What Medicine Can I Take When I’m Pregnant?

We generally recommend you avoid taking any medications you have not been prescribed during your first trimester.  On occasion it may be medically necessary to do so. Fortunately, there are many medications that are safe during pregnancy.

At SSM Health, we encourage you to speak with your doctor before taking any drugs and only use medications as directed. If you are unsure about a particular medication, speak with your doctor.

Over-the-counter medicine safe to take during pregnancy:

Medication for pain relief:

• Tylenol or acetaminophen (plain/extra strength) for mild discomfort

Caution: do not take aspirin (Anacin, Bayer) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

Medication for digestive upsets:

• Antacids (Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, Maalox, Pepcid, Prevacid)
• Simethicone (Gas-X, Mylicon for gas pain, Gaviscon)
• Immodium or BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast or tea) for diarrhea

Medication for coughs and colds:

• Guaifenesin (Robitussin®)
• Guaifenesin plus dextromethorphan (Robitussin-DM®)
• Cough drops
• Vicks VapoRub®
• Acetaminophen

Medication for allergy relief:

• Tylenol or acetaminophen (plain/extra strength) is OK
• Chlorpheniramine antihistamine alone (chlor-Trimetron)
• Benadryl tablets
• Saline nasal spray
• Neti-pot or sinus rinse
• Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra

Options to help with constipation:

• Fiber can be used regularly (Metamucil®, MiraLax®, Citrucel®, BeneFiber®)
• Laxatives can be used occasionally (Colace®, Dulcolax®)
• Tucks for hemorrhoids
• Mix of Prune juice, OJ, 7-UP® – equal parts

Things you may be worried about that appear to be safe:

• Nutrasweet® (1–2 servings per day)
• One or two cups of coffee per day
• Nix for head lice
• Perms
• Sunscreen
• Hair coloring products
• Pedicures
• Mosquito repellent containing DEET

Call your doctor if you have additional questions or concerns, are experiencing any new pains, or symptoms of a cold or flu.

Our maternity team is here to support you every step of the way. Find a OB/GYN near you and schedule an appointment today.