How Does Phentermine Work?
Phentermine is a stimulant that suppresses the appetite. It’s usually prescribed for people who are obese or overweight and can’t seem to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. While phentermine can be an effective way to lose weight, it can also come with some risks.
Short-term use is deemed safe enough for non-pregnant people. As long as you’re not suffering from any medical conditions that could be exacerbated by phentermine, you should be able to take it without any problems. But can you take phentermine while pregnant? Let’s see what science has to say about it.
Can You Take Phentermine While Pregnant?
There’s not a lot of scientific research on the effects of phentermine on pregnant women. In fact, most of the research that has been done is on animals.
However, a 2019 study named Phentermine Use During First and Second Trimesters Associated with Fetal Stroke described one case of a woman who took phentermine during her first and second trimesters and ultimately had a baby with bilateral porencephalic cysts, likely because of a prenatal stroke.
If only one such case is known, can you take phentermine while pregnant? In general, phentermine can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which can be dangerous for both mother and child. But that’s not the only reason you shouldn’t take phentermine while pregnant.
Doctors Say: You Shouldn’t Lose Weight While Pregnant
Phentermine is one thing, but the truth is, most women shouldn’t be trying to lose weight while pregnant at all. Your body is going through a lot of changes and needs all the nutrients it can get to support a growing baby. Trying to lose weight during pregnancy can deprive your baby of the nutrients it needs to thrive.
In general, you should only be trying to lose weight if your BMI is over 30 and your doctor says it’s okay. If you’re not sure what your BMI is, you can use an online BMI calculator. So, can you take phentermine while pregnant? Most doctors wouldn’t prescribe it.
If you’re overweight or obese and want to lose weight before getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about a safe plan that can help you reach your goals. And if you’re already pregnant and struggling with your weight, talk to your doctor about ways to safely manage it.
Can You Take Phentermine While Trying to Get Pregnant?
Another question is, can you take phentermine while trying to get pregnant? It’s not recommended. If you’re trying to conceive, you should already be at a healthy weight.
Being overweight can increase your risk of miscarrying or having a baby with a birth defect. But if you’re using phentermine to manage your weight, you should stop taking it about a week before conceiving so that the medication can be flushed out of your system. So if you’re actively trying to get pregnant, can you take phentermine? Probably not.
What If You Took Phentermine Before Learning That You’re Pregnant?
If you took phentermine before learning that you’re pregnant, don’t panic. The chances of any harm coming to your baby are very low. However, you should still talk to your doctor about it. They may want to monitor you more closely or adjust your pregnancy care plan.
If that comforts you, two small studies found that the pregnancy outcomes were the same for women who took phentermine while pregnant and those who didn’t. The risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery and birth defects was found to be the same. However, that doesn’t mean it’s safe to continue taking phentermine while pregnant – more research needs to be done.
So can you take phentermine while pregnant? In short, no, you shouldn’t. If you’re struggling with your weight, talk to your doctor about a safe plan to help you reach your goals.
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