“ The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, March 10, 1999 7 Drugs to avoid during pregnancy By GEORGE D. WILBANKS, M.D. President The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Having a healthy baby is the primary concern for most preg- nant women. To ensure that a baby is healthy, physicians ad- vise women to practice healthy lifestyles even before they become pregnant. This includes avoiding drugs that may harm the develop- ing fetus. It is estimated that one in ten babies may be exposed to illegal drugs during pregnancy, yet an even ‘higher number may be ex- posed to legal substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and some pre- scription medications. The effects of drugs-on your child can have ‘serious consequences — from birth defects to death. During the early stages of pregnancy, while body systems are forming, drugs can cause developmental dam- age. During the last 12 weeks of pregnancy, drugs can stunt fetal growth and cause preterm labor. Illegal drugs — such as co- caine, marijuana, amphetamines, and narcotics — should never be used and especially not during pregnancy. For example, cocaine can cause high blood pressure in the mother, as well as stroke, heart attack, and sudden death. You should not take any medi- cation — even “over-the-counter” pain medications like aspirin — without, your doctor's knowledge. Some’ prescription drugs can cause birth defects. These include isotretinoin (Accutane) for acne, which increases the risk of mis- carriage and fetal defects; andro- gens for endometriosis, which cause growth restriction and men- tal retardation; and diethylstil- béstrol (DES) for menstruation or menopause problems, which causes abnormalities of the cer- vix and uterus in a female fetus, and possible infertility in both male and. female offspring. Other Health care facilities serving the Back Mountain Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center General Information: 826-7300 Emergency: 826-7758 '. Satellite Center ~. Dallas Shopping Center General Information: 675-2000 John Heinz Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine General Information: 826-3800 Occupational Therapy Rte..309-415 Plaza, Dallas 674-5075 Mercy Hospital General Information: 826-3100 Emergency: 826-3175 Mercy Diagnostic Center 199 Lake Street, Dallas Telephone: 675-8599 Wyoming Valley Health Care System: - Dallas Family Practice Upper Demunds Road, Dallas Telephone: 675-2111 Nesbitt Memorial Hospital campus | 562 Wyoming Ave, Kingston . General Information: 283-7000 -. Nesbitt Outpatient Diagnostic Center Back Mountain Medical Cen- ter .*Route 118, Dallas Township -« General Information: 675-3663 “Specialized Therapy and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center + Back Mountain Shopping Cen- ter, Dallas - Telephone: 674-6017 Wilkes-Barre General Hospital campus “North, River Street, Wilkes- Barre .» Telephone: 829-8111 Department of Veterans' Affairs Medical Center .»111 East End Blvd. Wilkes- Barre 18711 : ‘General Information: 824-3521 Tyler Memorial Hospital .- Route 6, Tunkhannock PA 18657 836-2161 drugs that can harm the fetus include lithium; the antibiotics streptomycin and tetracycline; anticoagulants used to treat blood clotting; antithyroid drugs used to treat an overactive thyroid - gland; and anticonvulsants used for seizure disorders. One word of caution: Don’t stop taking any medication prescribed by a doctor without talking to him or her first. If you have a chronic condition such as epilepsy, your physician will determine the pros and cons of continued use during pregnancy. Together, you may be able to work out a special health plan, possibly changing drugs or adjusting dosages. Avoid use of tobacco and alco- hol. Inhaling cigarette smoke puts you at risk for a miscarriage, low birth weight, and vaginal bleed- ing. Alcohol during pregnancy may cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), the most common cause of mental retardation in babies. Heavy drinking can also increase the risk of miscarriage. Talk to your doctor about what is safest foryou during pregnancy. GENERAL NUTRITION CENTERS L Ask for details today! Get A GNC Gold Card & Save Money Today! 20% OFF EVERYTHING AT GNC The first Tuesday of every month. Plus, you get 20% off your purchase on the day you buy a GOLD CARD. 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