Doctors and their views on meds during pregnancy

[CherylSLP]

I have been following this line for a few years, as I am in my early-mid 30s (ok, 33) and wondering about pregnancy vs. adoption. I also have a brother who just finished medical school (psychiatry) and have (ok, technically I still do) worked in a health profession. And one thing I know is Dr.'s are very very concerned about malpractice. In fact, in Cincinnati, where I moved from, there was a growing shortage of OB/Gyns because the malpractice rates were so high they left.

So my question is just on your thoughts as to whether or not you think Dr. recommendations about continuing meds during pregnancy are related to their concerns over being sued later. Elmiron is a class B drug and in my mind, if I was a Dr. I would not have a problem with someone taking it. My other drugs (sigh) are class C. I would choose to continue taking my meds (benefits way outweight costs) so I would look for a Dr. who supports my decision therein. And yes, I have read and read and all that on effects and studies done or not done and the like. But I may still choose adoption for other reasons than just IC. I just don't get why some Dr. say no meds at all. It is ideal, yes, but not everyone can or should do that.

Thoughts, comments, smart remarks?

Cheryl

[shvlnose]

I absolutely believe that 95% of the time, Drs say "no meds at all under any circumstances when pregnant) because they are affraid to get sued.

I agree that no meds is ideal, but it is NOT realistic for some of us. I made a carefull plan and did a lot of research on my own to find category B meds to substitue for the C meds I was taking. And just prayed that I would make it with out the ones that I couldn't substitute for. I found a GP and OB/Gyn willing to let me remain on my B meds throughout pregnancy. It worked out great and my baby is fine so far. Pregnancy was not easy, but it was not unbearable either. I was on 3 category B meds and 1 C (a narcotic - they are C due to addiction risk, not birth defects).

If you think you would like to try having a baby "of your own" (hate that phrase as an adopted baby is 'your own' as well), shop around for an open minded OB and/or talk to a perinatologist. The perinatologists are frequently much more realistic and knowledgable about actual risks involved with meds and pregnancy.

Depending on the meds and what you are able to work around (or not), adoption is a viable alternative. There are lots of children out there who need good, loving parents.

Just my 2 cents!
Aly

[KatynCali]

Ii was PETRIFIED to go see my doctor oce i was pregnan. My pain management team encouraged me to continue takinng a lower does of my long and short acting opiates. ONce I went in and saw him I was floored by how supportive he was. I thik as long as they don't have to perscribe it they are ok with it- at least in my office. I saw the nurse prac in his pffice at my last appt and she actually priased me for taking such a low dose and told me she had no issues with it. I am taking a very old med that many preg women have take in much higher doses. Opiates are generally considerd safe with the exception of taking them in high doses close to term-- even if baby is bor with dependancy issues the doc didn't seem overly concerned wtith (though I know I am not ok with my baby being born depndant). I'm 17 weeks right now and I am in pain but my first trimester was worse (I barely took any meds then as this is the crucial formative time) but now that I amin the 2dn tri it is a bit better. I personally would be a little scared to take new meds (Like elmiron) bc I have a comfort level with things that have been around for 50 plus years-- but that is just me. I think if you look you ca likelh find someone who will help you. Maybe try a hi risk OB?

[JenAZ07]

I would agree. Call and ask your Ob/Gyn what her stance is with regard to meds during pregnancy. I already talked to mine and she was okay with it (Elmiron and pain meds). She said that if I have IC, she believes it would go into remision once I get pg and the pain will not be an issue. Otherwise, she is willing to have me on long term pain meds....and my pain management dr feels the same way. Good idea to talk to a high risk OB as they tend to be a little more lax when it comes to the does and don'ts of pg.

Don't worry, you will make the decision that is the best for you and your family. Good luck!

[LeeAnn]

My OB specialized in "high-risk" pregnancy and he allowed me to stay on:

1. Elmiron (Category B)
2. Ditropan (Category C)
3. Atarax (Category C)

He also gave me the option of narcotics and bladder instills (he uses a marcaine cocktail). But I didn't need to use anything but the above three meds. After a miserable first trimester I felt great, in fact, better than ever! I had my little boy 3 weeks ago and I still feel better than I've ever felt. I totally forget that I have a bladder (no pain now and frequency is not an issue!). Hooray for pregnancy! This is the best I have felt in 12 years. SERIOUSLY!

My advice is to find an OB who specializes in high-risk pregnancy. I was lucky b/c I had just moved to Pittsburgh when I found out I was pregnant. I went to a nurse practitioner and spoke w/ her about my concerns of IC and meds. She was amazing and called around to all her colleagues and found me an OB who specialized in "high-risk" and who had a lot of experience w/ pregnant women experiencing urinary problems.

[melanie626]

I stayed on lots of meds, but did have to hunt for a MD to work WITH me during what was a tough pregnancy, advocate for what you need. Good luck.

PM if you have more questions.

Melanie