Took malaria tablets not knowing I was pregnant

[SkaterGrrrrl]

Hi there

DH and I have been TTC #1 for nearly a year and today I got a BFP. However I'm very concerned as I went on a safari in Dec and took malaria tablets (Doxycycline).

I have booked a doctors appointment for Monday, but to save me fretting all weekend, does anyone know how bad malaria tablets are?

Thank you MNers!

I took anti-malarials when on safari, knowing I was 12 weeks pregnant as the alternative was a lot worse.

I know there are some that are recommended for pregnant women and others which aren't - have no idea of names though, sorry.

DS is 14 months and fighting fit.

That is reassuring, thank you. I think what's worrying me is that I took them for 4 whole weeks. Appreciate your post.

even if a drug is not recommended for pregnancy it doesn't mean that it causes harm - it often just means that they don't know for sure that it definately doesn't cause harm, usually because they haven't tested it in pregnant women.

The reason doxycycline shouldn't be taken in pregnancy is because it has an effect on the developing skeleton and teeth. As far as I know, at this stage in pregnancy, neither the skeleton or teeth will have developed very much (you say you got BFP today, I'm assuming you're fairly early on...).

So you should be fine. But talk to GP on Monday

hth

Hey skater! Long time no see. Congrats on the BFP. I'm sure loads of people do/take things in the early stages that don't affect the baby. I don't know how similar they are but hydroxycholoroquine is used for malaria prevention and for arthritis and some arth' mums go back on it during pregnancy. (might be an option for me) Of course, is best to speak to your doc.

Your old TTC friends miss you BTW - you might want to visit the grads at this thread would be nice to see you

Congrats again.

Congrats skater - and ditto what Curly said!

I am on doxy, TTC and also work in tropical medicine. I've been told by a doctor who is a specialist in malaria that it can affect the development of bones & teeth in the third trimester, but shouldn't be a problem at all in the early stages. Honestly, I don't think there's any need to worry at all.

Congrats again

Thank you all so much - I am feeling miles better!

Just checked & my leaflet in the medicine does say it's to do with teeth/bone development and I'm only just pregnant so hopefully its fine. (First time Ive typed that - I'm pregnant!)

Thank you lovely ladies of Mumnet!

Went to the doctors and she says the tadpole will be fine. (Doxycycline is only a problem in the third trimester as it turns the baby's teeth black).

Big sigh of relief and thank you very much for the reassurance.

Congrats on your pregnancy!

My sister took 30mg of Citalopram for depression, had breast surgery & 3 doses of chemo whilst she was pregnant last year(the pregnant nurse wasn't even allowed to handle her chemo pack..).

Her beautiful, little girl is now 10months, as strong and an ox and looking like walking in the next couple of weeks.

Sure you'll be just fine but mention it to your doctor to put your mind at rest.