Medication Use During Pregnancy
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Medication Use and Pregnancy
You may be nervous about taking medications while you’re pregnant. That’s understandable. In many cases, medications are needed to manage your health, and not taking important medications can be dangerous.
Always talk to your doctor or nurse midwife before starting or stopping any prescription medications during pregnancy. Each medication may affect your baby differently. The goal is to find a medication that treats your condition without causing harm to your fetus.
The following medications are generally considered safe during pregnancy. Carefully read and follow package directions:
| Symptom or condition | Generic medication name | Precautions |
|---|---|---|
| Allergies | Diphenhydramine hydrochloride Loratadine | |
| Constipation | Magnesium hydroxide Methylcellulose Psyllium | |
| Constipation, stool softener | Docusate sodium or bisacodyl | |
| Cough | Dextromethorphan Dextromethorphan-guaifenesin | |
| Diarrhea | Bismuth subsalicylate | |
| Dry nose | Neti pot Sodium chloride nasal spray | |
| Fevers, aches and pain | Acetaminophen | No more than 3,000 milligrams in 24 hours |
| Gas | Simethicone | |
| Heartburn | Aluminum-magnesium hydroxide Calcium carbonate | |
| Hemorrhoids | Hydrocortisone cream, ointment and suppositories Phenylephrine hemorrhoidal gel Tucks pads or witch hazel | |
| Insomnia (trouble sleeping) | Doxylamine succinate | |
| Itching | Diphenhydramine hydrochloride 1% Hydrocortisone cream | |
| Lice | Pyrethrins-piperonyl butoxide | |
| Local anesthesia (for dental work, minor procedures) | Procaine injections | Must be used without epinephrine |
| Nasal congestion | Pseudoephedrine Triprolidine-pseudoephedrine Sodium chloride nasal spray | Talk to your provider if using before 12 weeks |
| Sore throat | Throat lozenges | |
| Yeast infections | Clotrimazole 7-days of Miconazole nitrate |
Do not take Motrin, Aleve or Advil unless recommended by your doctor.