Medications That Are Safe During Pregnancy

There are many medicines that are safe to take during pregnancy. Below is a list of common pregnancy discomforts and the over-the-counter medicines and remedies that are safe to use for them.

Allergies

• Claritin, Benadryl, Dimetapp, Zyrtec
• Visine or Naphcon-A eye drops

Congestion or Stuffiness (from a Head Cold)

• Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
• Robitussin
• CF, Tavist D, Ocean Mist nasal spray (saline solution), 4-way Nasal

Do not use: Alka-Seltzer Cold & Flu

Constipation

• Citrucel, Colace, Fibercon
• Fiberall, Metamucil
• Prune juice; dried prunes, apricots, or other “stone fruit”

Coughing

• Robitussin or Robitussin DM
• Mucinex Cough (guaifenesin)
• Chloraseptic/Cepacol

Diarrhea

• Try the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
• You may take one dose of Imodium. If symptoms don’t improve, call your provider.

Call or come in if you have a fever, or if your symptoms haven’t improved in 2 to 3 days.

Heartburn, Indigestion, Gas

• Tums, Maalox, Gas-X, Mylanta (safe to take after the first 12 weeks)
• Tagamet, Zantac Acid, Gaviscon
• Pepcid or Pepcid AC

Do not use: Pepto-Bismol, Rolaids, Kaopectate, or Alka-Seltzer

Hemorrhoids

• Preparation H
• Anusol cream
• Tucks pads; witch hazel pads

Insomnia (Trouble Sleeping)

• Benadryl
• Tylenol PM (do not exceed recommended dosage)
• Unisom

Nausea (Upset Stomach)

• Half (½) Unisom with vitamin B6
• Small, frequent meals
• Ginger ale, ginger, ginger tea
• Vitamin B6
• Sea Bands (a form of acupressure worn on your wrists)

Get More Tips for Managing Nausea

Come in to see provider if you’re unable to keep liquids down for more than 24 hours.

Pain (Including Headache)

• Tylenol (acetaminophen) for minor aches and pains or headaches
• Tylenol Extra Strength: two tablets every 4 hours (not more than 8 tablets in 24 hours)

Do not use: Advil or Aleve, unless your provider tells you otherwise