Medications and Drugs

Pregnancy changes a lot — including what’s safe to take for everyday aches, pains and illnesses. Some medications and supplements are fine, while others can pose risks for you or your baby. The best way to stay safe is to check with your healthcare provider before taking anything new and refer to the medication list they provide to you. Here’s what to know and what questions to ask.

Before using any over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, prescription drug or herbal remedy, ask your provider these questions:

• What does it treat?
• What is the medicine or herb?
• What is the smallest effective dose?
• What side effects might my baby or I experience?
• How long will I need to take it?
• Be cautious with medications that contain multiple ingredients — they’re more likely to include substances that could harm your baby.

Also, keep in mind that many OTC medicines contain alcohol. For example, some cough medicines are 25% alcohol. Ask your healthcare provider if these products are safe for you during pregnancy.

Supplements

Supplements are meant to fill nutritional gaps in your diet. If you’re pregnant, you should take a folic acid supplement every day to help prevent birth defects. Most prenatal vitamins provide the recommended 600 micrograms of folic acid daily. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any other supplements, such as vitamin B, vitamin C or iron.

Opioids

Prescription painkillers called opioids — such as codeine, morphine and oxycodone — can cause serious problems during pregnancy, including premature birth and neonatal abstinence syndrome (withdrawal after birth), according to the March of Dimes. 

If you’re taking opioids for pain, talk with your doctor about stopping them before you get pregnant. If you’re already pregnant, don’t quit suddenly — this can cause severe problems for you and your baby.

Recreational Drugs

If you’ve used drugs during pregnancy, tell your healthcare provider right away and ask for help to quit. Recreational drugs can increase the risk of premature birth, poor growth, and behavior or learning problems in your baby. They can also cause your baby to become addicted before birth.

Your health and your baby’s health come first. When it comes to medications, supplements or herbal remedies, always check with your provider before taking anything when you're pregnant. A quick conversation can give you peace of mind — and help keep both of you safe.