Can I keep the pregnancy if I took stomach medicine?
Apr 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
If a pregnant woman takes stomach medication as directed by a doctor, the fetus can be carried to term. However, if stomach medication is taken in excess, the pregnancy should not be continued. During pregnancy, hormonal changes may reduce gastrointestinal function and impair digestion. Additionally, the growing fetus can compress the stomach, causing relaxation of the sphincter muscle, gastroesophageal reflux, and symptoms such as acid regurgitation.
If a pregnant woman takes stomach medication as directed by a doctor, the pregnancy can generally continue. However, if stomach medications are taken in excess, the pregnancy may not be viable. The detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Pregnancy can continue
During pregnancy, hormonal changes may reduce gastrointestinal function and impair digestion. Additionally, the growing fetus may compress the stomach, causing relaxation of the sphincter muscle, gastroesophageal reflux, and symptoms such as acid regurgitation. However, these conditions typically do not involve structural damage to the stomach. If a pregnant woman consults physicians or pharmacists, selects appropriate medications correctly, follows proper dosage instructions, and experiences no significant adverse reactions or allergic symptoms after taking the medication, the use of stomach medicine is unlikely to seriously affect the fetus, and the pregnancy can generally continue.
2. Pregnancy should not continue
There are many types of stomach medications available on the market, broadly categorized into antacids, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and others with different pharmacological properties. Some of these medications may adversely affect fetal development. For example, drugs such as pantoprazole and rabeprazole may increase the risk of reproductive developmental disorders or fetal malformations if taken in excessive amounts. In such cases, continuing the pregnancy may not be advisable.
If diagnosed with a stomach condition, it is recommended to control the disease primarily through non-pharmacological measures such as improving diet and enhancing quality of life, thereby minimizing potential harm from stomach medications to the fetus.
