WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Safety First: Pregnancy and Medications

Pregnancy
Pregnancy health
Safety First: Pregnancy and Medication
Key Facts
It's crucial for expecting mothers to understand which medications are safe during pregnancy.
Certain medications can pose risks to the developing fetus, while others are deemed safe.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes medications based on their safety during pregnancy, but it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Unsafe Medications
What's That? Unsafe medications are those that can harm the developing fetus and should be avoided during pregnancy. These include:
  • NSAIDs: Such as ibuprofen, which can affect fetal kidney function and fluid levels.
  • Certain Antibiotics: Like tetracycline, which can affect bone growth and tooth color in the fetus.
  • Certain Antidepressants: Some SSRIs should be avoided due to potential risks to the baby.
  • Accutane: Used for acne treatment, but highly teratogenic and strictly forbidden during pregnancy.
Safe medications during pregnancy
While there are some medications that you should avoid during pregnancy, there are also many that are safe and effective.
Here are a few examples:
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol): This is a pain reliever that's safe to use during pregnancy. It can help with headaches, backaches, and other minor aches and pains.
  • Antihistamines: Antihistamines like Benadryl are safe to use during pregnancy to treat allergies, colds, and other respiratory symptoms. They can also help with nausea and vomiting.
  • Iron supplements: Iron supplements can help prevent anemia during pregnancy. They're typically prescribed by your doctor if your iron levels are low.
  • Folic acid: Folic acid is essential for healthy fetal development. It's recommended that women take a daily supplement of 400-800 micrograms of folic acid before and during pregnancy.
  • Antacids: Antacids like Tums can help with heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy. They're safe to use as directed.
These are just a few examples of medications that are safe during pregnancy.
It's important to talk to your doctor about any medications you're considering taking, even if they're over-the-counter.
Alternative remedies
In addition to medications, there are also alternative remedies that can help with pregnancy symptoms. 
For example, ginger can help with nausea, while exercise can help with back pain and fatigue. 
It's always a good idea to talk to your doctor before trying any alternative remedies, but they can be a great way to manage symptoms without medication.
The importance of talking to your doctor
We can't stress enough the importance of talking to your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.
Your doctor knows your medical history and can help you make an informed decision about what's safe for you and your baby. 
Don't be afraid to ask questions or bring up any concerns you have. Your doctor is there to help you have a healthy and happy pregnancy.
Keep learning
Dental Care During Pregnancy
2 min read
A
Audrey
29 Oct 2023

Before pregnancy I had high BP and after trial and error found a medication that worked and didn't make me sick. Well it isn't pregnancy safe so here we go again. The two medications we have tried both make me dizzy, nausea, sick to my stomach and severe light sensitivity with headaches. What medication is working for you if you have high blood pressure.

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
8 comments
N
Neena 💕✨
I had that issue with procardia I thought I was never going to feel better but now I’m taking labetalol and a baby aspirin and it’s helping and not making me sick. Good luck boo. High blood pressure is no joke I had preeclampsia with my son. Scariest experience ever.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
M
Muffy&DaGuyz
Take baby asprin it's safe to take start at your 13th week😊
27 Mar 2024

Answer

S
Shannon
6 Sep 2023

Hey everyone, it feels so weird to vent to anyone but I'm 26 weeks pregnant and I'm struggling so bad emotionally. I've been taking antidepressants and anti anxiety medications for years basically my whole life but stopped for the safety and health of my unborn child. I don't have the best support system from anyone really and just need to make it through this but it's so hard. I've never felt so sad and anxious in my life. I don't wanna do anything but lay in my bed and cry but I have a 5 year old who needs me. Am I the only one out here 😔? #mentalhealth

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
11 comments
S
Shonda
No, you are not alone. I'm depressed the majority of the time, and plus, I'm going through this pregnancy alone
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
T
Tasha
You are not alone, when I was pregnant this time my emotions were every where and my anxiety was through the roof, this pregnancy was different from my last two, I had a baby girl, I had boys prior maybe that was why. Always reach out. We are here to listen and support.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

A
Ani
12 Jul 2022

Any pregnant moms battling cold and flu symptoms? What has been effective pregnancy safe medications?

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
4 comments
K
Kyana
YES I thought it was just me I've had a cold for almost 7 weeks now 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️ I'm so tired of it.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
K
Kyana
Nothing really helped me .. I let it pass the Tylenol wasnt helping or the allergy liquid meds
27 Mar 2024

Answer

B
Bri
27 Jun 2022

So I've been feeling guilty and worried about continuing my medications during pregnancy, even though my OB approved it, saying there isn't enough medical proof or experimental proof to say it it's unsafe. But if it means I'm mentally stabilized during my pregnancy, and am able to work and finish my college classes, shouldn't that ease my mind? I'm an absolute mess without my medications... Baby Mason's heart rate and growth percentages are all normal.. and starting August we're having ultrasounds and non stress tests twice a week to monitor his growth (due to diabetes) Any thoughts?

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
7 comments
B
Blocked user
I don't trust any prescription medications honestly. I don't really care what doctors say as far as it being "safe" for baby or even for yourself. I believe there are a lot of risks with prescription medication that you may not know now. As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I didn't even think twice about Tylenol (the main medication that is recommended for pregnant women for pain & whatever else they recommend it for) I use cannabis for my own reasons, so who am I to say do or don't do this or that. It's more of a personal choice only you can make for you & your baby. I pray you're able to make a decision that doesn't make you feel guilty & worried 🙏🏼🤎
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
B
Bri
I just don't want to go all psychotic while pregnant.. I've tried weining off my meds and it doesn't go well, so I know deep down I have to be sane.. And I personally don't think cannabis is a bad thing.. do you boo ♡ your baby will be just fine.. I just don't use any nonprescription anything because I'm in the AA and NA programs
27 Mar 2024

Answer

Related articles

Hot topics

More questions from Moms