Medicines and Herbal Remedies During PregnancyIf you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you will want to know what medicines and herbal remedies are safe to take after you become pregnant. If possible, talk with your health care provider about your current medicines before you conceive. As soon as you know you are pregnant, tell your providers and discuss what medicines are safe for you to take. If you are breast-feeding, some medicines may pass into the breast milk. This can cause unwanted effects on your nursing baby. So also be sure to check with your provider about taking medicines after your baby is born. Medications Taken For a Medical ConditionFor some health problems, the benefits of taking the medicine during pregnancy outweigh the risks to the baby. This includes conditions such as:
If you have one of these conditions, don't assume you should stop taking the medicine. Always check with your doctor about what's right for you. You may also be able to switch to another medicine that treats your problem with less risk to your baby. Medicines Known to Cause Potential HarmSome medicines have been shown to cause possible birth defects or other problems in unborn children. For other medicines, there is not enough information to know if they are safe or unsafe during pregnancy. Some of the medicines known to cause birth defects are listed below. This list provides examples only -- DO NOT assume a medicine is safe or unsafe based solely on this chart.
Over-the-Counter MedicinesAspirin and Ibuprofen You should avoid aspirin during pregnancy, unless your provider says you can take it. Sometimes, women with a history of blood clotting problems, miscarriage, or pre-eclampsia are told to take aspirin while they are pregnant. Otherwise, it's best not to take aspirin. Be aware that aspirin is in many other over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, such as Pepto Bismol and cold medicines. You should avoid ibuprofen during pregnancy, as it can affect the fetus' kidneys. Tylenol Tylenol (acetaminophen) is generally safe to take during pregnancy in standard doses. Be sure to check with your doctor before you take more than a few doses. Ask your provider how many days in a row you can take it safely. Medications for Colds, Constipation, and Indigestion Some OTC medicines and remedies are safe to take for these ailments. Check with your provider about which medicine is best for you, based on your symptoms and how far along you are in your pregnancy. If you get the OK to take cold remedies, look for those with only one active ingredient. Herbal Medicines During PregnancyWhile often thought of as "natural," herbal medicines can be just as potent as some prescription medicines. Many herbs contain chemicals that will cross the placenta to your baby. Some herbs have been known to cause premature contractions. You should avoid using medicinal drugs (including herbal tea), particularly during the first trimester. Always talk to your health care provider before taking any herbs during pregnancy. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Review Date: 7/4/2019 Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda Center for Fertility, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. View References The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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