Safe Medications During Pregnancy

Wondering what is safe to take during pregnancy? Here is the list of safe medications.

Disclaimer: The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately-licensed physi­cian or other health care worker.

Safe Medications During Pregnancy

For Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Always consult your doctor on this. There are some many medications for medical conditions it would be hard to list.

For Pain

Safe to take:  Acetaminophen

Follow the dosage on the bottle for acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is recommended over other types of pain relievers such as ibuprofen (a.k.a. Motrin or Advil) and naproxen (a.k.a. Aleve) because it can cause a decrease in amniotic fluid levels in third trimester. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the class of meds that includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) may increase the risks of birth defects and labor complications, according to a study in the journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

For Constipation

Safe to take: Metamucil, Colace, Citracel, Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax

Constipation is very common during pregnancy. Your baby is pushing around your intestine which can make having a bowel movement somewhat difficult. Increasing your fiber intake can help with this issue. Eating foods like whole grain bread, broccoli, apples and beans help with your fiber intake as they high in fiber. However, if your fiber intake is not working for you then taking stool softeners and laxatives.

For Indigestion and Heartburn

Safe to take: Tums, Maalox, Mylanta, Pepcid

You maybe feeling the effects on your baby pushing on your stomach causing heartburn. Also, the increase in a hormone called Progesterone relaxing the sphincter between your stomach and esophagus so acid comes up does help either. Try eating more frequently and smaller meals to help prevent heartburn. However, if this isn’t working over the counter heartburn medication would work or take to your doctor about a prescription if OTC isn’t cutting it for you.

For Yeast Infections

Safe to take: Monistat, Gynelotrimin

Yeast infections are very common during pregnancy. They are common because hormone changes and these changes disrupts the pH balance of the vagina. Look out for symptoms of  vaginal itching and a white, thick discharge that looks like cottage cheese. Contact your doctor for confirmation and they can prescribe a vaginal cream or recommend one over the counter.

For Infections

Safe to take: Penicillin

Sometimes being pregnant can cause infections as you immune system maybe compromised did the the influx of hormones your body is going through. You have an infection or get sick (bacterial infections only) take to your doctor and they will prescribe penicillin as an antibiotic. If you are allergic to penicillin there other alternatives.

For the Common Cold

Safe to take: Benadryl, Sudafed, Afrin nasal spray, Claratin, Robitussin DM, Vicks Formula 44, Halls cough drops

Over the counter medications are safe during pregnancy. Make sure you read the labels for the drug ingredients. Make sure you are taking for only the symptoms you have and take as directed.

Look for the ingredient dextromethorphan, or DM, for a cough suppressant; guaifenesin to loosen up mucus; and pseudoephedrinem and phenylephrine, or PE, as a decongestant for a stuffy nose.

For the Flu

Safe to take: Tamiflu

The flu vaccine is highly recommended when you are expecting because your immune system is somewhat compromised when you are expecting. The flu can be harder on you and harder to fight. If you have the flu or show flu like symptoms contact your doctor.If you’ve been exposed to and/or tested positive for the flu, doctors say it’s important to take Tamiflu to lessen the symptoms and duration. ”