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Medicines and Herbal Remedies During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you probably want to know what medications and herbal remedies are safe to take after you become pregnant. Ideally, it would be best to discuss your current medications with your doctor before you conceive. In any case, as soon as you know you are pregnant, inform your doctor, pharmacist, nurse midwife, mental health provider, and other health providers and discuss what medicines are safe for you to take.
If you are breast-feeding, some medications may pass into the breast milk and cause unwanted effects on your nursing baby, so check with your doctor about taking medications after the baby is born as well.
Medications Taken For A Medical Condition
If you are taking medication for a medical condition such as epilepsy, high blood pressure, asthma, or depression, often the benefits of continuing to take the medicine during pregnancy outweigh the risks to the baby. Don't assume you should stop taking the medicine. Always check with your doctor to determine the recommendation for you.
Medicines Known to Cause Potential Harm
Some medicines have been shown to cause possible birth defects or other problems in unborn children. For other medicines, there has been nothing established as to whether they are safe or unsafe during pregnancy. Some of the medications known to cause birth defects are listed below. This list provides examples only -- do NOT assume a medication is safe or unsafe based solely on this chart.
Drug |
Used to Treat |
Possible effect during pregnancy |
Accutane (Isotretinoin) |
Acne |
Miscarriage; heart, jaw, facial, and brain defects |
Androgens |
Endometriosis |
Genital abnormalities |
Anticoagulants such as warfarin and dicumarol |
Blood clots |
Miscarriage, bone, cartilage, eye, and central nervous system defects |
Anticonvulsants such as Dilantin, Tridione, Paradione, and Depakote |
Seizure disorders and irregular heartbeat |
Mental retardation; growth and developmental abnormalities; neural tube defects, defects of the hands/face |
Antithyroid drugs such as propylthiouracil, iodide, Methimazole |
Overactive thyroid |
Thyroid gland defects |
Radiation therapy |
Medical treatment of disorders such as cancer |
Growth restriction and mental retardation |
Chemotherapy drugs such as methotrexate and aminopterin |
Cancer and skin disease |
Miscarriage and birth defects |
Etretinate (Tegison) |
Psoriasis |
Heart, jaw, and facial defects |
Lithium |
Bipolar disorder |
Congenital heart defects |
Streptomycin |
Tuberculosis |
Hearing loss |
Tetracycline |
Infection |
Underdeveloped tooth enamel; becomes incorporated into fetal bones |
Thalidomide |
Insomnia |
Malformed limbs and growth retardation |
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) |
Menstruation problems, to stop milk production, previously used to prevent preterm labor and miscarriage |
Abnormalities of cervix and uterus in females, possible infertility in males and females |
Organic Mercury |
Exposure through eating contaminated food |
Brain disorders |
Lead |
Industries involving lead smelting, paint manufacture and use, printing, ceramics, glass manufacturing, and pottery glazing |
Problems in development of the fetal central nervous system |
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From American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Planning for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond (pp. 106-107). | ||
Over-the-Counter Medicines
Aspirin and Ibuprofen: There are varied opinions concerning the use of aspirin (salicylate) during pregnancy. In July 1990, the FDA issued a warning about the use of aspirin during the last three months of pregnancy. It stated, "It is especially important not to use aspirin during the last three months of pregnancy, unless specifically directed to do so by a physician, because it may cause problems to the unborn child or complications during delivery." Be aware that aspirin is in many other over-the-counter medications, such as Pepto Bismol(r) and cold medicines. Since ibuprofen products like Advil® and Motrin® have similar characteristics to aspirin, you should ask your doctor before taking this medication as well.
Tylenol®: Generally, Tylenol® (acetaminophen) is considered safe to take during pregnancy in very small doses, but in large doses it can be harmful to the baby. Check with your doctor before you take it, and discuss the number of days that would be considered safe to take it consecutively.
Medications for Colds, Constipation, and Indigestion: There are some over-the-counter medications and natural remedies that are considered safe for these ailments. It is always best to discuss the medication that would be best for you. Remember, some of these medications may have aspirin or other medicines in their ingredients.
Herbal Medicines During Pregnancy
While herbal medications are commonly thought of as "natural" alternatives to other medicines, they can be just as potent as some prescription medications. Many herbs contain chemicals that will cross the placenta to your baby if taken while you are pregnant. Some herbs have been known to cause premature contractions if taken during pregnancy. Generally, the use of medicinal herbs drugs (including herbal tea) is best avoided altogether, particularly during the first trimester. You should always talk to your doctor or nurse midwife before taking any herb during pregnancy.
Reviewed By: Peter Chen, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2001 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
