited as long as I could before I couldn't stand it any longer and broke down and took some( I felt like I was swallowing rocks!)

Before taking the medicine I couldn't swallow let alone eat so I knew I had to take something! The problem is after I started to feel better Sunday afternoon I realized that I hadn't felt the baby move since I started taking the medicine.

Is this just a weird coincidence or is it possible that the baby is drowsy from the medicine?

I am beating myself up for taking the medicine even though it was cleared by my OB! I am worried that it harmed the baby!

Am I just being paranoid or does anyone have any experience with this?

What can I do next?

Featured Answers

Try not to worry (easy for me to say, right). Since Robitussin is so mild, I doubt it had any negative effects.

On baby movement: You do not need to feel a baby moving until 28wk and it is uncommon to feel anything before about 18wk. 12 wk is basically impossible due to the size of the fetus.

On medication in pregnancy: We have to say that almost all are unsafe because none is tested in pregnant women. The only truly safe OTC med is tylenol. Even sudafed and other cold medications have been linked to some problems. It's also true that in studies OTC meds have not helped anyone get over a cold faster and the best treatments are safe in pregnancy - fluids, rest, chicken soup, etc.

You will be fine.

Hi V., this won't be a P.C. answer but this is my story. I threw up for 9 months with my first pregancy, had the flu twice and 5 colds. I also had a horrible hacking cough for the last five months that would make me throw up (like I needed any help with that). I have a high tolerance for pain meds so I occasionally take and keep a supply of hydracodon cough med. It is a very strong prescription cough med. I took it several times (without my doctor's OK) while I was pregnant just so I could sleep for a little while. My "baby boy" is now 12 years old, 5'9", size 13 men's shoe and gifted (also lazy, but he got that from me). Doctors always advise pregnant women to take the least amount of the mildest meds because there are no med studies done on pregnant women. Use moderation in all things and you and the baby will be fine.

More Answers

It is fine. Don't stress yourself out. Besides, most drugs that are harmful are harmful when taking in large doses or quite frequently. An occassional dose to keep you well is fine. It's a little early to feel the baby too. All will be fine.

Don't worry - if you are stressed, your baby knows it. If your OB okayed the medicine & dosage, then I am sure that is fine. I got a list of the drugs that were okay to take from my doctor, you might ask for a similar list. Pretty much typlanol is the only thing you can take. If you are concerned then you should stick to vitamins and healthy food to stay in good health.

V.,

Stop beating yourself up! I have terrible allergies and they were esepecially bad in my first trimester. As a result, I got a sinus infection and then awful cold/flu like symptoms. My OBGYN said it was okay to take Sudafed to ease up my symptoms, but she gave me a list of meds that in moderation were okay.

I had the same freak out, and went to my OBGYN. She did an ultrasound, and then explained to me that my baby would be moing and then not be moving and it was SO early in my pregnancy that the movement would not be a significant indication that there was something wrong.

Everything turned out okay for us, but I always follow the rule of thumb to follow my gut...so, I would call you OBGYn and voice your concerns.

Good Luck!

I'm surprised you can feel your baby move at 12 weeks. Don't use this alone as a gauge for your baby's health. Call your OB about your concerns. Throughout all my pregnancies I was sick and took medicine that was OB approved. There are also some teas out there that ease cold symptoms. Check with your OB first to make sure the herbs don't affect yours or your baby's health.

Do not worry-easier said than done. I had pneumonia during my 2nd pregnancy and took a few scrpts. and had to have xrays during my 3rd. the normal pregnancy was my 1st one, and he is a cancer survivor. So, I hope a little cough medicine wont make a difference.

I am surprised that you have even felt the baby move yet at all. 12 weeks is REALLY early to feel the baby! I would call the OB if you are that concerned because a mother's intuition is pretty strong and your OB might be able to calm your fears. Being stressed during pregnancy is not good for you or the baby!
God bless you~

Taking medicine that your Doctor said was ok, should be fine. I think if for any reason you don't feel the baby move. You should get checked to be safe.

On baby movement: You do not need to feel a baby moving until 28wk and it is uncommon to feel anything before about 18wk. 12 wk is basically impossible due to the size of the fetus.

On medication in pregnancy: We have to say that almost all are unsafe because none is tested in pregnant women. The only truly safe OTC med is tylenol. Even sudafed and other cold medications have been linked to some problems. It's also true that in studies OTC meds have not helped anyone get over a cold faster and the best treatments are safe in pregnancy - fluids, rest, chicken soup, etc.

You will be fine.

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