Overview Show During pregnancy, your focus may have shifted to your growing baby. But you, too, may need some extra TLC, especially if you get sick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some 9 in 10 women take medication at some point during their pregnancies. Many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and prescription medications are classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) according to risk. Those falling in categories A, B, or C are generally considered “safe” for use during pregnancy. This is because the benefit of taking the medication outweighs any associated risks demonstrated by studies on animals or humans: -OR- Animal studies have shown adverse effects that weren’t confirmed by studies on women in the first trimester. C -AND- There are either no controlled studies in women or studies on women/animals aren’t available. Drugs in this category are given with caution — only if the benefit justifies the potential risk. D Evidence of fetal risk exists with animal or human studies. Drugs in this category may still be used if benefit outweighs risk; for example, in a life-threatening situation. X -OR- Adverse effects have been demonstrated in the public. Risk of taking drug outweighs any benefit. Not prescribed for women who are or may become pregnant. Acetaminophen (Tylenol; category B) is the drug of choice for pain during pregnancy. It’s widely used with very few documented adverse effects. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), on the other hand, should be avoided during pregnancy. NSAIDs include:
If your pain is particularly severe — after a surgery, for example — your doctor may prescribe a short course of opioid pain relievers. When taken as directed, they may not affect fetal development. That said, opioid use during pregnancy does carry the risk of withdrawal, called neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), after delivery. Cold medications are not well-studied for use during pregnancy. Some doctors suggest trying to wait until after your 12th week to minimize any potential risks to your baby. Safe options include:
The active ingredient in Sudafed, pseudoephedrine, may elevate blood pressure or affect blood flow from the uterus to the fetus. This drug isn’t classified by the FDA. It may be safe during pregnancy, but speak with your doctor if you have high blood pressure or other concerns. Doctors often recommend trying home treatments before taking medications:
OTC antacids containing alginic acid, aluminum, magnesium, and calcium are generally safe during pregnancy:
For severe heartburn, your doctor may suggest taking H2 blockers, such as:
Lifestyle changes may also help take the edge off heartburn:
Speak with your doctor if your heartburn becomes severe. In rare cases, it may be a sign of HELLP syndrome. This is a serious pregnancy complication. Mild allergies may respond well to lifestyle measures. If you need some extra help, the following OTC oral antihistamines are generally considered safe:
If your allergies are more severe, your doctor may suggest taking an OTC corticosteroid spray at a low dose along with an oral antihistamine. Options include:
You may also try the following lifestyle changes:
Stool softeners are generally considered safe during pregnancy. Options include Colace or Surfak. Laxatives, like Senokot, Dulcolax, or Milk of Magnesia, may also help, but speak with your doctor before trying any of these medications. Other treatment options for constipation include the following:
Morning sickness is common in the first trimester of pregnancy. Treatment isn’t always needed. Try home remedies, like eating small meals throughout the day or sipping ginger ale, before reaching for medications. You might try:
There are medications your doctor may prescribe if you’re experiencing severe nausea and vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum):
Hemorrhoids may develop during pregnancy due to swollen blood vessels or constipation. Safe treatment options include:
You may want to try other methods first:
Yeast infections are common in pregnancy. Still, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor for a proper diagnosis before treating it at home. Safe medications include:
Home remedies and natural treatments are generally not recommended for yeast infections during pregnancy. Safe medications for insomnia are those in the diphenhydramine (category B) family, including:
Doxylamine succinate (Unisom; category B) is another possibility that may also be used if you’re experiencing insomnia. If OTC methods don’t work, your doctor may prescribe the following after weighing the benefits and risks:
Benzodiazepines may be associated with risk of cleft or lip palate. Use in later pregnancy may not carry this risk. Lifestyle changes you can try include the following:
Discuss any supplements you take or plan to take during your pregnancy with your doctor. While prenatal vitamins are recommended to support levels of essential vitamins and minerals, like folate, other supplements may pose risks to your baby. They may also interact with medications you’re already taking. Note that just because something is labeled “all-natural” doesn’t always mean it’s safe. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription drugs. Approach them with caution and discuss using with your doctor before starting any. Before pregnancy, you may already be taking prescription medications for thyroid issues, high blood pressure, or other conditions. Speak with your doctor about continuing these medications, especially if you’re already pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the near future. In many cases, you may safely take your medication during pregnancy. Sometimes you may need to either adjust dosages or switch to another medication that’s considered safer for you and baby. Complementary and alternative therapies may be good options to during pregnancy. Examples include:
Certain complementary and alternative medication methods, especially those involving herbs or supplements, may not be safe, however. In general, alternative therapies aren’t well-studied, so discuss any you plan on trying with your doctor. Also, do your homework on different practitioners before heading in for a visit. Ensure they have the appropriate licenses to practice on pregnant women. There are many medications you can safely take during pregnancy. The key is communicating with your healthcare provider. A great online, evidence-based resource to check is Mother to Baby. It provides fact sheets on different drugs as well as additional information on potential interactions and birth defects. Even better, most obstetrics offices have a helpline you can call between appointments. Don’t hesitate to dial in with any and all of your questions or concerns. |