Medication and Pregnancy

Fertilization and the early development of a baby are controlled by delicately balanced chemical processes in the body. Additional chemicals entering your body as medication can upset this development, so if possible you should avoid taking any medicines before conception and during pregnancy. If you are on long-term medication, you will need to talk to your doctor about alternatives.

Medicines that are available over the counter, natural remedies, and vitamin supplements should also be avoided, unless they have been recommended by your doctor.

Oral contraceptives rely on chemically- produced hormones to control fertility. If you are taking the pill, change to a barrier method, such as the condom or diaphragm, for three months before trying to conceive. This allows your body to clear itself of synthetic hormones and to reestablish its own cycle.