Safe Medications for Pregnant Women
Your obstetrician from Genesee Valley OB/GYN will review any medications you are currently taking to decide what is safe to continue taking during pregnancy. Some medications and herbal supplements can increase your chance of birth defects, and your doctor will review any medication you may need to stop taking if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen, allergy medicine, and cold medicines are generally safe to take, while aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided.
Approved Over-the-Counter Medications During Pregnancy
Before you start or stop any medicine, it is always best to speak with the doctor who is caring for you while you are pregnant.
Pain Medication | Nausea |
| Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Extra Strength Tylenol DO NOT USE: Aspirin, Motrin, Advil (Ibuprofen), Aleve (unless specifically by your healthcare provider) | Try small frequent meals. Ginger Ale, Vitamin B6, Sea Bands Sweet fruit syrup from canned fruits, i.e. pears/peaches |
Anthistamines | Heartburn, Indigestion, Gas |
| Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl, Dimetapp | Maalox, Mylanta, Zantac, Pepcid AC, Tums, Rolaids |
Decongestants | Cough/Colds |
| Sudafed (pseudoephedrine), Robitussin CF, Tylenol Cold and Sinus, Actifed, Dimetapp | Robitussin (cough) |
Insomnia | Yeast Infections |
| Benadryl (for occasional use only) | Monistat 3 or 7 |
Hemorrhoids | Toothache |
| Preparation H, Tucks | Extra Strength Tylenol |
Diarrhea | Constipation |
| Imodium AD or Kaopectate BRAT Diet (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) | Increase fluid intake, Colace, Metamucil |
