Which medications are safe to take while pregnant? What is not safe to take while pregnant?
During pregnancy, it is common to experience heartburn, constipation, colds and other types of infections (yeast, urinary tract, gingivitis) as well as day to day symptoms like hay fever or seasonal allergies. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of medication. Below is a list of common OTC medications that are approved for use in pregnancy. We also included a list of what is not “safe” in pregnancy.
Massachusetts General Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommend "avoiding any unnecessary drug or medication during pregnancy, especially during the first 20 weeks when your baby’s organ systems are forming." However it's ultimately a more nuanced conversation with your medical providers.
Medications Approved For Use During Pregnancy
(Source: Boston Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Listed below are some common medications approved for use in pregnancy, mostly over the counter drugs.
Allergy meds:
Benadryl
Clantin
Sleep
Benadryl
Tylenol PM
Nausea and Vomiting:
vitamin B-6 25 mg 3x/day
Unisom 25 mg 3x/day
Dramamine
Antevert (meclizine)
Constipation and Hemorrhoids:
Docusate sodium 50-100 mg (Colace)
Metamocil/Fibercon
Mira-Lax
Milk of magnesia
Preparation H
Witch hazel pads (Tucks)
Diarrhea:
Imodium (limited use)
Cold/Sore Throat Symptoms
Robitussin
Robitussin DM
Tylenol Cold
Cloraseptic spray
Yeast Treatment:
Miconazole (Monistat)
Clotrimazole (Gyne-lotrimin)
Terconazole (Terazol)
Pain Reliever:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Antacids:
Tums/Rolaids
Mylanta/Maalox
Zantac
Pepcid AC
Nexium
Prilosec
Sinus:
Saline nasal spray/rinse
Flonase/fluticasone
Netipot
Antibiotics:
Amoxicillin
Penicillin
Erythromycin
Azithrotnycin (Z pack)
Nitrofuratoin (Macrobid)
Ampicillin
Cephalexin
Medication and Breastmilk:
Check out Medications and Mother’s Milk and the MommyMeds app to see how meds affect breastmilk.
Meds Not Recommended For Pregnancy:
(Source: Boston Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Ibuprofin/Advil/Motrin
Naproxen/Aleve
Pepto-Bismol
Aspirin
Bactrim (antibiotic)
Retin-A (for acne)
Narcotics (without checking with provider)
Vick's vapor rub or icy hot *There are several Vicks cold products, and while some are safe for pregnancy, others are not. Check the label and avoid Vicks products with ephedrine, phenylephrine and hydrochloride. Phenylephrine hydrochloride can reduce blood flow and is dangerous for pregnant people with a history of preeclampsia.
Disclaimer: Doulas are not medical personnel and do not diagnose, perform any medical exams or clinical tasks. Information presented above is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a properly licensed health care professional.
