When you’re pregnant, the most important thing is the health of your baby. It can be confusing trying to figure out whether or not it’s OK to use over-the-counter medications if the need arises.
While some medications are considered safe during pregnancy, most medication effects in pregnancy are unknown. That doesn’t mean these other medications cause problems or birth defects. If you have questions about taking medications while you are pregnant, it’s important to speak with your doctor. This is especially true in the first trimester when fetal development is most important.
Via Christi Clinic obstetricians recommend not taking over-the-counter medications unless it’s absolutely necessary. Below is a list of medications they have compiled that have no known harmful effects in pregnancy when taken appropriately.
Allergy
Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin, Dimetapp
Cough and cold
Robitussin DM (non-productive cough), Robitussin (cough), Vicks vapor rub, Mucinex, cough drops, Triaminic
Congestion
Sudafed (do not use if you have elevated blood pressure), Ocean Mist nasal spray (saline solution).
Do not use: Phenylephrine
Constipation
Metamucil, Citrucil, FiberCon, Fiberall, Colace, Milk of Magnesia, Miralax, Senekot
Diarrhea
Imodium (1 dose — if it persists, notify your physician), drink fluids (water, Gatorade, juice)
Heartburn, Indigestion and Gas
Tums, Zantac, Pepcid, Prilosec, Gas-X, Maalox, Mylanta.
Do not use: Pepto-Bismol
Hemorrhoids
Preparation H, Anusol, Tucks medicated pads, Witch hazel
Lice treatment
Rid
Do not use: Kwell
Nausea and vomiting
Vitamin B6 (25mg 3x per day); small, frequent meals; sweet fruit syrup from canned fruits
(i.e. peaches, pears)
Insomnia
Benadryl
Pain
Tylenol for minor aches, pains or headaches
Do not use: Motrin, Advil, Aleve or aspirin
Rash/Derm
Hydrocortisone cream, Benadryl cream
Toothache
Orajel.
See your dentist. You may have x-rays with lead shield.
Yeast infection
Monistat, Gyne-Lotrimin
Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins, prescription or over the counter omega fatty acid products (i.e. Enfamil lipil) — often included in prescription vitamins now.
Other
Neosporin, Bacitracin
