Search Here
Before you became pregnant, some medications may have been safe for you to take. However, when you become pregnant, you cannot just take any medications including painkillers. This is because some of these medications are not safe for you or your baby during pregnancy. In some cases, the effects may be unknown.
So, it's best you ask your physician or healthcare provider what meds are okay and what meds you may need to find alternatives for. Your local doctor will weigh the risks and benefits to help you know what's safe.
Also, let your pharmacist or other doctors know you are pregnant if they are prescribing any medications for you.
Book Appointment Now Call For An Appointment
First of all, if you are using any medications while pregnant, write them out and give your healthcare provider. This includes over-the-counter (OTC) medications, prenatal vitamins, nutrition supplements, herbal medicine, alcohol, and illegal drugs.
Prenatal vitamins are safe and must be taken when pregnant. Take extra precautions before taking other vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements. Ask your doctor before taking any of the aforementioned substances.
Certain prescription drugs may pose more risks than benefits if you take them. On the other hand, some potential risks may be overlooked because not using a certain medication may pose a greater risk to you and/or your baby.
Illegal or street drugs are injurious to your health and even worse during pregnancy. These substances can be passed to your baby through the placenta and umbilical and can affect its life, growth, and development in utero and when delivered. No amount of street drugs or alcohol is proven to be safe when pregnant.
Your baby can be born with congenital problems due to illegal drugs and alcohol. Examples of these drugs include cocaine, heroin, angel dust, marijuana, crack, and LSD.
Other problems include premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects, fetal alcohol disorders, placental abruption, miscarriage, stillbirth, and developmental problems.
The following medications below are proven safe to take during pregnancy. Please note that no drugs can be considered 100% safe to use during pregnancy. Hence, check with your doctor before taking these drugs, especially during the first trimester. There's no harm in being extra sure.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
Loratadine (Claritin®)
Steroid nasal spray (Rhinocort®)
Cetirizine (Zyrtec®)
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
Saline nasal drops or spray
Warm salt/water gargle
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
Mentholated or non-mentholated cough drops
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Vitamin B6
Loperamide ([Imodium®]
Docusate (Colace®)
Psyllium (Fiberall®, Metamucil®)
Methylcellulose fiber (Citrucel®)
Polycarbophil (FiberCon®)
Aluminum hydroxide/magnesium carbonate (Gaviscon®)
Aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (Maalox®)
Famotidine (Pepcid AC®)
Ranitidine (Zantac®)
Calcium carbonate (Titralac®, Tums®)
Calcium carbonate/magnesium carbonate (Mylanta®)
Diphenhydramine (Unisom SleepGels®, Benadryl)
Bacitracin
Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin (Neosporin®)
Polysporin
Diphenhydramine cream (Benadryl)
Hydrocortisone cream or ointment
Caladryl lotion or cream
Oatmeal bath (Aveeno®)
Phenylephrine/mineral oil/petrolatum (Preparation H®)
Witch hazel (Tucks® pads or ointment)
Miconazole (Monistat®)
N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET®)
The following substances are not considered safe for use in concentrated amounts. They can harm your baby, and cause premature birth, and birth defects.
The following oral supplements should be avoided in pregnancy:
You should avoid the following aromatherapy essential oils if you are pregnant:
A visit to us helps you get your prenatal care started while you await your appointment with your local OB doctor. At My Virtual Physician, we are available to help guide you through your pregnancy and answer any questions that may arise, including concerns about medications.
We are in-network with many insurance health plans including Medicaid, Medicare, United HealthCare, and Blue Cross.
