PREGNANCY-BIRTH Messages for March, 2003: Re: Panicking: Will Rhinocort cause birth defects?

Re: Panicking: Will Rhinocort cause birth defects?

From: Katya (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 27 Mar 2003 18:50:27 -0600 (CST)

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Dear Sarah,

Great job for doing your research! I hope that your baby is fine.

Modern medicine is pretty well equipped to determine spinal defects. Unfortunately, you may not get good data on this until 2nd trimester, which makes termination decisions more difficult, if you are so inclined.

1. Ask for the triple test to be performed (14-16 weeks). It's a blood draw with subsequent hormone level evaluations. It is quite accurate for spinal defect detection (much better than Down's syndrome detection).

2. Ultrasounds are great to check for spinal closure. Make sure that your ultrasound is done at a center that specializes in them, preferably using newer equipment. You may have to do some research in your area to find the best place, and then some wrangling with your insurance, so start now. I know that the standard 18 week ultrasound can determine spinal closure with great precision. Perhaps it can be done earlier - inquire at the ultrasound center.

The best thing about both tests is that they are non-invasive (no risk for healthy babies).

Did the doctor who prescribed you a caterory C drug know that you are pregnant? If so, all docs have thick dictionaries in their officies stating drug side effects and categories. You would be better off to find someone who actually looks into that book before handing you a prescription.

"What to Expect..." suggests saline drops for misbehaving sinuses. If those are not enough, try to find another spray/drops/something. It's best to avoid a fully blown sinus infection that will have to be treated with antibiotics and who knows what else during pregnancy.

Best wishes,

--
Katya (not a doctor, just a biochemist)

At Thu, 27 Mar 2003, Sarah wrote:
>
>I am almost 6 weeks pregnant and I just read in a pregnancy book that
>some steroid nasal sprays are not safe during pregnancy, so I did some
>research and found out that Rhinocort Aqua is a category C drug.  I've
>been on the maximum dose (2 sprays each nostril, twice per day) since
>before I became pregnant.
>
>Thanks.

>Sarah M.

Next message: kim: "dilating"
Previous message: Shelie: "Re: Question about u/s_pls read"
In reply to: Sarah: "Panicking: Will Rhinocort cause birth defects?"
Next in thread: Katya: "Re: Panicking: Will Rhinocort cause birth defects? 2nd post"
Reply: Katya: "Re: Panicking: Will Rhinocort cause birth defects? 2nd post"

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