my doctor prescribed me something i shouldn't use in pregnancy

[VeryDistressed]

A few weeks ago I saw a prescribed at my doctors surgery (don't think it was a gp, maybe a nurse) she knew I was pregnant. We spoke about my pregnancy.

I was there for piles. She prescribed me some suppositories. I've use a few. Then read on the box that they shouldn't be used in pregnancy. The nurse/doctor didn't advise me they weren't safe to use. A soon as I realised, I stopped using them.

I feel terrible. I've read the problems these can cause to my baby. I don't know what to do. I feel I should have been told there was a risk. So I could make the decision of whether to use them or not. I'm so scared I've done something terrible to my baby.

I don't know who to contact about this. Obviously I'm going to call my midwife but I feel I need to make a complaint to the surgery. I'm so upset that I stupidly didn't read the box. I assumed they would prescribe me something unsuitable.

I did see a different doctor last week and he told me not to use them. I hadn't read the side effects until just now. I feel sick to thick I might have hurt her.

I'm sorry this happened to you. I can understand you being concerned but the chances of anything happening to your baby are minimal.

Yes let the practice manager know about it so it can be brought up at their next meeting and make everyone aware that they need to look up medications before prescribing to pregnant women. Try to always check with the pharmacist that the medication is safe during pregnancy. They are dispensing all day long and are often more up to date than regular doctors on the side effects, suitability in pregnancy etc.

I'm not sure where you are, but some places have organisations that specialise in drug safety in pregnancy and you can ring them any time to enquire about the safety of various medication. They have more information than your GP or pharmacist.

Goodluck. I hope you are feeling better now :)

I used anusol and prep H suppositories in my last pregnancy and all was ok for both baby and I. I'd do the same in this pregnancy if I needed them!

I know being pregnant is worrying but I think in this instance you are over thinking it. Lots of pregnant women take far more complicated medications (pain relief, anti depressants, stuff for their long term conditions) which would state not for use in pregnancy but the risks and medical need are weighed up by the Dr.

I don't understand why you didn't read through the leaflet before you used the medication.
I don't think it's fair to blame the doctor - you had an issue, they prescribed a solution.

For what it's worth, the risk to your baby is minimal.