What Medications Can I take Safely While Pregnant?
Please note, the content on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a physician before taking medication when pregnant.
Although you should try to minimize medication during your pregnancy, sometimes it is necessary for your health and comfort to take some type of medication. This list includes medicines that have been deemed safe for consumption during pregnancy and have been reviewed by your provider at South Denver OB/GYN.
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Take your prenatal vitamin daily with food.
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Avoid caffeine as much as possible, specifically no more than 2 cups of any caffeinated liquid per day.
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Try not to take any medication during your first 13 weeks of pregnancy. If you must take something, the following medications are generally considered safe during pregnancy.
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Problem | Over the Counter Medications | Alternative Measures |
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Allergies Colds Nasal Congestion | Benadry l (Diphenhydramine), Claritin, Claritin-D or Z yrtec ( cetirizine) Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) = DO NOT USE DURING FIRST 12 WEEKS OF PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING | A void aggravating factors, Ocean Spray (Saline), Vicks (Metholatum), Vaporizer/Humidifier, |
Back Pain | Tylenol (Acetaminophen) | Heat or Cold, massage, acupuncture, Chiropractor, maternity belt for back support, shoes with arch support, limits on lifting, sleep on side with pillow between legs, back stretches |
Bloating Gas | Gas-X (Simethicone) | Avoid gas causing foods |
Constipation | Stool Softener such as Colace (Docusate) Fiber: Senokot, Dulcolax, Metamucil, Fibercon, Citrucel, Konsyl Milk of Magnesia Fleets Enema Glycerin suppository | Increase fluid intake (64 to 96 oz per day), Prunes or prune juice daily, Increase diet fiber (fruits & Veggies), Regular exercise |
Cough | Robitussin DM, Vicks 44 (Dextromethorpan) | |
Diarrhea | Imodium AD, Kaopectate **NO PEPTO-BISMOL** | Usually best to let it run its course, clear liquid diet for 24 to 48 hrs, Gatorade, BRAT Diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) |
Fever 100.4*F | Tylenol (Acetaminophen) | Cool Compresses, increase fluid intake |
Gas Pains: | Gas-X – Chew 1-2 tablets after meals and at bedtime or as needed. Maximum 6 in 24 hours. Mylicon-80 – 1 tablet after meals and at bedtime or as needed. Maximum 6 in 24 hours. | |
Headache | Tylenol (Acetaminophen) | Increase fluids, Rest, Stress reduction, massage, acupuncture, Chiropractor, Wann compress with lavender oil |
Heartburn Indigestion | Rolaids – Chew 1-2 tablets every hour. Maximum of 24 tablets in 24 hours. Tums – Chew 1-2 tablets every hour. Maximum of 16 tablets in 24 hours. Maalox – 2-4 teaspoons 4 times per day. Best taken 20 minutes to 1 hour after meals and at bedtime. Zantac and Pepcid AC– Can be taken twice daily as needed | Frequent small meals, decrease fat intake, Wait to lie down after eating at least 30 min. Pineapple (fresh or frozen), Raw almonds, Papaya tablets, 1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar with a chaser of one glass water |
Hemorrhoids | Preparation H, Anusol HC, Tucks Pads Stool softeners (Docusate (Colace)) Mothers Love (Rhoid Balm) | A void constipation and staining, Increase Fiber & Fluids, Sitz baths, Ice packs, |
Insomnia | Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Tylenol PM (Acetaminophen & Diphenhydramine) Unisom (Doxylamine Succinate) | Warm baths, passion flower (tea), essential oil (Lavender), deep breathing, daily exercise and avoid caffeine |
Leg Cramps | Calcium 1000mg at bedtime, Magnesium lactate or Citrate 5mmol in AM & mmol in PM | Avoid pointing toes, t1ex foot and elevate when cramping, increase fluids, hot shower or warm bath |
Ligament pain | Tylenol (acetaminophen) | Maternity belt |
Nausea & Vomiting | Unisom (Doxylamine Succinate) – Yi tab in AM and 1 tab in PM, Vitamin B6 50mg 3 times a day Tums Rolaids | Peppermint or Ginger tea or candy, sip ginger ale, Sea Bands (acupressure), Acupuncture, Toast or crackers before getting out of bed |
Nosebleeds: | Saline Nasal Spray – Squeeze twice in each nostril as needed | |
Sore Throat | Tylenol (Acetaminophen), throat lozenges | Warm saline gargles, increase fluid |
Swelling | Vitamin B6 50-100 mg per day | Lemon juice, watermelon, strawberries, cucumber, increase water intake, swimming Decrease salt intake, compression stockings |
Yeast Infection: | Monistat 7, Mycelex 7, or Gyne-Lotrimin – 1 applicatorful in the vagina at bedtime. You can also spread some on the outside if needed. **DO NOT USE THESE MEDICATIONS BEFORE 13 WEEKS.** |