Safe Medication During Pregnancy

Pregnancy Education

When you’re pregnant, it’s important to be mindful of the medications you take. While some are completely safe, others may pose a risk to your baby or have unknown effects. Because of this, we ask that you use medications that are known to be safe and always check with your provider before taking anything new.

Medications to Avoid Completely

Overview of

Unless specifically directed by your provider, please do not take the following:

Aspirin or any products containing aspirin

such as BC Powder, Goody’s Powder, Alka-Seltzer, and Bufferin.

NSAIDs

including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or ketoprofen.

Any prescription medication not specifically prescribed to

or that has not been approved for your use by a provider.

Condition / Symptoms	Medications & Treatments
Headache	Tylenol (Regular or Extra Strength). Do NOT use aspirin or ibuprofen, which can be harmful to the fetus. You can also apply a warm compress for a sinus headache or a cold compress for a tension headache. Try relaxation exercises, resting in a dark, quiet room, and getting enough sleep. Daily Riboflavin supplementation can help decrease headaches. Magnesium used nightly can help decrease headaches.
Allergies	Benadryl, Tylenol Sinus, Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, Alavert (preferred without “D” / decongestant).
Cold Symptoms	Benadryl, Tylenol, Emergen-C, antihistamines, Sudafed, Mucinex. Increase your fluid intake. Call your provider if you have a fever over 100.4°F.
Congestion or Runny Nose	Benadryl, regular Robitussin (NOT DM, CR, etc.), Vicks Vapor Rub, or any saline nasal spray/NetiPot, Sudafed, Mucinex. Use a humidifier, drink plenty of fluids, and elevate your head when you sleep.
Cough	Cough drops or throat lozenges. Stay hydrated.
Fever	Tylenol (Regular or Extra Strength). Report any fever over 100.4°F that doesn't respond to Tylenol.
Sore Throat	Cepacol Lozenges, Chloraseptic spray or lozenges. Gargle with salt water.
Constipation	Chia or flax seeds, glycerine suppositories, Metamucil, Colace / stool softener, Milk of Magnesia, Miralax. Drink at least 10 glasses of water per day and eat high-fiber foods like bran, raw fruits, and raw vegetables.
Diarrhea	Kaopectate. Immodium. Try a bland diet, also known as the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, tea, or toast). Call your provider if symptoms last for more than 24 hours.
Gas	Gas-X. Increase walking and avoid foods that cause gas, such as broccoli, cauliflower, onions, and dairy.
Heartburn/Indigestion	Gaviscon, Prevacid, Zantac, Pepcid, Tums, Mylanta, Maalox. Do not drink fluids while eating. Avoid spicy, greasy, or fatty foods, as well as chocolate and caffeine. Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid lying down for two hours after eating. You can also use pillows to elevate your upper body.
Hemorrhoids	Tucks Pads, Witch Hazel, Preparation H, Anusol HC. Drink at least 10 glasses of water per day and eat high-fiber foods. Sit in a tub of warm water to soothe discomfort.
Nausea/Vomiting	Ginger, Unisom 12.5mg + Vitamin B6 100 mg four times daily. Eat small, frequent meals with plenty of protein. Try eating toast or crackers first thing in the morning and take your vitamins with food. Call your provider if vomiting lasts for more than 24 hours.
Backache	Tylenol (Regular or Extra Strength). Do NOT use aspirin or ibuprofen, which can be harmful to the fetus. Apply a heating pad on medium heat or a warm towel for 15 minutes, four times a day. You can also take warm baths, sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs, and wear shoes with good arch support. Avoid lifting heavy objects or standing for long periods. Consider a pregnancy support belt or a prenatal massage. A referral for physical therapy may be indicated.
Leg Cramps/Swelling	Tums, magnesium oxide 400mg nightly. Eat foods rich in calcium and potassium. Wear support hose and elevate your feet whenever possible. Rest on your left side and stretch your legs before bed. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessively salty foods. Call if swelling is predominantly one sided or if swelling worsens or is painful.
Muscle Aches	Tylenol (Regular or Extra Strength), Epsom Salt Bath, Tiger Balm. Do NOT use aspirin or ibuprofen, which can be harmful to the fetus. Massage, stretching, and warm baths can also help. Avoid sitting or standing in one position for long periods of time.
Skin Irritation/Rash	Benadryl, antihistamines, Caladryl or Calamine Lotion, Neosporin. Moisturize twice a day and avoid long, hot baths or showers. Coconut oil.
Sleep Problems	Benadryl, Tylenol PM, Unisom, Magnesium.
Vaginal Yeast Infection	Monistat 7 - Call our office if you have signs of infection (itching, irritation, or a green/yellow discharge with a foul odor) or if you believe you may be leaking amniotic fluid. DO NOT DOUCHE.

Medications & Treatments for Common Pregnancy Discomforts

This chart lists over-the-counter medications and treatments that can help relieve common discomforts during pregnancy. Always check with your provider before taking any medication not on this list.

Headache

Tylenol (Regular or Extra Strength). Do NOT use aspirin or ibuprofen, which can be harmful to the fetus. You can also apply a warm compress for a sinus headache or a cold compress for a tension headache. Try relaxation exercises, resting in a dark, quiet room, and getting enough sleep. Daily Riboflavin supplementation can help decrease headaches. Magnesium used nightly can help decrease headaches.

Allergies

Benadryl, Tylenol Sinus, Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, Alavert (preferred without “D” / decongestant).

Backache

Tylenol (Regular or Extra Strength). Do NOT use aspirin or ibuprofen, which can be harmful to the fetus. Apply a heating pad on medium heat or a warm towel for 15 minutes, four times a day. You can also take warm baths, sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs, and wear shoes with good arch support. Avoid lifting heavy objects or standing for long periods. Consider a pregnancy support belt or a prenatal massage. A referral for physical therapy may be indicated.

Cold Symptoms

Benadryl, Tylenol, Emergen-C, antihistamines, Sudafed, Mucinex. Increase your fluid intake.Call your provider if you have a fever over 100.4°F.

Congestion or Runny Nose

Benadryl, regular Robitussin (NOT DM, CR, etc.), Vicks Vapor Rub, or any saline nasal spray/NetiPot, Sudafed, Mucinex. Use a humidifier, drink plenty of fluids, and elevate your head when you sleep.

Cough

Cough drops or throat lozenges. Stay hydrated.

Fever

Tylenol (Regular or Extra Strength).Report any fever over 100.4°F that doesn’t respond to Tylenol.

Sore Throat

Cepacol Lozenges, Chloraseptic spray or lozenges. Gargle with salt water.

Constipation

Chia or flax seeds, glycerine suppositories, Metamucil, Colace / stool softener, Milk of Magnesia, Miralax. Drink at least 10 glasses of water per day and eat high-fiber foods like bran, raw fruits, and raw vegetables.

Diarrhea

Kaopectate. Immodium. Try a bland diet, also known as the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, tea, or toast). Call your provider if symptoms last for more than 24 hours.

Gas

Gas-X. Increase walking and avoid foods that cause gas, such as broccoli, cauliflower, onions, and dairy.

Heartburn/Indigestion

Gaviscon, Prevacid, Zantac, Pepcid, Tums, Mylanta, Maalox. Do not drink fluids while eating. Avoid spicy, greasy, or fatty foods, as well as chocolate and caffeine. Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid lying down for two hours after eating. You can also use pillows to elevate your upper body.

Hemorrhoids

Tucks Pads, Witch Hazel, Preparation H, Anusol HC. Drink at least 10 glasses of water per day and eat high-fiber foods. Sit in a tub of warm water to soothe discomfort.

Leg Cramps/Swelling

Tums, magnesium oxide 400mg nightly. Eat foods rich in calcium and potassium. Wear support hose and elevate your feet whenever possible. Rest on your left side and stretch your legs before bed. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessively salty foods. Call if swelling is predominantly one sided or if swelling worsens or is painful.

Muscle Aches

Tylenol (Regular or Extra Strength), Epsom Salt Bath, Tiger Balm. Do NOT use aspirin or ibuprofen, which can be harmful to the fetus. Massage, stretching, and warm baths can also help. Avoid sitting or standing in one position for long periods of time.

Nausea/Vomiting

Ginger, Unisom 12.5mg + Vitamin B6 100 mg four times daily. Eat small, frequent meals with plenty of protein. Try eating toast or crackers first thing in the morning and take your vitamins with food. Call your provider if vomiting lasts for more than 24 hours.

Skin Irritation/Rash

Benadryl, antihistamines, Caladryl or Calamine Lotion, Neosporin. Moisturize twice a day and avoid long, hot baths or showers. Coconut oil.

Sleep Problems

Benadryl, Tylenol PM, Unisom, Magnesium.

Vaginal Yeast Infection

Monistat 7 – Call our office if you have signs of infection (itching, irritation, or a green/yellow discharge with a foul odor) or if you believe you may be leaking amniotic fluid. DO NOT DOUCHE.

Pregnancy Topics to Explore

Pregnancy comes with many questions, changes, and new experiences. In this section, you’ll find helpful information on a variety of important topics—from travel and sleep to mental health, nutrition, and common concerns during pregnancy. These resources are designed to support you throughout your journey and help you make informed decisions for your health and your baby’s well-being.