What Medications Are Considered Safe While Pregnant? 10 Important Things Expectant Moms Should Know
Pregnant women have to experience a lot of aches and pains, and fortunately, many medications are safe to use during most trimesters.
While you shouldn’t take any medications unless you absolutely have to, the meds in this list are considered safe in small doses.
10 Things Pregnant Women Should Know About Medications
While this medication list comes from a trusted source, we’re not doctors. Please consult a medical professional before you take any of the following medications while pregnant.
1. What to Use for Allergies
Pregnant women can use Antihistamines for allergies, such as Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Doxylamine, Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Efidac, Teldrin), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin), and some nasal sprays like Afrin, Nasacort, Flonase, and Neo-Synephrine.
2. What to Use for Cough and Flu
If a pregnant woman is feeling sick, they can try Robitussin (but some shouldn’t be used in the first trimester), saline sprays, Actified, and Flonase (not in the first trimester), and they can use warm water and salt gargle. They shouldn’t take sustained actions or multi-symptom drugs.
3. What to Use for Headaches
Women are safe to use Tylenol for headaches, but mothers shouldn’t take too much. While further studies are needed, one study links Tylenol to autism. If your child did become Autistic after you took Tylenol while pregnant, you can join the Tylenol autism lawsuit on this page.
4. What to Use for Rashes
Rashes can be common when you’re pregnant, but you don’t have to suffer through them. Pregnant women can use Benadryl cream, Caladryl lotion, or Hydrocortisone cream for rashes. They can also take an oatmeal bath if they want to have softer and more luscious skin.
5. What to Use for Nausea or Vomiting
Morning sickness can be a pain, but it’s often a benign condition. To help with nausea or vomiting, you can use Emetrol (for non-diabetics), Doxylamine (in combination with pyridoxine), or vitamin B6. If you’re experiencing nausea or vomiting for a prolonged period, speak to your doctor ASAP.
6. What to Use for Heartburn
Pregnant women can fix heartburn by using multiple different types of medication. These include Tagamet, Mylanta, Gaviscon, Maalox, Riopan, and TUMs. Heartburn is usually caused by acid reflux and is often not a concern unless it’s chronic or is caused by excess vomiting.
7. What to Use for Constipation
If you’re experiencing constipation, the first thing you should try is medication to reduce the discomfort. These medications include Citrucel, Fiberall/Fibercon, Senokot, Senokot S, and Miralax. To reduce your reliance on medication, commit to eating more fiber daily.
8. What to Use for Yeast Infection
For yeast infections, there’s only one medication that’s deemed safe for pregnant women: Monistat. With that said, you should follow directions carefully to prevent injury to yourself or the fetus. You shouldn’t insert the applicator too far or use this medication multiple times a day.
9. What to Use for Diarrhea
If you’re experiencing cramping or diarrhea symptoms, there are two medications you can take to experience 24-hour relief: Imodium and Parepectolin. However, if diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and weakness, speak to your doctor immediately.
10. What to Use for Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can make an already uncomfortable pregnancy even worse, but you could find relief with a few medications. These include witch hazel, tuck pads, Anusol, and Preparation H. If you’re using an applicator for assistance, make sure you don’t insert it too far.
In Conclusion
While no drug is considered 100% safe to use during pregnancy, the medications listed above can be used under the direction of your doctor.
If you’re worried that a medication may affect you in a certain way, speak to a medical professional about your concerns.