(KUTV) A new report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that more than 90% of women use at least one medication during their pregnancy. The same report shows that about half of women ages 18 to 44 years old look for health information on the internet. While many internet websites post lists of medicines that are safe to take during pregnancy, the CDC says of many of the medicines listed, there is not enough known to determine if the medicine is safe to use during pregnancy.

Alfred Romeo works with the Pregnancy Risk Line here in Utah. He says a simple phone call can help women get the answers they need. “For example, some medication like aspirin, they may be fine early in pregnancy but not fine later in pregnancy,” said Romeo. If you call the pregnancy risk line, you can also ask questions about what medicines are safe to use during the cold and flu season and what medicines are safe to use while breastfeeding. All calls are confidential. The experts on the other end have access to the latest research on prescription medications and over-the-counter medications. If you still decide to do some research online, be sure to discuss what you found with your doctor. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention also states that if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant:

- Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking or thinking about taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as dietary or herbal supplements.

- Don’t stop or start taking any type of medicine that you need without first talking with a health care provider.

If you want to call the Pregnancy Risk Line, their number is (800) 822-BABY (2229).

You can also visit: www.pregnancyriskline.org or www.otispregnancy.org

(Copyright 2013 Sinclair Broadcasting Group)

Risk Line Offers Answers For Pregnant Women