Jump to content

  • Set Your Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
Set Your LocationSet Your Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Health and Wellness
  • Pregnancy
  • Medications and Drugs
Content

Medications and Drugs

Over-the-counter and prescription medications require extra caution during pregnancy. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.

You’ve got a headache — can you take ibuprofen? What about an herbal cream for muscle aches — is it safe? During pregnancy, some medications are safe; others may pose problems. Talk to your healthcare provider to be sure you’re not putting yourself or baby at risk.

Before taking any recommended over-the-counter (OTC) meds, prescriptions or medicinal herbs during your pregnancy, ask your healthcare provider these questions:

  • What is this medicine or herb?
  • What does it treat?
  • What side effects might my baby or I experience?
  • What is the smallest effective dose?
  • How long will I need to take this medication?

Be cautious about using medications that contain multiple ingredients. They are more likely to contain extra substances that may harm your baby.

Also, be aware that many OTC medications contain alcohol. For example, some cough medicines are 25 percent alcohol. Ask your healthcare provider if you should use such products during pregnancy.

Supplements

Supplements, such as a vitamin B, C or iron supplement, are intended to supply nutrients that may be lacking in your diet. If you’re pregnant, you should take a folic acid supplement every day to prevent birth defects. Most prenatal supplements provide the recommended amount of 600 mcg folic acid daily. Talk to your healthcare provider about taking any other supplements.

Opioids

Prescription painkillers, called opioids, include codeine, morphine and oxycodone. According to the March of Dimes, opioids may cause serious problems during pregnancy, including premature birth and neonatal abstinence syndrome (withdrawal from drug exposure in the womb before birth).

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

Recreational Drugs

Be sure to tell your doctor if you’ve used drugs at any time during your pregnancy — and to get help on how to quit for a healthier pregnancy. Drugs can increase the risk for premature birth, poor growth, and behavior or learning problems in your baby, or even cause your baby to become addicted to the drug before they’re born.

Related Articles

  • Smoking and Tobacco Use
  • Food and Drinks
  • Health Conditions
  • Chemical Products
  • Partners and Pregnancy
  • First Trimester Fetal Development
The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

  • Contact Us
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Request Medical Records
  • Make a Gift
Sign in to My Health Online

Billing and Insurance

  • Pay a Bill
  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Estimate Costs
  • Medicare Advantage

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Community Benefit
  • Annual Report
  • News

Our Team

  • For Employees
  • For Medical Professionals
  • For Vendors
  • For Volunteers

Careers

  • Jobs at Sutter
  • Physician Jobs
  • Graduate Medical Education

Copyright © 2023 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

  • ADA Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • LinkedIn Opens new window
  • YouTube Opens new window
  • Facebook Opens new window
  • Twitter Opens new window
  • Instagram Opens new window
  • Glassdoor Opens new window

Cookie Policy

We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences