Medication in Pregnancy

We've had some discussion on medications used in pregnancy so to continue;

A. Antihypertensives (Methyldopa, Labetalol, Nifedipine, Hydralazine)
Most women tend to develop hypertension from 20 weeks of their pregnancy. These antihypertensives tend to manage high blood pressure to reduce the risk of preeclampsia and other complications such as preterm labor and seizures.

B. Insulin, Metformin (for Diabetes Management)

Diabetes in pregnancy or gestational diabetes may arise in pregnancy so to control blood sugar levels in gestational diabetes insulin or metformin is used so as to prevent complications such macrosomia, increase caesarean section rate and fetal and maternal death.

C. Progesterone Supplements (Duphaston, Cyclogest)

Progesterone supports pregnancy and prevent the risk of miscarriage. So during pregnancy if the progesterone levels are low there is an increase rate of losing the baby. Mothers with low progesterone are give these supplements to supports pregnancy in cases of recurrent miscarriages or threatened abortion.

D.Anti-emetics ( Doxylamine-Pyridoxine, Metoclopramide, Ondansetron)

We know that in pregnancy most women vomit especially in the 1st trimester which is usually normal. But if it becomes unbearable, large in volume and affects her day to day activities she may be prescribed anti-emetics to control or stop the vomiting.

E. Steroids (e.g., Dexamethasone, Betamethasone)
In cases where a woman may have to go into labour or have to be delivered before the actual time she has to give birth, steroids are given to her in order to help the fetal lung mature before she is delivered