While no medications are absolutely guaranteed to be safe during pregnancy, some medications are better choices than others. Many OB/GYNs and women's health care providers, as well as medical websites such as one linked below, have a list of over-the-counter medications that are considered reasonably safe for pregnant women. Women who are pregnant, or think they might be pregnant, should always check with their doctors before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, as well as herbal or all-natural remedies.
Identification
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes over-the-counter and prescription medications as class A, B, C, D or X, depending on their proven safety . Only medications that have been proven safe in a sufficient number of human studies are rated Class A. Those that have been proven safe in , but not human studies, are Class B. Medications shown potential harm in animal studies are Class C. Medications listed as Class D are known to increase the risk of birth defects or complications, but may still be necessary for some women. Class X medications should not be used during pregnancy.
Time Frame
Since some medications can cause harm if a woman takes them before she finds out that she is pregnant, a woman who might become pregnant should avoid taking any medications without a doctor's approval. Early pregnancy is a time of important development when all of the baby's major organ systems are forming, making it especially vulnerable to medications. Many medications have a different FDA class in early pregnancy than they do in late pregnancy.
Types
Most doctors recommend that all pregnant women take prenatal vitamins, which are available over-the-counter or by prescription. Prenatal supplements that include Omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oil should be mercury-free for safety. For allergies and rashes, Benadryl pills or creams are considered a safe choice. Even though Benadryl is FDA Class B, it has been used without evidence of harmful affects for many decades. For colds, doctors may recommend medications such as Sudafed and Robitussin, as well as throat sprays such as Chloraseptic, or natural remedies like gargling with salt water or taking a steamy shower. Most doctors also consider antacid tablets and fiber supplements safe for relieving pregnant women's digestive symptoms.
Size
Pregnant women who take over-the-counter or prescription medications need to be especially carefully to follow the dosing instructions. Many medications include how much medication patients should take at each dose, the maximum number of doses within 24 hours, and length of time patients can continue taking the medication. Pregnant women who find that they need to take more of the medication, or take it for longer than recommended, should always seek a doctor's approval first. Some doctors may only allow pregnant women to use medications, such as over-the-counter diarrhea remedies, for one day. If the problem persists, the doctor may want to see pregnant patients to make sure they are not getting dehydrated or suffering from a serious infection that could harm the baby.
Considerations
Pregnant women need to pay extra attention to medication labels to make sure that they know exactly what they sre taking. For example, versions of Benadryl designed to treat sinus headaches or colds may contain acetaminophen and phenylephrine as well as the basic antihistamine. Decongestant or long-lasting versions of cold medications can also include additional drugs that aren't on the list of safe medications. When in doubt, pregnant women should check with their doctor's office before taking the medications. Many OB/GYNs have a phone nurse who can answer such questions, without waiting for an appointment.
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