Taking Medication During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, it is important to understand that everything you take into your body passes from your blood to baby's blood; therefore, it is best to avoid all over-the-counter medicines especially in the first eight weeks of pregnancy (ten weeks after your last menstrual period). This period is particularly important because it is during the first eight weeks are when your baby's heart, lung and brain systems are being formed. Remember that no medication is safe for 100 percent of the people, however there are times when the benefits of a medication far outweigh any risks.

If you were taking prescription medications before you became pregnant, please ask your health care provider about the safety of continuing these medications as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. Your health care provider will weigh the benefit to you and the risk to your baby when making his or her recommendation about a particular medication. With some medications, the risk of not taking them may be more serious than the potential risk associated with taking them.

Prenatal vitamins, now available without a prescription, are safe to take during pregnancy. Ask your health care provider about the safety of taking other vitamins, herbal remedies and supplements during pregnancy.

GloriasPregnancyInfo.com is only intended to guide you and provide you with information. You should always consult a professional before you start taking any medications.Though we recommend staying away from medications during pregnancy, here are some safe medications and home remedies that have no known harmful effects during pregnancy when taken according to the package directions. If you want to know about the safety of any other medications not listed here, please contact your health care provider.

Safe Medications During Pregnancy:

Cold & Flu Symptoms
If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor first

Sudafed, Actifed, Dristan, Neosynephrine
Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Tylenol Cold
Warm salt/water gargle
Saline nasal drops or spray
Robitussin DM, Trind-DM, Vicks Cough Syrup, Romilar, Halls
If sore throat persists, you should call in to the Obstetric Clinic to schedule an appointment for a throat culture.
Do not take "SA" (sustained action) forms of these drugs or the "Multi-Symptom" forms of these drugs.

Alergy

Benadryl

Minor Headache or Body Ache

Tylenol or any acetaminophen preparations, 2 tablets or 650 mg every 4 hours
Do not take aspirin during your pregnancy unless instructed to do so by your physician. Aspirin may interfere with blood clotting and cause problems during labor and delivery
Do not take ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) unless instructed by your physician
If headache persists for more than 24 hours, call your physician

Heartburn, gas and bloating or upset stomach

Amphogel
Gelusil
Maalox
Mylanta
Tums
Riopan
Titralac
Gaviscon
Do not use baking soda or Pepto bismol

Nausea and Vomiting

Vitamin B6 100 mg tablet
Emetrol (if not diabetic)
Emetrex
Sea bands

Diarrhea
For 24 hours, only after 12 weeks of pregnancy

Kaopectate
Immodium
Parepectolin

Constipation

Docusate (Colace) : 100 mg twice a day
Metamucil : 1-2 teaspoon with 8 oz juice or water
Milk of Magnesia - 1-2 Tablespoon every evening
Citrucil
Fiberall/Fibercon
Senekot
Do not use mineral oil

Hemorrhoids

Preparation H
Anusol
Tucks
Witch hazel

Yeast Infection
Do not insert applicator too far

Monistat or Terazol

Rashes

Hydrocortisone cream or ointment
Caladryl lotion or cream
Benadryl cream
Oatmeal bath (Aveeno)

First Aid Ointment

J & J
Bacitracin
Neosporin

If you are under the weather while pregnant you do have other options. Before taking over-the-counter medicines try other ways to relieve your symptoms. For cold and cough symptoms it is recommended you rest, drink extra fluids and use a cool mist vaporizer - 18 inches from your face.

If prescribed an antibiotic take all the medication, remember: the healthier you are, the healthier your baby will be. We hope this information was helpful to you and wish you a healthy pregnancy.