When you’re pregnant, keeping both you and your baby healthy is your highest priority, and it’s critical to ensure that any medication you take is safe. There are many medications you can take throughout your pregnancy, even in the first trimester, but if you have any concerns, talk to your doctor.
Dr. Aliabadi, a board-certified gynecologist, can advise you on safe pregnancy medications.
Are all medications safe to take when pregnant?
Although expectant mothers can take many medications, no drug is 100% safe, and some medications can contribute to birth defects. One report states that over 90% of the medications approved by the FDA between 1980 and 2000 had insufficient information to determine if they were safe for pregnant people.
However, as many as 90% of pregnant women take over-the-counter medications. As with prescription drugs, many can be taken when you’re pregnant, but some could pose a risk to your unborn child. Fortunately, as an expert OB/GYN, Dr. Aliabadi is up-to-date on which prescription and OTC drugs are safe during pregnancy.
How do I know if a medication is safe?
Since 1979, the FDA has assigned pregnancy risk factors to all drugs used in the U.S. Unfortunately, many medications have not been adequately researched during pregnancy as it is difficult to do so.
However, the FDA does evaluate medications and report on their potential impact during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Information packets included with your medications will include any warnings, but talk to your healthcare provider before trying to conceive if you’re on any medications.
Is ibuprofen safe during pregnancy?
No. It is generally considered unsafe for a pregnant woman to take ibuprofen, such as Motrin or Advil, as it may increase your risk of miscarriage. When taken later in pregnancy, it may harm your child’s circulation and kidneys.
Is cough syrup safe during pregnancy?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, dextromethorphan (found in Robitussin and Vicks 44) may be used at a standard dosage. However, the expectorant guaifenesin (found in Mucinex) should be avoided during the first trimester.
You could also consider a hot drink with honey, as honey coats the throat and may relieve your cough. Increased fluid intake also thins mucous and reduces coughing.
Is acetaminophen safe for pregnancy?
Also known as Tylenol, most doctors recommend this version of pain relief for pregnant people.
What allergy medications are safe for pregnancy?
Saline nasal spray or saline irrigation is the safest option, but it is only occasionally effective for allergy symptoms. Nasacort Allergy 24 hr should not be taken when you’re pregnant.
Allergy medications containing the decongestants pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine should not be taken during pregnancy.
Are antihistamines safe during pregnancy?
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) are both generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, if drowsiness is a problem, loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are also considered safe.
Safe antacids during pregnancy
Many antacids (Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, Gaviscon) are safe heartburn remedies when pregnant. However, antacids that contain sodium bicarbonate and magnesium trisilicate aren’t safe. You could also consider OTC acid blockers, such as Pepcid, Zantac 360, and Tagamet, but speak to your doctor first.
Reducing gas during pregnancy
Safe medications for treating gas include simethicone (Gas-X, Maalox anti-gas).
Pregnancy-safe constipation remedies
You may be able to relieve constipation by drinking enough fluid and eating plenty of fiber or taking OTC fiber supplements such as Metamucil. Regular exercise may also help.
In more extreme cases of constipation, laxatives or stool softeners (Colace, Miralax, milk of magnesia) may be needed. Get advice from Dr. Aliabadi before trying any laxatives.
Why trust Dr. Aliabadi with your pregnancy?
Dr. Thais Aliabadi’s international practice focuses on women’s health, guiding women through all phases of their lives. She is supported by her friendly, professional team, and she cherishes her unique one-on-one relationships with her patients.
Highly trained and honored by the medical community, she is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a Diplomate of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Aliabadi specializes in state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical techniques, promising her patients shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and less interruption to their daily lives.
In addition to employing the latest cancer screening and prevention techniques, all diagnostic testing, labs, and surgical and non-surgical treatments are performed in her office.
We invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment or call us at (844) 863-6700.
The practice of Dr. Thais Aliabadi is ranked as one of the top gynecology centers in the country. We are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area, near Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles, to name a few.
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