10 Most Common Questions About Safe Medicines To Take While Pregnant

It’s important to know which over-the-counter medications are safe to use during pregnancy. Knowing which medicines are safe for you and your baby can help you make sure both of you stay healthy. Always make sure to talk to your doctor before taking any medications while pregnant.

What can I take for pain?

Regular and extra-strength Tylenol is a good option to help with any aches or pains you might have during pregnancy. Follow the dosage instructions on the bottle to make sure you are taking a safe amount. Other medications like Advil or Aleve can have negative side effects during pregnancy and should be avoided.

What can I take for allergies?

Benadryl, Claritin, Sudafed PE, Tylenol and Zyrtec are all safe, over-the-counter medications to relieve allergies while you’re pregnant. Eye drops and nasal sprays are not recommended, but you can use saline to help clean pollen out of your eyes and nose.

What can I take for a cold?

Most of the over-the-counter cold medications are safe to use, but it’s important to take medications that only target specific symptoms and avoid combining medications that could be potentially dangerous.

Theraflu and Robitussin are both good options for helping to relieve cold symptoms. You can also use Vicks or Halls cough drops and vapor rubs to relieve a cough or congestion.

What can I take for the flu?

Theraflu is also good for relieving flu symptoms. If you think you have the flu or have tested positive for the flu, contact your doctor. They may want to prescribe you Tamiflu to lessen the symptoms and duration of the flu. This is especially important if you are running a high fever as your baby’s temperature is always slightly higher than yours and could cause birth defects during developmental stages.

What can I take for constipation?

The increase in progesterone during pregnancy or pressure on your intestines from your uterus may affect your bowel movements. Colace Stool Softener is a good option for helping everything continue to run smoothly. You can also increase your fiber intake, eat more fruits and veggies and drink plenty of fluids to help with regular bowel movements.

What can I take for diarrhea?

Maalox and Imodium are both good options to help deal with diarrhea while pregnant. Make sure to call your doctor before taking medications for diarrhea to assess what might be causing it and develop a safe plan.

What can I take for indigestion and heartburn?

Tums, Maalox and Mylanta are all recommended options to help relieve indigestion and heartburn caused by the increase in progesterone and pressure from your uterus. You can also try eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoid eating 2-3 hours before bed to help stop indigestion or heartburn. If it continues, talk to your doctor about possible prescription medications you might be able to take.

What can I take for nausea and vomiting?

Emetrol Nausea Relief can help manage morning sickness or any nausea and vomiting you might experience while pregnant. Sea-Bands are a good alternative to medication and can help relieve motion and morning sickness.

If you are unable to keep food or liquid down for 24 hours, contact your doctor.

What can I take for yeast infections?

Monistat creams and suppositories are the best options for clearing up yeast infections during pregnancy. These kinds of infections are quite common during pregnancy and, although the infection doesn’t pose a danger to the baby, there is no need for you to suffer through itchy discomfort.

What can I take for hemorrhoids?

It is not uncommon to develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy due to pressure from your uterus. Anusol, Preparation H and Hemorrhoid creams, ointments and suppositories are all good options for treating hemorrhoids while pregnant.

Talk to your doctor about the right medicines for you

No matter what symptoms you might be experiencing, it’s good to talk to your doctor about what medications or treatments are best for you and your baby. If you’d like to talk to one of our doctors about safe medications to take while pregnant, contact us at our Eugene or Springfield locations.

You can also see our full list of recommended over-the-counter medications to take while you’re pregnant.