Ask Our Expert - Taking Water Pills in Pregnancy

October 13, 2008

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Specializing in pregnancy and birth.


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Ask Dr. Greenfield Taking Water Pills in Pregnancy

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Greenfield, Is it safe to take furosemide for swelling when you are three weeks pregnant? — Worried

ANSWER	July 18, 2001


Dear Worried, Furosemide (Lasix) and other water pills are generally not considered safe for use in pregnancy, unless they are being taken for a serious medical condition. In otherwise healthy women some swelling is normal, and you need your body fluid, especially your blood, to stay at its normally increased volume in pregnancy in order to get blood flow to the baby. That said, it is unlikely that furosemide causes any major birth defects. If you took furosemide before you knew you were pregnant and you do not have any medical problems, most health professionals would recommend that you discontinue using it. If you are taking furosemide for a major medical condition, like congestive heart failure, the benefits may outweigh any risks. Talk to your doctor about the furosemide and your swelling. Together you can figure out what treatments would be best for you. — by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

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