Effect on Pregnancy: What to Know About Medications and Safety

Pregnancy changes how your body handles drugs, and some medicines can affect the fetus at different stages. If you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy, you want clear steps — not scary headlines. This page collects articles and guides that look at common drugs (antivirals, antidepressants, antibiotics, diabetes meds and more) and what the evidence and regulators say about safety.

Quick safety checklist

Start with these simple steps before taking or stopping any medicine: check the drug monograph or official label, call your obstetrician or family doctor, consult a pharmacist, and ask whether there’s a pregnancy registry you can join. The first trimester carries the highest risk for structural problems because the baby’s organs form then. Some meds are riskier early, others later, and some affect growth or newborn adaptation after delivery.

Examples you’ll find in the tag collection: antiviral drugs like Famvir (famciclovir) are discussed for when antiviral treatment is needed in pregnancy; antidepressants such as venlafaxine (Effexor) have articles about balancing mood control with newborn adjustment risks; GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs show trial data and current advice to avoid these during pregnancy; and antibiotics—some like cephalexin are commonly used while others (for example, chloramphenicol) are generally avoided. Each article explains evidence levels and common alternatives.

Practical tips for everyday decisions

If you get sick while pregnant, don’t automatically stop prescribed drugs without talking to your provider — for many conditions, untreated illness is riskier than treatment. If you’re thinking about stopping a psychiatric med, work with your prescriber to taper safely; sudden stops can be harmful. For chronic conditions (diabetes, asthma, epilepsy), plan treatment before pregnancy when possible so you and your care team can pick the safest options.

Use reliable sources: Health Canada, FDA, and professional pregnancy registries give up-to-date info. If you buy meds online, check the article reviews on trusted pharmacies and watch for proper credentials. Report any exposure concerns to your healthcare team — they can advise next steps and testing if needed.

This tag page groups posts that examine specific drugs, pricing and pharmacy safety, alternatives when a drug is risky, and storage/disposal advice that matters for households with kids. Scroll through the linked articles for focused reads: antiviral guidance, antidepressant tips, antibiotic choices, and medication alternatives for chronic conditions. If something feels urgent — severe allergic reaction, heavy bleeding, or major side effects — call emergency services right away.

Want help finding a specific topic here? Use the site search to narrow results by drug name, condition, or the phrase "pregnancy". Each article aims to give practical, evidence-based steps so you can talk confidently with your clinician and keep both you and your baby as safe as possible.