The right medicines can help treat many different conditions that occur during pregnancy. However, some medications can cause harm to your unborn baby if you take them while pregnant.

According to a recent study published on the NCBI website, treatment methods used during pregnancy are old and untested. Hence, there are significant knowledge gaps around medication use and its side effects on pregnancy. This makes it vital to ensure learning and understanding about the common medicines you should avoid during pregnancy.

Why Women Who Are Pregnant Should Take Care of What Medicines They Eat

Pregnancy is a time of great change, both physically and mentally. It’s essential to take special care of yourself during this period, mainly because the health and well-being of your baby are so dependent on you.

The most important thing you can do for yourself now is to ensure that you stay away from certain foods and medicines that may harm your unborn child. This may seem common sense, but it can be difficult for a woman taking her favorite vitamins for years without incident to stop when she discovers they are unsafe during pregnancy.

Moreover, the CDC says that medicines can work both ways for pregnant women. They can be harmful if you don’t take the right medication. They can also be dangerous if you take the wrong medication. Hence, the best thing you can do is consult with your doctor about the drug.

How Medicines Can Impact the Life of a Pregnant Women

Medicines can affect your baby and your pregnancy in a variety of ways. Some medicines are safe for you to take, but some can cause congenital disabilities or even cancer in the fetus. Some medications won’t hurt the fetus, but they can make you sicker than usual. Other medicines might help you feel better, but they could be dangerous for your baby’s health if taken during pregnancy. For example:

• Medicines taken by mouth may pass through the placenta into your bloodstream and your baby’s blood supply through an umbilical cord connection. This is called transplacental transfer, which can lead to adverse and long-term effects on the baby’s health.
• Medicines applied to the skin enter the bloodstream through small blood vessels under your skin.

Medicines taken during pregnancy can significantly affect you and your child. An article published in PLOS ONE journal states that this can especially be true in underdeveloped and developing countries. The study analyzed the medicines used to treat life-changing maternal conditions and found that most medications failed quality tests.

Medications to Avoid During Pregnancy

Now that you know how taking the wrong medication can impact your pregnancy, here are some that you should avoid.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter medication for pain. People also use it for anxiety, depression, or sleep problems. A recent study published on the NCBI website states that the most reported use of acetaminophen in pregnant women was for sleep or pain. However, it is not advised to consume acetaminophen when pregnant.

A study published in 2018 in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that children exposed to acetaminophen for a prolonged period in the mother’s womb are at an increased risk of autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

After this study, many mothers who took Tylenol (Acetaminophen medicine) filed the Tylenol Autism Lawsuit against manufacturers. The lawsuit is still ongoing against Johnson & Johnson. Hence, if you or a loved one’s child has developed autism or ADHD due to the consumption of acetaminophen, you can consult with a lawyer and file a lawsuit. The Tylenol Autism Lawsuit will offer you compensation for medical expenses and other sufferings you have faced due to your child developing autism or ADHD.

Ibuprofen

One of the most common medications that pregnant women take is ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for years to treat pain and inflammation. But, as with all medicines, there are certain conditions where you should avoid taking ibuprofen while pregnant.

Ibuprofen is an NSAID, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discourages taking any NSAID during pregnancy, especially after 20 weeks pregnant. The reason is that these medicines can lower amniotic fluid. Moreover, there are also links between ibuprofen affecting the child’s blood circulation and kidneys and miscarriage.

Warfarin

Warfarin is a blood-thinning medication you should avoid taking if you’re pregnant. It may cause bleeding in your baby, and it could cause birth defects, as stated in an article on the NHS website.

If you need warfarin for a medical condition, talk to your doctor about using another medication or changing the dose of warfarin before becoming pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking warfarin, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce the risk of bleeding problems during pregnancy.

Primaquine

Primaquine is a medicine used to treat malaria but can cause birth defects if you take it while pregnant. This has been proven in research on rats as well. A recent study on primaquine’s impact on rats shows that it can affect the neurobehavioral development of prenatally exposed rats.

If you need to use primaquine during pregnancy, be sure to tell your doctor and be monitored closely by him or her.

• Ask your doctor about the risks of taking this drug while pregnant.
• Talk with your doctor about how long and often you should take this medication.
• If you accidentally get pregnant while taking primaquine, talk with your doctor immediately.

Lorazepam

Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that binds to the GABA receptors in your brain responsible for relaxation and sedation. It’s used to treat anxiety and insomnia because of this action.

However, when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, taking any medicine that affects your central nervous system can be dangerous for your baby. In fact, an article published on the NCBI website shows that exposure to lorazepam is associated with many pregnancy problems, such as miscarriage, preterm delivery, low birth weight in infants, and increased risk of certain birth defects.

Benzodiazepines like lorazepam can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination in adults, but they can be even more harmful to children. This can happen if you take these drugs while pregnant or breastfeeding because they will pass through breast milk into your baby’s bloodstream.

Conclusion

Overall, women need to consider the medicines they take during pregnancy carefully. Some drugs are safe for a woman to use during pregnancy, but others can be harmful or even life-threatening. If you are considering taking any prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications while pregnant, discuss them with your doctor first so that he or she can help you understand how they will affect both mother and child.

Are you looking for a natural alternative to the drugs prescribed for your medical condition? Many users claim kratom benefits them by relieving pain and managing anxiety. Click here find the herb in products like Thai kratom capsules and powders.

Before you dive into using it, here’s a brief description of the plant-based supplement and its potential effects on your health.

What Is Kratom?

A tree native to the Southeast Asian region, kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a potent herb known for its medicinal properties. Grown in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, and Cambodia, it has ties to the coffee plant (Coffea spp.).

The people in these parts usually chew the leaves or brew them in tea. They use the herb to get an energy boost and enhance productivity. It’s an excellent caffeine alternative to start the day.

While there are claims surrounding the incredible health benefits of kratom, note that the herb isn’t regulated. It also doesn’t have US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.

There’s little research on the plant that validates its therapeutic uses and safety. Scientists should conduct more studies on its short- and long-term effects on the body.

Does kratom expire? No, and it’s also not harmful when the compounds break down. As it loses potency over time, it’s advisable to store it well.

How Does Kratom Benefit Health?

Before discussing what kratom is tea good for, it’s critical to understand the different strains and their unique effects:

• White vein kratom: Reportedly uplifts moods and enhances motivation and feelings of positivity.
• Red vein kratom: This strain is the most popular among users due to its calming properties. It’s allegedly a potent pain reliever and naturally relaxes.

• Green vein kratom: Offers similar but milder effects compared to the white cultivar. Users enjoy a boost of energy that kickstarts a stressful day. Some claim the herb improves focus and clarity.

Let’s explore the potential health benefits of the plant.

1. Pain Relief

Kratom could be ideal for people with chronic physical discomfort. It may be an effective alternative to over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers. These drugs offer temporary relief and, in some cases, have side effects. Addiction is another possible impact of using opioids regularly.

Patients believe the herb offers respite from discomfort to manage their daily tasks without these risks. The red vein strain is reportedly a suitable pain treatment due to its analgesic properties. It also offers balanced, well-rounded sensations. 

2. Mental Stimulation

Besides using kratom for pain, many people allegedly consume the herb to improve concentration and work productivity. Their strain of choice is the white vein variety, which stimulates focus and promotes alertness. 

It’s claimed the herb’s alkaloids clear the mind of unwanted thoughts, enabling you to remain focused and calm. 

The supposed ability to stimulate mental clarity and enhance retention is why college students turn to kratom.

3. Antidepressant and Anxiolytic

The unique kratom alkaloids each produce different therapeutic effects that some claim are similar to opioids. They reportedly calm your nerves and create a sense of optimism. 

Users allege the red vein variant is one of the best kratom strains for anxiety and depression when consumed in high doses.

One trial involving mice indicated that the herb lowered their corticosterone levels, which, when elevated, are associated with depression. This finding showed kratom’s antidepressant potential. (1)

4. Euphoria

Enthusiasts believe another way kratom benefits your health is by adding a dose of positivity. 

While all three strains have euphoric properties, white and green vein varieties offer more potent effects than red versions. Consumers claim to experience enhanced moods and blissful thoughts for hours.

Like coffee, the herb induces euphoria by flooding the brain with dopamine, inciting excitement, pleasure, optimism, and motivation. 

5. Energy Boost

Studies suggest kratom has metabolic effects, causing a surge of vigor. Some evidence shows the plant increases blood circulation and facilitates oxygen flow to vital cells, resulting in faster energy production. 

Many users consume the herb to deal with chronic fatigue syndrome. People desiring a stamina boost without caffeine-induced jitters could start their day with kratom instead of coffee.

6. Libido Enhancement

A sexual functioning trial studied users who consumed kratom to improve their prowess. The Journal of Herbal Medicine study reported that 99% of participants thought their libido enhanced and claimed to perform better. 

These results could be due to the herb’s alleged aphrodisiac properties. 

7. Blood Sugar Regulation

Although research is limited, kratom is reputed to restore insulin function and regulate your body’s blood sugar and glucose levels. This effect potentially reduces the impact of diabetes.

A rat study showed the herb inhibited the hypothalamus, suppressing hunger. More human trials are necessary to validate the findings. 

The results may offer the possibility of using kratom for weight loss. (2)

8. Management of Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Kratom might be a potential alternative treatment for people dealing with opiate withdrawal symptoms. The plant reduces these symptoms by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors, inducing euphoria. 

Exercise Caution

Although kratom benefits people with medical conditions, it’s vital to observe safety guidelines when using the herb. Exercising caution minimizes its potential side effects, like nausea and vomiting. More studies are necessary to confirm the risks.

When consuming the plant, the amount depends on a range of factors, including your age and health. As there isn’t sufficient research to indicate a safe dosage, use it moderately. Consult your doctor before replacing prescription drugs.

Choosing a weight-loss balloon can be one of the easiest and most beneficial choices you can make. It is a great option for those who don’t want a surgical procedure, such as gastric band or gastric bypass. It is also very low cost, so it makes a great choice for people who don’t have the money to spend on a more expensive option.

Thousands of people have lost weight and improved their health with a gastric balloon weight-loss procedure. This procedure is a temporary solution to help people lose weight without surgery. It is effective and can result in a dramatic reduction in the excess weight.

Gastric balloon works by filling the stomach with a saline solution. This slows down the passage of food and water through the stomach, which helps people feel full faster. Generally, the balloon only fills up half of the stomach, leaving about 60% available for food and drink.

The balloon is removed about six months after it is inserted. During that time, the patient will have an exercise program designed by the care team. This program should involve a combination of cardiovascular exercise and weight training.

Patients who use this method can expect to lose between 20 and 50 pounds. The amount of weight lost depends on the size of the balloon, the starting weight, and the patient’s willingness to modify their lifestyle.

This procedure should be done under light sedation. Depending on the level of comfort, patients can go home a few hours after the procedure.

After a week or two, most patients do not notice the balloon. Some may experience nausea and vomiting for a few days. It is best to eat small meals and drink plenty of water. Chewing foods properly is important, as foods can stick to the balloon.

What Can Spatz Medical Do For You?

Whether you’re just beginning to consider the options of losing weight with the help of a balloon, or you’ve already been using one for a while and want to find out more about the best balloons for you, you may be wondering what spatzmedical.com can offer you. The truth is that there are a lot of different types of balloons available, so finding the right one for you is important.

Cost of Gastric Balloon

Getting a gastric balloon procedure is often recommended for obese patients. It is non-surgical, has minimal sedation, and helps with weight loss. It also improves lipid and blood sugar levels. The balloon remains in the stomach for about six months. After the procedure, patients are encouraged to adopt a new lifestyle.

The costs of gastric balloons vary depending on where you live. Some countries offer better prices than others. In the United States, the cost ranges from $8,248 to $14,000.

Some people choose to go abroad for the procedure. This is called medical tourism. Some countries offer more competent clinics, while others are cheaper. The cost of gastric ballon in Europe and Turkey are lower than the U.S. Getting a gastric balloon abroad can be beneficial to patients who cannot afford the procedure.

Gastric balloons are not covered by most insurance carriers in the U.S. Because they are considered experimental procedures, insurance does not cover them. However, they may still qualify for health insurance.

When considering gastric balloons, be sure to choose a doctor who has experience performing this procedure. Surgeons who have experience in the procedure are more likely to provide accurate estimates on the cost of the procedure.

Adjustable balloons

Having a gastric balloon inserted in your stomach is a great way to lose weight. This procedure is a short, easy, and painless procedure. The procedure works by inserting an intragastric balloon into your stomach and allowing it to expand and contract, effectively reducing the size of your stomach. The balloon occupies about one-third of your stomach’s cavity.

There are two types of gastric balloons: adjustable and non-adjustable. The adjustable type allows you to adjust the balloon’s volume in order to improve comfort, satiety and decrease calories. The non-adjustable type is not designed for this purpose.

The adjustable balloon is a great way to prevent weight plateauing and promote healthier eating habits. It can be inserted in under an hour and removed in less than an hour.

Gastric balloons that address intolerance

Throughout the last four decades, over 500,000 gastric balloons have been implanted. These balloons are filled with sterile saline and are inserted through the mouth into the stomach. They provide the patient with an increased sense of fullness. They are also ideal for people who are unable to undergo bariatric surgery.

The Spatz3 Adjustable Gastric Balloon System is the only nonsurgical gastric balloon in the world that can be adjusted to the patient’s needs. It has the ability to reduce balloon volume for intolerance and increase balloon volume for weight loss plateaus. (1)

Long-term weight loss results

Among the many weight loss treatments available, the Spatz Medical has long been touted as the best long-term weight loss solution available. Its adjustable intragastric balloon (AIG) is designed to give adult patients suffering from obesity a weight loss solution that is both safe and effective. Its patented adjustability feature is designed to allow physicians to alter the volume of the balloon to suit individual patient needs. It also boasts the highest success rate of any balloon currently available discover more.

Gastric Bypass

Using a gastric balloon can help you lose weight and reduce the symptoms of obesity-related illnesses. A study of over three thousand patients revealed that gastric balloons resulted in an average weight loss of 15%.

The procedure is relatively quick, usually lasting less than thirty minutes. Patients are generally back home the same day. However, a night stay is required for some patients.

The balloon is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach. A saline solution is then inflated into the balloon. This makes the stomach feel fuller and helps patients to consume smaller portions of food.

Gastric Sleeve

Several studies have shown that weight loss through balloon therapy is more effective than diet and exercise alone. The balloon also helps to reduce the symptoms associated with obesity-related diseases.

The balloon works by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten. Patients feel full quicker and feel less hungry, which makes them less likely to overeat. The balloon also slows down the passage of food through the stomach, which makes it easier to lose weight.

Gastric Band

Using a gastric balloon is a simple, non-surgical weight loss procedure that can help you lose weight. But you must be aware of the risk of infection and the need to follow a strict diet plan.

After the procedure, you can expect to lose about 33% of your excess body weight. You can start to eat soft food in the first few weeks, and after a few months, you can transition to solid foods. You should also start to exercise more regularly to keep your weight off.

You can expect to lose around two to three pounds each week after the surgery. In the first few weeks, you should drink lots of water to help you get through the recovery period. During this phase, you should also eat a low-fat diet and avoid eating high-fat foods. (2)

Gastric Balloon

Using gastric balloons as a weight-loss procedure is a safe and effective way to lose weight. It can help patients lose up to three-quarters of their excess weight. The procedure is minimally invasive and allows patients to return to normal activities in a day or two.

Before the procedure, patients will take a special medication. This will help them sleep and make swallowing the balloon easier. They will also be given a numbing throat spray.

Spatz3 Weight Loss Balloon

Using a non-surgical, adjustable balloon is one of the best ways to lose weight. It can help prevent weight plateauing and can lead to greater weight loss overall. A non-surgical balloon can also help reduce side effects of starvation diets.

The Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon System is an innovative non-surgical weight loss balloon that provides patients with the highest weight loss results. It is designed to be used with a long-term supervised diet program.

Patients have the option of removing the balloon at any time. This can be done by an endoscope. The Spatz3 balloon has been approved for longer implantation, which may lead to more lasting health effects.

The Spatz3 Adjustable Gastric Balloon System is designed to help patients who have failed to lose weight with other weight loss programs. The system is intended for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 to 40 kg/m2.

The Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon is approved for a total of eight months. In addition, it is designed to be used with a long-term behavioural modification program. This can help patients lose weight and keep it off for good.

Self-care is just as crucial for nurses as it is for anyone else. Nursing can be physically, mentally and emotionally demanding, requiring nurses to care for themselves. The weariness and stress that come with the work can harm a nurse in various ways.

In addition to taking better care of their patients, nurses who practice self-care can lower their stress levels, enhance their health and live happier lives. 

What Is self-care in nursing?

Self-care is a habit nurses make to improve their health. Self-care techniques handle physical, mental or emotional problems that develop as a result of nursing. For example, nurses with back pain who practice self-care by working out and eating well may have less pain and more energy to care for their patients.

The best self-care tips for nurses help them tend to their patient’s needs and reduce their chances of getting sick or burnt out. Spring Arbor University appreciates nurses who play a significant role in establishing a better future in the health sector. The university teaches you more about celebrating who you are and prioritizing self-care. 

Why is self-care important for nurses?

Since nursing requires a lot of time and is stressful, many nurses may forget to practice self-care. Numerous nurses have suffered moderate to high stress levels, resulting in several easily avoidable health problems. Obesity, asthma, heart disease and premature mortality are some ailments that result due to insufficient self-care. 

What effect does stress have on a nurse’s patients?

Nursing professionals should prioritize their needs because it is more challenging to care for others when they cannot look after themselves. Nurses must maintain low stress levels to provide patients with the best care possible.

There is a negative impact on patient care when the nursing staff isn’t in excellent medical condition. Medication mistakes and low quality of care are more significant in nurses who do not care for themselves.

 10 Benefits of self-care for nurses

Stress is a crucial factor in limiting nurses’ work hours. Self-care can help nurses do their jobs better and decrease the chance of making mistakes. A nurse who is healthy and strong can be more effective than one who is getting less sleep or exercising too little.

Here are the advantages of self-care for nurses: 

Promotes high-quality patient care

When a nurse is exhausted and stressed, their patient care declines, as nurses who work beyond their physical limits make more mistakes than usual. By taking better care of themselves, nurses can provide better patient care.

Nurses who pay more attention to self-care will be more inclined to increase their engagement in detail with patients since it is difficult for a nurse who isn’t in good health to concentrate on caring for others. 

Reduces the risk of burnout

When nurses don’t earn enough time off and neglect their physical and mental health, they are more likely to experience burnout. Burnout is when a nurse becomes exhausted, stressed and cynical, resulting in complications in the workplace.

To prevent burnout and nurses from getting overwhelmed, hospital managers should establish a self-care plan that boosts employee wellness. 

Reduces nurses’ risk of illness

Nurses who don’t care for themselves are more likely to develop minor illnesses, resulting in hospitalization and lost wages, if they persist. Nurses with self-care habits are less likely to come down with any disease as long as they have normal levels of health and avoid stressors, such as overwork or burnout. 

Promotes optimal health

Being healthy is crucial for nurses to do their best job. Nursing causes health professionals to work extended hours and become physically exhausted from moving patients and walking throughout the hospital.

Without good self-care practices, a nurse is more likely to experience poor health and diseases, like hypertension. To maintain good health, nurses must practice self-care by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and getting adequate sleep whenever possible. 

Decreases stress

Self-care deteriorates mental health. Stress often causes nurses to develop anxiety and depression. By performing exercises and taking time to unwind, nurses will have more control over their minds, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.

Self-care techniques, such as exercise, breathing, and meditation, effectively relieve stress. By practicing self-care techniques, nurses can break up their daily routine by taking time out of their workday to relax. When nurses learn self-care techniques, they experience less stress within themselves and those around them. 

Increases nurses’ motivation and work productivity

Self-care habits can improve nurses’ work rates through self-motivation and productivity. When nurses take good care of themselves, they develop a positive attitude toward working more effectively and demonstrating their dedication to patients. High motivation and productivity levels increase job satisfaction within the health facility. 

Leads to increased self-confidence

Nurses who are healthier and well-rested feel more confident about their job. Healthy nurses are more likely to look forward to coming to work and take pride in their work performance.

Nurses who know how to care for themselves will have greater self-confidence and feel less stressed out than those who do not practice self-care. If a nurse has low self-esteem, that can negatively influence them at work, which can cause problems for the patient. A nurse with low self-esteem may not provide adequate patient care or help the patients’ families through illness.

 Self-care is important for employer-employee relationships

Self-care helps nurses and employers foster better relationships by providing nurses with a positive state of mind. When nurses have positive work attitudes, they will demonstrate commitment and devotion to their jobs, resulting in higher job satisfaction.

Increased job satisfaction boosts the employer-employee relationship, as management and employees work together for the patient’s well-being. 

Promotes employee retention in nursing roles

Self-care promotes nurse retention. Nurse retention is the number of nurses who stay over a long period in a healthcare organization. When nurses do not practice self-care techniques and neglect themselves, they start looking for jobs that offer better pay, more benefits and more time off.

At this point, employers should recognize the importance of hiring healthy people and paying them well so they can take time off to take care of themselves and not quit their job. By keeping employees happy with positive self-care habits, employers will have a lower turnover rate in their nursing department. 

Promotes happiness in the workplace

Employers who want to increase employee morale and happiness should encourage self-care habits among their staff. When nurses take time to relax, they experience more positive emotions, making them more likely to be happy at work. Happy employees are productive and willing to give their best at work to benefit patients, employers and coworkers. 

Ways to get started with nursing self-care

Healthy habits help nurses avoid complications while improving their health and well-being at work. Here are some ways nurses can get started on their self-care journey. 

Mental self-care

Mental self-care teaches nurses how to reduce stress and anxiety in the nursing enterprise. You can practice mental self-care relaxation techniques, such as meditation, taking walks outside, riding a bike or practicing yoga.

Physical self-care

Physical self-care is a way for nurses to maintain their health, help their bodies heal from injuries and illnesses and overcome any physical issues, such as injury or disease, that can affect their job performance. Physical self-care includes various exercises, such as walking, swimming and running. 

Social self-care

Social self-care includes staying connected with friends and family while at work by talking regularly, catching up on personal developments and taking time out of the office during breaks to visit patients and their families.

You can also converse with someone you don’t usually talk to at work, ask your coworkers about their days, have lunch with someone new or celebrate coworkers’ birthdays and anniversaries.

 Emotional self-care

Emotional self-care teaches nurses how to enhance positive emotions and reduce negative emotions, such as anxiety and stress. Emotional self-care includes improving your diet, exercising regularly and attending support groups, conferences and seminars. 

Spiritual self-care

Spiritual self-care encourages nurses to take time to care for themselves spiritually through regular prayer, meditation, walking in nature or taking a break away from their job for personal-development sessions with a counselor. 

Professional self-care

Nursing professionals can assist themselves in remaining calmer amid potentially stressful work situations by maintaining organization in their professional lives. Nurses must treat themselves with the same regard as the patient care they offer.

You can list your professional objectives and a strategy for achieving them or assist your coworkers with their patients as your own professional self-care methods.

Personal self-care

Nurses should schedule time for their favorite activities. To assist them in feeling less pressured, nurses should take the time to develop their identity outside of being a nurse.

To take care of yourself, buy your favorite beverage, take up a new pastime, go on a day trip or take a staycation. 

Wrapping up

Self-care across the board significantly improves patient care quality. Nurses who take care of themselves are less likely to get ill, are more productive and make fewer medication mistakes than those who don’t have self-care habits in their workday.

Self-care measures improve employee morale, reduce turnover rates, develop healthier relationships between employer and employees, increase employee job satisfaction and retain the highest quality candidates.