Over-The-Counter Drugs

• These include things like cold cures, antihistamines, allergy medications, vitamins, painkillers, herbal teas, antacids, laxatives, diet pills. They are easy to get from chemists, health food shops and supermarkets, and we don't usually think of these medicines as harmful. However, medical research indicates that particularly if taken in higher than the recommended dose, they can be harmful. Always check with your doctor or chemist before taking any medicines or cough mixtures.
  

Analgesics - Painkillers

• These are generally aspirin, paracetamol, and codeine based painkillers. They are the most common over-the-counter drugs.
  


• If a painkiller is required it is usually recommended that pregnant women take Paracetamol, in recommended doses, for pain relief. It is considered safe to use during pregnancy.
  


• Aspirin can cause a longer pregnancy and subsequent labour. If taken in high doses towards the end of the pregnancy it can cause bleeding problems in the mother and baby.
  


• Codeine based painkillers are much stronger and can cause constipation, which is especially a problem in late pregnancy. Codeine can be addictive if taken in large doses or over the recommended dose.
  


• Any painkillers can be over-used and if you are taking more than the recommended dosage on the package you may be suffering effects from them. Your baby will also be experiencing these effects.
  


• Both you and the baby can suffer withdrawal symptoms when stopping the use of painkillers if more than the recommended dose has been taken for long periods.
  

Vitamins and Herbal Remedies

• Herbal remedies can be dangerous during pregnancy, especially if large doses are taken.
  


• Some aroma-therapy oils are not recommended during pregnancy or immediately after birth.
  


• It is a good idea to check any of these substances with your doctor or naturopath.
  

Breast Feeding

• Check with your doctor about any preparations you may be taking while breast feeding.
  


• If you do need to take medication tell your doctor, naturopath or pharmacist that you are breast feeding.
  

• Check your baby for side effects such as: poor feeding, rashes, upset stomach and irritability.
  


• Prescribed medicines are best taken just after the baby has fed. This way the drug will be at its lowest concentration in the milk for the next feed.
  

What You Can Do

• If you are having trouble reducing the amount of drugs you are taking you could talk to an alcohol and drug counselling service, TRANX or your doctor.
  


• INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR MIDWIFE OF ANY PREPARATIONS OR MIXTURES YOU ARE TAKING AND NEVER TAKE MORE THAN THE RECOMMENDED DOSE ON THE PACKAGE.