List of Medications You Can and Can’t Take While Pregnant
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Medically reviewed by Peter Weiss, MD
Certain medications are unsafe during pregnancy because they can cause severe congenital (at birth) disabilities and complications. This includes some medicines for pain and cold symptoms, among others. However, some medications are safe to take while pregnant.
About 9 in 10 pregnant people in the United States use over-the-counter (OTC) medication during their pregnancies, and 7 in 10 take prescription medication.
This article discusses medications that are safe during pregnancy and which are not, and how to know the difference.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determines the safety of drugs. The rating system (called the Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule) classifies medications with a general overview of how safe they are to use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and for adults of reproductive age.
List of Safe Medications to Take While Pregnant
Almost all pregnant people in the United States take at least one OTC or prescription medication during their pregnancies. The most common drugs are used for nausea, vomiting, heartburn, infection, and pain. Most commonly used medications are safe for a limited time during pregnancy, but it is always best to ask a healthcare provider first.
If you're pregnant, always check with a healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Allergies
The following remedies for seasonal allergies are considered safe during pregnancy:
Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)
Dexchlorpheniramine
Atarax (hydroxyzine)
Talk with a healthcare provider before taking the following allergy medications:
Cold and Flu
You’ve likely heard that avoiding certain cold and flu medications is important when pregnant. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are unsure what to take.
The following medications are considered safe during pregnancy:
Cough drops
Saline nasal drops
Saltwater gargle
Avoid any long-acting or sustained-released types when choosing a cold or flu medication.
Constipation
Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy because hormonal changes slow down the gastrointestinal tract. Most healthcare providers recommend increasing your water and fiber intake (fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains) to help with this.
Medications that can help pregnancy-related constipation include:
Citrucel (methylcellulose fiber)
Metamucil (psyllium)
Colace (docusate)
Related: The 5 Best Fiber Supplements of 2023, According to a Dietitian
COVID-19 Vaccine
All eligible people should receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Pregnant people can get this vaccine in any trimester.
Heartburn
Heartburn is common during pregnancy and affects between 17% and 45% of pregnant people in the United States. Healthcare providers usually recommend treating it with diet and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding fatty foods, drinking enough water, and sleeping with your head elevated.
Heartburn medications that are considered safe during pregnancy include:
Ginger supplements
Maalox (aluminum hydroxide)
Pepcid AC (famotidine)
Zantac (ranitidine)
Related: Heartburn Treatment: Natural Antacids, Medication, and More
Insect Repellent
Insect repellents with DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) provide adequate protection and are approved for use during pregnancy. Less than 10% of the DEET in insect repellents enters your bloodstream and reaches your baby.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you need to use insect repellent regularly during pregnancy.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting is a common symptom, especially in the first trimester. Medications and supplements that are recommended for pregnancy-related nausea include:
Unisom (doxylamine)
A healthcare provider may recommend trying a prescription medication if these remedies don't help.
Learn More: What Is Morning Sickness?
Pain
Aches and pains are common during pregnancy. Most healthcare providers recommend Tylenol (acetaminophen) for minor aches and pains such as a headache or low-back pain.
While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen), can be taken during pregnancy, there are some slight risks. Speak with a healthcare provider before taking this medication.
Herbs and supplements can treat various conditions but may be unsafe during pregnancy. Ginger is safe for treating heartburn and nausea during pregnancy. For other herbs, talk with a healthcare provider. Some herbs known to be unsafe during pregnancy include:
Evening primrose oil
Castor oil
Blue cohosh
Raspberry oil
List of Potentially Unsafe Medications While Pregnant
Some medications are not safe for every pregnant person but can be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Some medicines are safe in one trimester but not others.
Allergies
Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) carries a small risk of congenital disabilities in the abdominal wall in the first three months of pregnancy. Avoid this medication during your first trimester. Talk with your healthcare provider if you’d like to try it in your second or third trimester.
Constipation
If you continue to experience constipation despite diet and lifestyle changes, ask a healthcare provider about Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350). This medication is considered safe for occasional use during pregnancy.
Depression and Anxiety
Anxiety and depression medications cross the placenta, meaning they reach your baby while you are pregnant. They are also present in breast milk. Many selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants can be safely taken during pregnancy under a healthcare provider's guidance. These may include:
Celexa (citalopram)
Zoloft (sertraline)
Lexapro (escitalopram)
Amitriptyline
Nortriptyline
Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Studies show that they do not pose a serious risk to a fetus. Benzodiazepines that may be safe during pregnancy when taken in small doses include Valium (diazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam).
About 500,000 pregnant people in the United States experience psychiatric illness each year. It’s estimated that 10% to 16% of pregnant people meet the criteria for depression, and up to 70% have some symptoms of depression.
List of Unsafe Medications to Not Take While Pregnant
While uncommon, certain medications have been linked to an increased risk of congenital disabilities, pregnancy loss, premature birth, and infant death.
Cold and Flu
Nyquil is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding people because of its high alcohol content.
Depression and Anxiety
Paxil (paroxetine) and Sinequan (doxepin) are not considered safe during pregnancy and have been linked to congenital disabilities. It is possible for babies to experience withdrawal symptoms after being exposed to the following medications:
Xanax (alprazolam)
Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
Valium (diazepam)
Pain
In most cases, opioid medications are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding people. These medications can significantly impact your baby's health and cause withdrawal symptoms after birth. However, medications might be needed at certain times, such as a serious injury or surgery.
Common opioid medications include:
Morphine
Oxycodone
Hydromorphone
Codeine
Other prescription medications to treat chronic conditions may be unsafe during pregnancy. Never stop taking prescription medication without talking with a healthcare provider first.
Some medications can be safely used during pregnancy but not breastfeeding, or vice versa. For example, it may be safe to take benzodiazepines for anxiety during pregnancy. However, this drug class can cause sedation and poor infant feeding when nursing.
Pregnancy-Safe Medications: If You’re Ever Unsure
If you ever wonder if your medication is safe, always call a healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can review your overall health and individual risks to help you make the best decision for you and your baby.
Summary
Knowing which medications are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a challenge. Many commonly used drugs can be safely taken when you are pregnant. Always talk with a healthcare provider before starting a new medication or supplement. Some medicines can interact with each other or raise the risk of congenital disabilities and other serious pregnancy problems.
