Written by Taking medication during pregnancy can be a difficult decision. On the one hand, you want to make sure that you are taking care of your own health. On the other hand, you want to avoid taking any medication that could harm your baby.
It is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy, even over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Some medications are safe to take during pregnancy, while others can cause serious birth defects or other health problems.
Here are some general guidelines for taking medication during pregnancy:
- Only take medication when necessary.
- Take the lowest effective dose.
- Take medication for the shortest amount of time possible.
- Avoid taking medications that are known to cause birth defects.
- Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any medication you are taking.
Here are some specific examples of medications that are safe or not safe to take during pregnancy:
Safe medications:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Omeprazole (Prilosec)
- Prenatal vitamins
Not safe medications:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Retinoids (Accutane)
- Thalidomide
If you are unsure whether a medication is safe to take during pregnancy, talk to your doctor. They can help you to make the best decision for you and your baby.
Additional tips:
- If you are taking any prescription medications before you become pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor about whether you can continue taking them during your pregnancy.
- If you are trying to get pregnant, avoid taking any medications that are known to cause birth defects.
- If you accidentally take a medication that is not safe during pregnancy, talk to your doctor right away.
It is important to remember that you are not alone in making these decisions. Your doctor is there to help you and provide you with the information you need to make the best choices for you and your baby.