Be careful in consuming drugs to prevent birth defects

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) Hasto Wardoyo has advised all pregnant women that to prevent birth defects they must be careful when taking any type of drugs.

"Pregnancy planning and routine check-ups are important because they can prevent stunting and avoid babies born with cleft lips," Wardoyo said here on Wednesday.

Regarding young women becoming pregnant, he said that the knowledge about readiness for marriage and having a family is still low. This can be seen from the many women who are not aware that they are pregnant, and when they feel pain in their stomach they take drugs like tetracycline or antacids, in which ingredients are harmful to the fetus.

"We have to provide supervision, as some women feel nauseous and are not aware that they are actually pregnant, they take antacids which can make the child's lips cleft. That's why pregnancy planning must be done to avoid stunting and disabilities," he said.

Another finding he highlighted was if pregnant women consume tetracycline, it can cause children's teeth to become easily porous and brown, which usually happens after a child is six months old. He reminded women that pregnancy is a very crucial time, so every couple should conduct regular checks at health facilities.

According to Wardoyo, through health checks the age of the womb can be determined based upon the expecting mother's last menstrual cycle. In addition to maintaining the health of pregnant women and children, pregnancy planning and examination can also increase harmonization in the family.

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Wardoyo asked that in commemorating National Family Day 2023. which falls on June 29, every family should not only pay attention to the food consumed or routine health checks, but also become aware of the right age for pregnancy.