One of the most common questions during a woman’s pregnancy is “Is this safe to take?” when speaking about medicines. Where as pre pregnancy you wouldn’t have given much thought to grabbing an antihistamine or paracetamol as and when needed…. for around 40 weeks you need to pay attention to your pill popping!
As a general rule it is best to avoid any medications that you self administer, if you are prescribed medicines by your Doctor then make an arrangement to see them as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed in order to establish if your meds are safe…. or if they need to be altered.
For the sake of brevity this article will concentrate on medicines you would buy over the counter and self administer.

PLEASE check with your health care provider as the below are for guidance only and recommendations tend to change frequently, please also note that most medicines will have specific notes on the package or insert label pertaining to pregnancy & breastfeeding. Also check out our Natural Remedies section for tips from our members!

Heartburn remedies: Considered safe although most are based on sodium bicarbonate and excessive use of this should be avoided during pregnancy.

Paracetamol is generally regarded as safe for short-term use during pregnancy. Used in all stages of pregnancy for pain relief and reducing fever.

Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are not recommended during pregnancy, as there are safer alternatives available. They should particularly be avoided in the last trimester, because they can delay labour, increase the length of labour and cause complications in the newborn baby. Painkilling doses of aspirin can also increase the risk of bleeding in the mother and baby if taken in the third trimester. Evidence suggests these medicines should also be avoided in the first trimester and by women attempting to conceive, as they may increase the risk of miscarriage or malformations. Check out our Natural Remedies section for tips from our members!

Codeine and dihydrocodeine can affect the baby’s breathing if taken in the last trimester, or during labour in large amounts. Heavy use may also cause a withdrawal syndrome in the newborn infant. However, small doses for a short period of time to treat specific pain can be taken in the first and second trimesters, but only on the advice of a doctor. Be aware that some over-the-counter painkillers contain codeine or dihydrocodeine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicines during pregnancy. Check out our Natural Remedies section for tips from our members!

Products containing antihistamines, such as brompheniramine, meclozine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, cetirizine and loratadine should generally be avoided, as there is insufficient information about their safety. Check out our Natural Remedies section for tips from our members!

Headlice Solutions As most are insecticides or based on essential oils they should be avoided. This not only applies to the use of such treatments on oneself but also on family members as the effects have not been fully studied. Check out our Natural Remedies section for tips from our members!

Piles – haemorrhoids: Over the counter treatments for piles during pregnancy vary hugely and care must be taken to read the labels on packets. Most contain lidocaine hydrochloride and zinc oxide which sadly have very little evidence to show any contra indication but seem to have been used without any ill-effects. However any products that contain cortisones should be avoided.

Eczema: Be very aware that many of the treatments for eczema contain cortisones/steroids. Although most of these wouldn’t be readily available over the counter if you have been using them prior to pregnancy please check with your Doctor once pregnancy is confirmed as cortisones/steroids are not recommended. Also check out our Natural Remedies section for tips from our members!