Medications Safe to Take During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can bring new aches, pains, and illnesses. While many over-the-counter (OTC) medications are considered safe during pregnancy, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider before taking any medication, supplement, or herbal product.

Always follow the recommended dosage on the medication label unless your provider instructs otherwise. If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsen, please contact our office at 208-529-5942.

Morning Sickness & Nausea

For mild nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, you may try:

  • Vitamin B6 (50mg)
  • Unisom® (Doxylamine) (1/2 taken with Vitamin B6 as directed by your provider)
  • Meclizine as directed on bottle (over-the-counter).
  • Ginger or ginger tea is OK to try. 

Contact the office if you’re unable to keep fluids down for more than 24 hours or experience severe vomiting.

Colds, Cough, Allergies & Flu Symptoms

Safe options may include:

Congestion

  • Saline nasal spray
  • Breathe Right® nasal strips
  • Sudafed® (Pseudoephedrine) only after the first trimester and with provider approval
  • Mucinex

Cough

  • Robitussin® (Dextromethorphan)
  • Plain cough drops

Sore Throat

  • Warm salt water gargles
  • Chloraseptic® throat spray
  • Cepacol® lozenges

Allergies

  • Claritin® (Loratadine)
  • Zyrtec® (Cetirizine)
  • Benadryl® (Diphenhydramine)

If you develop a fever, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or flu-like symptoms, contact your provider promptly.

Pain or Headache

For occasional pain or fever:

  • Tylenol® (Acetaminophen) is generally considered the preferred choice during pregnancy. (Extra strength is OK to use).
  • Chiropractic, physical therapy, in-office manipulation (OMT).
DO NOT TAKE:
  • Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)
  • Naproxen (Aleve®)
  • Aspirin (except low-dose aspirin when prescribed)

Hemorrhoids

Common pregnancy-safe options include:

  • Preparation H®
  • Tucks® Medicated Pads
  • Witch hazel pads
  • Sitz baths
  • Increasing water and fiber intake

Preventing constipation can also help reduce hemorrhoid symptoms. If symptoms are severe, call the office.

Vaginal Yeast Infections

For yeast infections during pregnancy:

  • Monistat® Cream (over-the-counter).
  • Gyne-Lotrimin Cream (the five-to-seven-day treatment works the best)

If you’re unsure whether it’s a yeast infection, schedule an appointment before beginning treatment.

Heartburn & Indigestion

You may try:

  • Tums®
  • Rolaids®
  • Mylanta®
  • Maalox®
  • Pepcid® (complete)
  • Zantac®
  • Prilosec®
  • Prevacid®

Eating smaller meals and avoiding spicy or greasy foods may also help reduce symptoms.

Constipation

Constipation is common during pregnancy.

Helpful options include:

  • Colace® (Stool softener)
  • Metamucil®
  • Citrucel®
  • Fiber supplements
  • Miralax® (Polyethylene Glycol)
  • Senokot
  • Konsyl
  • Benefiber
  • FiberCon
  • Plenty of water, fruits, vegetables, and regular exercise
 AVOID:
  • Stimulant laxatives

Diarrhea

For occasional diarrhea:

  • Stay hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks.
  • Eat bland foods (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).

If recommended by your provider, you may use:

  • Imodium® (Loperamide)
  • Kaopectate
  • No Lomotil

Contact your provider if diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or is accompanied by fever or blood in the stool.

Leg Cramps

Leg cramps are common, especially during the second and third trimesters.

Helpful tips include:

  • Calcium (500mg) daily at bedtime.
  • Stretch your calf muscles before bed.
  • Stay well hydrated.
  • Maintain regular physical activity.
  • Wear supportive footwear.
  • Apply a warm compress or massage the affected muscle.
 AVOID:

Allka Seltzer, Pepto Bismol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.). Limit caffeine to one or two servings per day.

Dental Care

Routine dental care is recommended and safe during pregnancy.

You may:

  • Have routine cleanings and exams.
  • Have dental X-rays when needed with proper abdominal shielding.
  • Receive local anesthetics if necessary.
  • Some antibiotics (penicillin, Keflex, Ampicillin, or Augmentin)

Be sure to tell your dentist that you’re pregnant.

Immunizations

The following vaccines are recommended during pregnancy:

  • Influenza (Flu) vaccine during flu season or anytime in pregnancy.
  • Tdap vaccine between 27–36 weeks of pregnancy to help protect your newborn from whooping cough

Your provider will discuss any additional vaccines that may be appropriate based on your health history.

Prenatal Vitamins

Take a prenatal vitamin every day that contains:

  • Folic Acid (at least 400mg)
  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Vitamin D
  • DHA (recommended but may be separate)

Your provider may recommend additional supplements based on your individual needs.

Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test

A TB skin test (PPD) is considered safe during pregnancy when medically indicated.

If you’ve been exposed to tuberculosis, work in healthcare, or have certain risk factors, your provider may recommend testing.

Questions About a Medication

Not sure if a medication is safe during pregnancy? Our team is happy to help.

Call our office before starting any new prescription, over-the-counter medication, vitamin, or herbal supplement.

Your health and your baby’s health are our top priorities.

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