Q: Are there any over-the-counter medications that pregnant women need to avoid? - Melissa, Taiping

DR NOR ASHIKIN: Drugs that are usually safe to take when women are not pregnant can cause devastating effects to a fetus. If you are even thinking of becoming pregnant, you should discuss the use of any drugs that you are currently taking with your doctor beforehand.

I would recommend not taking any such drugs during the first eight weeks of pregnancy when the fetus? heart, lung, and brain is being formed, without first discussing with your doctor.

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