Safe Medicines During Pregnancy
Your doctor will review any medications you are currently taking to decide what is safe to continue taking during pregnancy. Some medications and herbal supplements can increase your chance of birth defects, and your doctor will review any medication you may need to stop taking if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen, allergy medicine, and cold medicines are generally safe to take, while aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided.
Approved Over-the-Counter Medications
Before you start or stop any medicine, we recommend that you speak with the doctor who is caring for you while you are pregnant.
Pain Medication
Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Extra Strength Tylenol
DO NOT USE: Aspirin, Motrin, Advil (Ibuprofen), Aleve (unless specifically by your healthcare provider)
Nausea
Try small frequent meals.
Ginger Ale, Vitamin B6, Sea Bands
Sweet fruit syrup from canned fruits, i.e. pears/peaches
Anthistamines
Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl, Dimetapp
Cough/Colds
Robitussin (cough)
Decongestants
Sudafed (pseudoephedrine), Robitussin CF, Tylenol Cold and Sinus, Actifed, Dimetapp
Heartburn, Indigestion, Gas
Maalox, Mylanta, Zantac, Pepcid AC, Tums, Rolaids
Yeast Infections
Monistat 3 or 7
Insomnia
Benadryl (for occasional use only)
Hemorrhoids
Preparation H, Tucks
Toothache
Extra Strength Tylenol
Diarrhea
Imodium AD or Kaopectate
BRAT Diet (banana, rice, applesauce, toast)
Constipation
Increase fluid intake, Colace, Metamucil
Schedule Your Appointment at Birmingham Obstetrics & Gynecology
The board certified OB/GYNs at Birmingham Obstetrics & Gynecology provide information about medicines that are safe to take during pregnancy. Call our women’s health clinic in Birmingham at (205) 933-8334 to schedule your appointment today!