Pregnancy and drugs: What are the precautions? An expert answers
Paracetamol, essential oils… Do Medicines and Pregnancy Mix? Virologist Océane Sorel, unravels the truth from the falsehood in a video published on her Instagram account.
It is not always clear whether a particular medicine is recommended to be taken during pregnancy, especially in case of minor everyday problems. In a video published on her Instagram account, “@thefrenchvirologist”, and produced in collaboration with experts from the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM), virologist Océane Sorel gives an update.
Pregnancy and drugs: how to get the information right?
Are you pregnant and not sure if you are allowed to take certain medications or not? The expert explains that there are several sources of information to help you understand. For example, if you want more information on the use of drugs during pregnancy, you can consult the Teratogenic Reference Center (Crat), but also your “health professionals, your regional pharmacovigilance center (CRPV), the drug package leaflets or the website of the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM)”, which are “good resources”, says Océane Sorel.
Paracetamol, essential oils… What are the recommendations for pregnant women?
To relieve some of the minor ailments of daily life, acetaminophen may help. The same applies to essential oils, which in some cases appear as natural and effective solutions. But what are the precautions?
Is acetaminophen recommended during pregnancy?
Headache, fever, pain… Are you pregnant and thinking about taking paracetamol? “It’s okay during pregnancy and breastfeeding,” says Océane Sorel. However, she stressed the importance of ‘seeking advice from a doctor, pharmacist or midwife’ beforehand. The virologist also reminds us that rule number 1 with paracetamol is “the lowest possible effective dose”.
Essential oils and pregnancy: what you need to know
If you are a fan of essential oils, what are the rules to follow during pregnancy? Dr. Sorel reminds us that ‘just because they are plants, they are not harmless’. The rule to remember? “Always seek the advice of a healthcare professional,” says the expert.
Pregnancy: the golden rules to know
The specialist also recalls the “golden rules”, valid for pregnant women but also for those who are breastfeeding, stating that it is important to:
Prepare your pregnancy with your doctor or midwife;
Not self-medicate;
Do not stop or change its treatment on your own if you are taking it to treat a chronic disease and you learn that you are pregnant;
Inform your healthcare professionals about your pregnancy.
