Can drug use effect EARLY pregnancy?

Question

I am currently on several prescription drugs (including ritalin and klonopin, an amphetamine and a benzodiazapine). I had unprotected sex 2 days ago, and then used plan b, but am worried that I'll still get pregnant. If I do get pregnant, the drugs I'm on could hurt the potential baby. I don't want to stop the drugs, as I'm on them for a reason, but if I am pregnant, I'll have to stop them anyway for the baby's health (obviously we didn't plan for a baby, and it's not a good time for one, but if I do end up pregnant, we would keep the baby.)

So how bad are these drugs in very early pregnancy? Can they effect the ovum before implantation even occurs? Where can I find more information on this?

Any thoughts/experiences would be helpful. I'll be talking to my pyschiatrist on Tuesday about this as well.

Should I discontinue my scripts now, or wait until I'm sure I'm pregnant? Can these effects on the baby happen way early in the pregnancy (like the first 3 weeks after conception)?

I'm not sure whether to wait and talk to my doctor Tuesday or do something myself now. Like I said, I'm not even sure I'm pregnant, and probably not (my husband and I just started using the diaphram and just forgot the other day because we've been so used to me being on the pill. Hence the plan b, but I didn't take the second plan b pill until 17 hours after the first, so now I'm scared it won't work. We're usually very cautious, but made a mistake, right in the middle of my cycle when I think I already ovulated.)

Answer 1

If it's only 2 days since you had unprotected sex and you took Plan B exactly as indicated {1 pill immediately that you got the pack, and 1 pill 12 hours later}, chances of getting pregnant are less than 3%. You shouldn't discontinue any of your medications, because the chances of pregnancy are very slim. For your peace of mind, you can get a blood pregnancy test {HCG beta-subunit quantitative test} done at any clinical laboratory in 5 more days. It will show up by then if you are pregnant or not. As these medications reach the developing embryo via the placenta, and it takes 7 to 8 days after fertilization for the ovum to implant into the endometrial wall in your uterus, it's not until then that they would have an effect {if any} on the embryo. If the test turns out positive, request to talk to your Gynecologist AND your psychiatrist about your concerns on the possible effects of the medications on the gestation. Be sure to discuss all options available to you {including switching to other medications or an early termination of pregnancy} with both physicians, so you can make an intelligent, informed choice. I wish you the best of luck, and hope that this advise has been of some help and comfort to you. Don't hesitate to contact me using the link provided in my profile if you have further questions or concerns; I'll try to help you to the fullest extent possible based on my experience and knowledge.

Answer 2

Hi heres what ive found out for you ok.

There are few human studies or case reports about the use of most of the other benzodiazepines during pregnancy, although several have shown similar possible associations with various birth defects. At this point, all of the benzodiazepines have been rated as either Category D (or Category X, in the case of the hypnotics temazepam, triazolam, and flurazepam).

Ritalin used during pregnacy may lead to depression later in life.

The data regarding the use of the benzodiazepines (including Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, and Valium) during pregnancy are somewhat controversial. Studies suggest there may be an increased risk of cleft lip and palate associated with first trimester exposure to these medications. This risk appears to be relatively small. Early reports suggest that the risk is about 0.7%; however, a recent study suggests that the risk may be even lower than that. Risk does not seem to be influenced by the dosage of medication taken by the other.

Amphetamine use during pregnancy may threaten the health of the fetus. The fetus is at risk of intrauterine growth retardation, which means that it does not grow to full size while in the uterus. As a result, the baby is born small, and is at risk for having a small head, decreased body length and low birth weight. Babies exposed to amphetamines before birth may be at a higher risk for some birth defects. These include abnormalities involving the heart and blood vessels, and deformities related to the bones and muscles, including limb malformation.

Answer 3

If there is no information on the affects of these drugs on the prescription bottles, you can get the information you want from a pharmicist. Your psychiatrist will also be able to help you with this. As a rule of thumb, whatever you take, your unborn child also takes.

Answer 4

The first three months of a pregnancy is when the brain and "neural tube" later the spinal cord develop,and during that phase its most critical for the fetus to develop normally.That's also the time where most of the drug damage will happen,neural tube defects are the cause of spina bifida,many other conditions and diseases of the brain and spinal cord.You need to stop these drugs now,and see both your MD's ASAP. Take care. SW RNP

Answer 5

You should be fine with the plan B, however if you fear you could be pregnant and it's causing much anxiety, call your psychiatrist and tell him why you're anxious. I strongly caution you against just stopping the type of meds you're taking b/c abrupt discontinuation could cause seizures or other life threatening conditions.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I don't think these scripts will cause early preg....but tell doctor about plan b,,you should be fine with using that..remember to wrap it up to be on the safe side,,if you do not wish to become preg....that usually works evry time

Answer 8

I'm a nurse. Any controlled substance has a risk. However Tylenol (acetaminophen) is the only thing that is safe. Don't worry just discontinue the medications and keep your doctors appointment.

Answer 9

I only know for sure about the Klonopin and I'm pretty sure it can cause a cleft palate or lip but the risk is minimal. But call the doctor if you are pregnant to be absolutely sure.