Common Pregnancy Concerns: Folic Acid, Phone Use, and Medication Effects

Pregnancy inquiries?

Hello Dr.
Huang: I am currently about 5 weeks pregnant and a few days ago I bought a box of Slow-Fo Folic® Tablets for supplementation.
I have noticed that my stools have been dark green for the past few days.
Is this normal, or does it mean that the iron and folic acid I consumed are not being absorbed and are being excreted instead? I would also like to ask if talking on the phone for half an hour every day during early pregnancy or throughout the pregnancy could affect the development of the fetus (such as causing deformities) due to mobile phone electromagnetic waves.
Additionally, is it advisable to undergo facial chemical peels or to continuously use a 15% glycolic acid gel during early pregnancy or throughout the pregnancy? I had been taking birth control pills for about a year and a half, and I conceived in the first month after stopping the medication.
I have heard that any medication can remain in the body for a few months after discontinuation; is this also true for birth control pills? If I became pregnant immediately after stopping the pills, could the residual medication (birth control pills) in my body affect the fetus before the pregnancy was confirmed? I also visited the hospital for two consecutive weeks and took a three-day course of a medication called Choi Jing.
Will this affect the future development of the fetus?

jiun, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/08/26

Dr. Huang Jianxun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The use of iron supplements may cause stools to turn dark green.
To enhance the absorption of iron in the gastrointestinal tract, it can be taken in conjunction with vitamin B complex (especially B-12).
The potential harm of mobile phone radiation to the human body is still under debate; for safety reasons, pregnant women should avoid it as much as possible.
For medication safety, please consult the prescribing physician.

Reply Date: 2005/08/26

More Info

Dear Patient,
Congratulations on your pregnancy! It’s completely normal to have concerns during this crucial time, especially regarding nutrition, medication, and environmental factors. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Folic Acid and Stool Color: The dark green color of your stool after taking Slow-Fo Folic® Tablets is generally not a cause for concern. Iron supplements, which are often included in prenatal vitamins, can lead to changes in stool color, including dark green or even black. This is due to the iron content and is a common side effect. It does not necessarily mean that the folic acid is not being absorbed; rather, it is a normal reaction to the iron. However, if you experience any discomfort or other unusual symptoms, it would be wise to consult your healthcare provider.

2. Mobile Phone Use and Electromagnetic Waves: The concern regarding mobile phone use during pregnancy, particularly in relation to electromagnetic waves, has been a topic of research. Current evidence suggests that the levels of electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones are low and not considered harmful to fetal development. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that there is no conclusive evidence linking mobile phone use to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including congenital disabilities. However, it’s always a good practice to limit unnecessary exposure and use hands-free devices when possible.

3. Use of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) During Pregnancy: Regarding the use of facial treatments with alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic acid), it is generally recommended to be cautious. While there is limited research on the effects of AHAs during pregnancy, many dermatologists advise avoiding high concentrations of these products, especially during the first trimester. A concentration of 15% may be considered high, and it would be prudent to consult with your dermatologist or obstetrician before continuing use.

4. Impact of Birth Control Pills on Pregnancy: After stopping birth control pills, it is true that some hormonal residues may remain in your system for a short period. However, the majority of studies indicate that these remnants do not have a lasting impact on fetal development. If you conceived shortly after stopping the pill, it is unlikely that any residual hormones would affect your pregnancy negatively.
5. Concerns About Medications Taken Before Pregnancy: If you took medications like the ones you mentioned (e.g., 崔經藥) before knowing you were pregnant, it’s understandable to worry about their effects. Many medications can have different classifications regarding their safety during pregnancy. It’s essential to discuss any medications you took during the early weeks of your pregnancy with your healthcare provider. They can provide specific guidance based on the medications involved and your overall health.

In summary, while it’s normal to have concerns about various factors during pregnancy, many of the issues you raised are manageable with proper guidance. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially regarding medications and treatments during pregnancy. They can help ensure both your health and the health of your baby.

Wishing you a healthy and happy pregnancy!
Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

Similar Q&A

Concerns About Medication Effects on Early Pregnancy: A Doctor's Insight

Hello, doctor! My wife was diagnosed with hemolytic anemia on January 3rd at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and started medication treatment. The medications are as follows: sennoside A+B calcium, two tablets daily (taken from January 17 to January 24), famotidine, two tablets dail...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, most medications are safe, but there is one steroid medication that you should discuss with your primary care physician. Wishing you good health.

Early Pregnancy: Dietary Concerns and Medication Safety

Hello Dr. Chuang: The first day of my last menstrual period was April 8, and I am currently about four weeks pregnant. During this time, I took an allergy medication that contained: Decadolone 0.5 mg, Tellwell, AlOH 334 mg, Prinate 3 mg, and Buclizine 25 mg. Will this affect my f...

Dr. Zhuang Zhijian reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Taking it only once should not cause significant issues; it is recommended to minimize usage during this period. 2. It should be fine. 3. Currently, there are no research reports indicating that it is necessary to "stay away from the computer."

Early Pregnancy Concerns: Symptoms, Medications, and Nutrition Tips

Hello Dr. Chen: My last menstrual period was on December 18th, and since it has been over 18 days without menstruation, accompanied by a small amount of dark brown discharge, I bought a pregnancy test and found out I am pregnant. I have several questions: 1. Does the dark brown...

Dr. Chen Changfu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Occasional light bleeding in early pregnancy is often harmless implantation bleeding, occurring in 70-80% of cases, as long as subsequent prenatal examinations show no abnormalities. 2. Chlorpheniramine Maleate 4mg is an antihistamine with no clinical reports indicating tera...

Concerns About Medication Use During Early Pregnancy: Seeking Guidance

Dear Dr. Lu, My husband and I were previously advised by a gynecologist that we would need to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) to have our own baby, as my husband's sperm count was below 5 million with up to 90% abnormal morphology. After continuous monitoring, a doctor...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dear Xiaoxuan, Hello, Bory Mycin Pellet primarily affects the development of fetal teeth and bones, but it must be taken during the later stages of pregnancy. You are currently only a few weeks pregnant, and the embryo is still in the stage of a cluster of cells, with no organ d...