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Can Norethisterone Harm The Fetus?
Posted on
Sat, 23 Apr 2011
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 23 Apr 2011
Answered on
Last reviewed on
Question : Me and my partner got married last week, she was due her period at time of wedding ,so we got norethisterone tablets to delay them. We were asked at time if she could be pregnant and didnt think so. she took 3 tablets a day for 5 days. since then she has been sick, so we took a pregnancy test and it was possitive, she is in a complete panic that these tablets could have harmed baby, any suggestions?
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for your query.
Norethisterone is contraindicated in pregnancy.
There is high risk of fetal malformation and virilisation of female fetus. The potential risks are higher than benefits. There is a possible chance that the fotus can been harmed.
A pregnancy test should have been done before the medication was given to you.
I suggest that you consult your OBGYN about this, who should do an ultrasound and a repeat pregnancy test. The next course of action shall be determined after that.
Termination might be suggested to you depending on the ultrasound. Please dont panic as this is a most unfortunate incident.
Wish you Good Health.
Thanks for your query.
Norethisterone is contraindicated in pregnancy.
There is high risk of fetal malformation and virilisation of female fetus. The potential risks are higher than benefits. There is a possible chance that the fotus can been harmed.
A pregnancy test should have been done before the medication was given to you.
I suggest that you consult your OBGYN about this, who should do an ultrasound and a repeat pregnancy test. The next course of action shall be determined after that.
Termination might be suggested to you depending on the ultrasound. Please dont panic as this is a most unfortunate incident.
Wish you Good Health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Is there any chance that the baby could be ok and suffer no side effects?, even if slim?
Well,
its not possible to say that. There is always a chance that the baby will be ok. But the best time to look for fetal anomalies is between 16-22 weeks and only then can any congenital anomalies be located. As im sure you realise that very late in the pregnancy and if at all there is some anomaly, terminating the pregnancy at that stage is very distressing for the mother.I think you first need to find out if you have a viable pregnancy by consulting your Gynecologist. The first trimester is crucial.
its not possible to say that. There is always a chance that the baby will be ok. But the best time to look for fetal anomalies is between 16-22 weeks and only then can any congenital anomalies be located. As im sure you realise that very late in the pregnancy and if at all there is some anomaly, terminating the pregnancy at that stage is very distressing for the mother.I think you first need to find out if you have a viable pregnancy by consulting your Gynecologist. The first trimester is crucial.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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