Which Medications Are Safe During Pregnancy
The short answer
Many medications are safe during pregnancy, but some should be avoided. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered the safest pain reliever. NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) should generally be avoided, especially after 20 weeks. Always check with your provider before taking any medication, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements. Never stop prescribed medications without consulting your provider first.
Thousands of parents search for this exact thing. You are not alone.
By Age
What to expect by age
The first trimester is when the baby's organs are forming, making it the most sensitive period for medication effects. However, many medications are safe. Do not stop prescribed medications (especially for conditions like epilepsy, depression, or thyroid disease) without talking to your provider - the risk of uncontrolled illness can be greater than the medication risk.
Generally safe medications include: acetaminophen for pain/fever, certain antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine) for allergies, some cough medications, antacids, and stool softeners. Your provider can guide you on specific medications for your needs. The MotherToBaby helpline (1-866-626-6847) is an excellent free resource.
Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) especially after 20 weeks due to risks to the baby's kidneys and heart. After delivery, most medications become safer, though breastfeeding parents should still check. Your provider will review your medication plan for postpartum.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Taking prescribed medications that your provider has approved for pregnancy
- Using acetaminophen occasionally for headache or pain
- Taking prenatal vitamins
- You need a new medication and want to know if it is safe
- You are taking a prescribed medication and just found out you are pregnant
- You are unsure about over-the-counter medications or supplements
- You accidentally took a medication you are unsure about - contact your provider or MotherToBaby (1-866-626-6847) for guidance
- You stopped a necessary medication and are having symptoms
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
Related Maternal Concerns
Headaches During Pregnancy
Headaches are common during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters. They are often caused by hormonal changes, increased blood volume, stress, fatigue, caffeine withdrawal, or dehydration. Most pregnancy headaches are tension-type and harmless, but severe or persistent headaches, especially in the third trimester, should be evaluated to rule out preeclampsia.
Medication Safety While Breastfeeding
Most medications are compatible with breastfeeding, as only small amounts transfer into breast milk. Many people are unnecessarily told to stop breastfeeding or "pump and dump" when it is not needed. LactMed (a free NIH database) and the InfantRisk Center (1-806-352-2519) are excellent resources for checking medication safety. Very few medications are truly incompatible with breastfeeding.
Dealing with Abnormal Prenatal Screening Results
An abnormal prenatal screening result can be terrifying, but it is important to understand that screening tests are designed to cast a wide net and have significant false-positive rates. Most people with abnormal screening results go on to have healthy babies after further testing confirms the baby is fine. An abnormal screening is a reason for more information, not a diagnosis.
Pregnancy Over 35 (Advanced Maternal Age)
While pregnancy after 35 carries some increased risks (including chromosomal abnormalities, gestational diabetes, and hypertension), the vast majority of people over 35 have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. The term "geriatric pregnancy" is outdated and does not reflect reality. With appropriate prenatal care and monitoring, outcomes are excellent.
Amniocentesis Questions and Fears
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test performed between 15-20 weeks that analyzes amniotic fluid to detect chromosomal conditions and genetic disorders with over 99% accuracy. The risk of pregnancy loss from the procedure is approximately 1 in 500-1,000 when performed by an experienced provider. Understanding the actual risks can help you make an informed decision.
20-Week Anatomy Scan Unexpected Findings
The 20-week anatomy scan checks your baby's major organs, structures, and growth. Most scans are completely normal. When unexpected findings are identified, they range from minor variants that resolve on their own to conditions that need further evaluation. Many findings require nothing more than a follow-up ultrasound to confirm the baby is developing well.