Medicines in Pregnancy
In general, medicines taken during pregnancy should always be discussed with your Doctor or Midwife. While some are relatively safe in pregnancy, some can be dangerous for your unborn child. The following are safe in pregnancy and carry very little risk or none to you or your baby.
NAUSEA and/or VOMITING:
Most medicines are safe for your stomach. For example, mylanta, maalox, tums, rolaids, zantac, pepcid, dramamine, gas-x, and milk of magnesia are fine. Taking Unisom and Vitamin B6 together can reduce nausea and vomiting but may make you sleepy.
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COLDS, FLUS, CONGESTION, and COUGH
Antihistamines and decongestants are safe in pregnancy, For example, Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, Actiphed, Contac, Dristan, Mucinex, Pseudophed, and Benedryl are safe.
Cold remedies in the forms of liquids or lozenges are fine as long as there is NO ALCOHOL included. For example, Nyquil has quite a bit of alcohol and should be avoided while Robitussin or Dayquil are fine. In general all lozenges for cough and sore throat are fine.
Nasal sprays are safe in pregnancy. Flonase and Neosynephrine are safe to use for nasal congestion.
Theraflu and Vicks Vaporub are safe as well.
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In general, colds and flu like symptoms take longer to resolve when you are pregnant. If you do not feel better when taking any of the above recommendations or especially if you feel worse, contact your provider.
SLEEP AIDES
Difficulty sleeping is common during pregnancy and has multiple causes; some of which cannot be eliminated. If medicines are an option for you, things like Melatonin, Tryptophan, Benedryl, Sominex, Unisom and Tylenol PM are safe in pregnancy. Always take care not to perform any activities that require a clear mind while taking these medicines. Most importantly, DO NOT OPERATE A VEHICLE!
PAIN AND FEVER
In general, tylenol and tylenol products (including generics) are fine throughout pregnancy. We try to limit use of Ibuprofen, Motrin, and Advil type of medicines. While the occasional use of these in early pregnancy has minimal risk, these medicines should not be used in the third trimester.