As an OB/GYN, one of the most common questions we receive from pregnant mothers is, “What medicines are safe for me to take during pregnancy?” It’s a valid concern, as managing any health condition while pregnant can be tricky.
However, not all medications are safe for use during pregnancy, as they can potentially harm the mother and cause birth defects in the developing baby. Let’s discuss the medicines that are generally considered safe for pregnant women to take, as well as some important considerations to keep in mind when taking any medication during pregnancy.
Common Health Problems in Pregnancy
Below is a list of common “illnesses” encountered during pregnancy and the corresponding approved and safe medications. If you have a question about a medication that is not listed, please talk to your doctor before you begin using the medication. Take all medications according to package directions.
Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy
If you’re experiencing symptoms of nausea and vomiting, try taking Vitamin B6 or ginger tablets by mouth first. If you are still experiencing symptoms, these medicines are safe:
- Emetrol (OTC)
- Dramamine (OTC)
Cold, Cough, & Sinuses During Pregnancy
Take these pregnancy-safe medicines if you’re having trouble with your sinuses, have a common cold, or have a cough:
- Benadryl
- Sudafed
- Robitussin or Robitussin DM for coughs
- Throat lozenges or sprays for sore throat without zinc
- Claritin
- AYR Saline Nasal Spray
- Claritin D
- Mucinex
- ZYRTEC
Constipation or Gas During Pregnancy
Beyond increasing your fiber and water intake, try taking these pregnancy-safe medications:
- Metamucil
- Citrucel
- Fibercon
- Milk of Magnesia
- Dulcolax
- Colace
- Surfak
- Gas-X
Diarrhea During Pregnancy
Try consuming a diet of only clear liquids for at least 24 hours. If that doesn’t work, take one of these medications:
- Donnagel
- Imodium
Indigestion During Pregnancy
Avoid greasy, spicy, or fatty foods and eat small meals frequently. Also, avoid lying down right after you eat. If that doesn’t help, take these medicines to relieve heartburn and indigestion symptoms:
- Tums
- Rolaids
- Zantac 75
- Mylanta
- Maalox
Headaches During Pregnancy
Rest in a dim, quiet room with a damp cloth on your forehead. You can then take these medications for headaches:
- Tylenol
- Extra Strength Tylenol
- Excedrin (without Aspirin)
Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
These yeast infection medications are safe for pregnant women:
- Monistat 7
- Femstat 3
- Gyne Lotrimin
Medicinal Safety Tips While Pregnant
Regardless of medication, any fever of 101.0 Fahrenheit or higher should be reported to your OB/GYN. Your doctor may need to see you, and erring on the side of caution is always a good idea.
Afrin While Pregnant
Yes, you can use Afrin during all three trimesters of your pregnancy.
Pepcid for Pregnancy
Pepcid is an over-the-counter medication that is safe to use while pregnant for heartburn.
Sudafed During Pregnancy
Though generally considered safe, women who have high blood pressure should ask their doctor before taking sudafed-based medications while pregnant.
Robitussin DM While Pregnant
Robitussin DM is an OTC medication for cough and cold that is safe to use while pregnant.
Can You Use Chloraseptic Spray When Pregnant?
Yes, you can use Chloraseptic spray while you are pregnant.
Is Milk of Magnesia Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes! Milk of magnesia is on our approved medications list for relieving constipation or gas troubles.
Download Our Pregnancy Handbook
Being pregnant is an exciting time! We’re here to help you along your pregnancy journey. If you’re currently with child or planning to become pregnant soon, download our free Pregnancy Handbook. We’ve listed all the medicines that are safe for pregnant mothers, as well as exercises to address specific complications and other tips for navigating bodily changes.
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