Expecting mothers face numerous health considerations, one of the most vital being the safe use of medications. The safety concerns double down for pregnant women as the well-being of their unborn children also hinges on these decisions. In a recent study conducted in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia, researchers explored the landscape of medication and supplement use among pregnant women, shedding light on practices that profoundly influence both maternal and fetal health.
Widespread Use of Medications and Supplements
A cross-sectional survey conducted at the Maternity and Children Hospital in Buraydah involved 407 pregnant women, revealing that 98.3% consumed pregnancy-related supplements, with folic acid ranking as the predominant choice. Prescription medications were utilized by 43.5% of participants for short-lived conditions, with antibiotics and analgesics being frequently prescribed. Women experiencing chronic conditions often resorted to hormone replacement therapy, especially for managing hypothyroidism.
Trimesters Influence Medication Patterns
The likelihood of using short-term prescription medications increased significantly during pregnancy’s latter stages. Women in their second and third trimesters reported a higher incidence of medication use compared to those in their first trimester. The study divulged key insights into over-the-counter (OTC) medication trends, with 36.9% of expectant mothers choosing nonprescription options, particularly analgesics. Herbal medications, too, found favor among 19.4% of the cohort, with ginger being a popular choice for managing nausea symptoms.
– Pregnant women in Buraydah widely used supplements, prescriptions, and OTC medications.
– The second and third trimesters saw a rise in short-term prescription drug use.
– Antibiotics and analgesics emerged as top choices for managing short-term conditions.
– Hormone replacement therapy was prevalent among those managing chronic ailments.
Healthcare practitioners continue to play a crucial role in guiding pregnant women through medication decisions. Pharmacists must engage in vigilant counseling to mitigate risks for active and expectant mothers. Healthcare providers can optimize outcomes by staying informed about regional medication patterns and adapting advice to encourage safer practices. The ability to anticipate challenges and provide robust advice ensures maternal and child safety—a priority in public healthcare initiatives worldwide. Understanding these patterns amplifies the need for healthcare providers to strengthen pharmacovigilance and clearly communicate the potential impacts of medication during pregnancy, ultimately safeguarding mother and child health in diverse populations. Both healthcare institutions and expecting mothers benefit when medication use is closely monitored and based on evidence-backed decisions.
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