Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSafe MedicationsPossibly Unsafe MedicationsUnsafe MedicationsIf You’re Unsure
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Safe Medications
Possibly Unsafe Medications
Unsafe Medications
If You’re Unsure
Certain medications are unsafe duringpregnancybecause they can cause severe congenital (at birth) disabilities and complications. This includes some medicines for pain and cold symptoms, among others.However, some medications are safe to take while pregnant.
About 9 in 10 pregnant people in the United States use over-the-counter (OTC) medication during their pregnancies, and 7 in 10 take prescription medication.
This article discusses medications that are safe during pregnancy and which are not, and how to know the difference.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determines the safety of drugs. The rating system (called the Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule) classifies medications with a general overview of how safe they are to use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and for adults of reproductive age.
List of Safe Medications to Take While Pregnant
Almost all pregnant people in the United States take at least one OTC or prescription medication during their pregnancies. The most common drugs are used fornausea, vomiting,heartburn, infection, and pain. Most commonly used medications are safe for a limited time during pregnancy, but it is always best to ask a healthcare provider first.
If you’re pregnant, always check with a healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Allergies
The following remedies forseasonal allergiesare considered safe during pregnancy:
Talk with a healthcare provider before taking the following allergy medications:
Cold and Flu
You’ve likely heard that avoiding certain cold and flu medications is important when pregnant. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are unsure what to take.
The following medications are considered safe during pregnancy:
Avoid any long-acting or sustained-released types when choosing a cold or flu medication.
Constipation
Constipationis a common problem during pregnancy because hormonal changes slow down the gastrointestinal tract. Most healthcare providers recommend increasing your water and fiber intake (fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains) to help with this.
Medications that can help pregnancy-related constipation include:
The 8 Best Fiber Supplements, According to a Dietitian
COVID-19 VaccineAll eligible people should receive theCOVID-19 vaccine. Pregnant people can get this vaccine in any trimester.
COVID-19 Vaccine
All eligible people should receive theCOVID-19 vaccine. Pregnant people can get this vaccine in any trimester.
Heartburn
Heartburnis common during pregnancy and affects between 17% and 45% of pregnant people in the United States. Healthcare providers usually recommend treating it with diet and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding fatty foods, drinking enough water, and sleeping with your head elevated.
Heartburn medications that are considered safe during pregnancy include:
Heartburn Relief: Natural Antacids, Medication, Prevention
Insect Repellent
Talk with your healthcare provider if you need to use insect repellent regularly during pregnancy.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting is a common symptom, especially in the first trimester. Medications and supplements that are recommended for pregnancy-related nausea include:
A healthcare provider may recommend trying a prescription medication if these remedies don’t help.
How Many Weeks Does Morning Sickness Last?
Pain
Aches and pains are common during pregnancy. Most healthcare providers recommend Tylenol (acetaminophen) for minor aches and pains such as a headache or low-back pain.
Whilenonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such asAdvil (ibuprofen)andAleve (naproxen), can be taken during pregnancy, there are some slight risks. Speak with a healthcare provider before taking this medication.
Herbs and supplements can treat various conditions but may be unsafe during pregnancy. Ginger is safe for treating heartburn and nausea during pregnancy. For other herbs, talk with a healthcare provider. Some herbs known to be unsafe during pregnancy include:Evening primrose oilCastor oilBlue cohoshRaspberry oil
Herbs and supplements can treat various conditions but may be unsafe during pregnancy. Ginger is safe for treating heartburn and nausea during pregnancy. For other herbs, talk with a healthcare provider. Some herbs known to be unsafe during pregnancy include:
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers in Pregnancy: What’s Safe to Take?
List of Potentially Unsafe Medications While Pregnant
Some medications are not safe for every pregnant person but can be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Some medicines are safe in one trimester but not others.
Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) carries a small risk of congenital disabilities in the abdominal wall in the first three months of pregnancy.Avoid this medication during your first trimester. Talk with your healthcare provider if you’d like to try it in your second or third trimester.
If you continue to experience constipation despite diet and lifestyle changes, ask a healthcare provider aboutMiralax (polyethylene glycol 3350). This medication is considered safe for occasional use during pregnancy.
Depression and Anxiety
Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Studies show that they do not pose a serious risk to a fetus. Benzodiazepines that may be safe during pregnancy when taken in small doses include Valium (diazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam).
About 500,000 pregnant people in the United States experience psychiatric illness each year. It’s estimated that 10% to 16% of pregnant people meet the criteria fordepression, and up to 70% have some symptoms of depression.
List of Unsafe Medications to Not Take While Pregnant
While uncommon, certain medications have been linked to an increased risk of congenital disabilities, pregnancy loss, premature birth, and infant death.
Nyquilis not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding people because of its high alcohol content.
Paxil (paroxetine) and Sinequan (doxepin) are not considered safe during pregnancy and have been linked to congenital disabilities.It is possible for babies to experience withdrawal symptoms after being exposed to the following medications:
Common opioid medications include:
Other prescription medications to treat chronic conditions may be unsafe during pregnancy. Never stop taking prescription medication without talking with a healthcare provider first.
Some medications can be safely used during pregnancy but not breastfeeding, or vice versa. For example, it may be safe to take benzodiazepines for anxiety during pregnancy. However, this drug class can cause sedation and poor infant feeding when nursing.
Pregnancy-Safe Medications: If You’re Ever Unsure
Summary
Knowing which medications are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a challenge. Many commonly used drugs can be safely taken when you are pregnant. Always talk with a healthcare provider before starting a new medication or supplement. Some medicines can interact with each other or raise the risk of congenital disabilities and other serious pregnancy problems.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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