Pregnancy can make even simple medication questions feel stressful. You may wonder whether you can take something for a headache, allergies, congestion, heartburn, nausea, or a cold without putting your baby at risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90% of American women take some medication during pregnancy.³ But common over-the-counter medicines are not always safe for every stage of pregnancy, and the right choice can depend on your symptoms, trimester, health history, and dosage.^3,5,11

This guide can help you understand common medication categories during pregnancy, but it should not replace advice from your OB-GYN, midwife, or healthcare provider. Always check with your provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication while pregnant.

Medication safety can depend on your trimester, dose, health history, and the exact ingredients in a product. Many cold, allergy, and digestive medications have multiple formulations, so always check the active ingredients and ask your provider before taking anything.

Pain Relief During Pregnancy

Aches and pains are not unusual during pregnancy.^1,5,8 Your body is working hard to support your growing baby, and that can put extra strain on your back, joints, legs, and pelvis. Headaches are common, and you may wonder what safe medications are during pregnancy.²⁰

The term “pain relievers” covers several different types of medications, including acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and opioids.

NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and Excedrin are not recommended during pregnancy unless specifically prescribed by your doctor.^2,5,14,15 Some research has linked the use of NSAIDs during early pregnancy to miscarriage, while later in pregnancy, it can affect your baby’s heart and kidneys.^2,5,21

Opioids are prescription medications. If you are prescribed opioids before becoming pregnant, seek medical advice as soon as you know you are expecting. Babies exposed to opioids in utero can be born addicted, and these medications increase the risk of serious complications such as placental abruption.¹⁴

Can You Take Tylenol While Pregnant?

Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, is the most frequently used painkiller during pregnancy. It has a long history and is considered a pregnancy-safe medication.²² Yet the recommendation is to use it sparingly and according to directions.

Recently, some parents have filed lawsuits claiming that Tylenol use during pregnancy contributed to their children having ADHD or autism.^12,15,17

Related: Ways to Cope With Pregnancy Discomforts

Allergy Medications During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women are not immune to allergies such as hay fever. Women with a history of allergies pre-pregnancy are more likely to experience symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. However, others will develop allergies for the first time during pregnancy.^9,13

Your provider will consider any drug’s overall benefits and risks when deciding what medicine you can take while pregnant. Try avoiding triggers and limiting exposure to allergens. Your doctor may also recommend non-pharmacological management, such as nasal irrigation with a neti pot or saline nasal sprays.

Can You Take Benadryl While Pregnant?

Benadryl has been used for a long time and is generally considered safe during pregnancy when recommended by your doctor.^9,13,17

Pregnancy-safe allergy medications while under physician care may include:

• Claritin (loratadine)
• Zyrtec (cetirizine)
• Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)^9,13

Nasal sprays have different formulations, and your physician may recommend limiting exposure, especially if the spray contains a decongestant. Pregnant women should avoid taking any oral allergy medications containing a decongestant.^9,13 Always check with your OBGYN first before starting any allergy medications.

Related: Congestion During Pregnancy: Why It Happens and How To Resolve It

Cold Medicine During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can affect your immune system, and many women experience a cough or cold at least once during their pregnancy. However, many usually safe over-the-counter medications can pose risks during pregnancy.^3,5,11

Acetaminophen is generally considered safe for treating a cold or fever.¹⁵ However, you should always consult your OBGYN because symptoms like headaches may be related to other complications like high blood pressure.¹⁶

Related: 7 Tips for Combating Cold, Flu, and COVID During Pregnancy

Can You Take Robitussin While Pregnant?

There are several Robitussin products on the market. Robitussin DM cough syrup contains two ingredients considered relatively safe in pregnancy when used for a short time and taken as directed. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant, and guaifenesin, an expectorant, loosens mucus. Yet, some information indicates that guaifenesin may be unsafe during the first trimester.

Always consult your doctor before starting a medication.^6,17

Pregnancy-safe medications for colds typically include:

• Over-the-counter cough syrups containing dextromethorphan, like Delsym and Robitussin DM
• Throat lozenges (cough drops) without alcohol, like Ricola¹⁷

Avoid cough medicines containing alcohol and ibuprofen during pregnancy.^2,13

Decongestants During Pregnancy

Before pregnancy, you may not have given it a second thought to reach for a decongestant when dealing with a troublesome, irritating stuffy nose. Decongestants are often used for common colds, flu, allergies, and sinusitis symptoms.

Decongestants are problematic during pregnancy and have been linked to birth defects, especially in the first trimester.

If you have a stuffy nose, using nasal irrigation techniques like a neti pot or adding humidified moisture to the air may help alleviate symptoms.^10,13

Can You Take Mucinex While Pregnant?

According to the drug fact sheet published by MotherToBaby, a leading authority compiling evidence-based information on substance exposure during pregnancy, the active ingredient in Mucinex, guaifenesin, has a low chance of causing birth defects. It is unknown if Mucinex increases the risk of miscarriage. Guaifenesin is an expectorant and is also in Robitussin DM.

Consult with your OBGYN or midwife before taking Mucinex.⁶

Pseudoephedrine is the active ingredient in Sudafed and some other decongestants. According to the MotherToBaby website, a few small studies suggest a correlation between this drug and birth defects.¹⁰

Consult your doctor for risks versus benefits. Some medicines may be safe at different times in pregnancy. Pregnancy-safe medications for congestion include:

• Vicks VapoRub²³

Antacids and Digestive Relief During Pregnancy

Heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux are common during pregnancy, especially as your baby grows and puts pressure on your stomach. Treating heartburn follows the same risk-versus-benefit approach. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and how much your quality of life is affected, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to avoid taking unnecessary drugs. Decreasing caffeine intake, limiting spicy foods, eating frequent small meals instead of fewer larger ones, and avoiding lying down flat after eating may be enough to improve heartburn symptoms without medication.^17,18

However, if you need medications, TUMS (calcium carbonate) is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Other antacids like Maalox, Mylanta, and Rolaids are probably safe but have additional additives like aluminum and sodium bicarbonate. Aluminum is not good for your baby, and sodium can also increase fluid retention, leading to swelling.^17,18

Related: How To Relieve Heartburn During Pregnancy

Can You Take Pepto While Pregnant?

Pepto-Bismol, the pink drink everyone knows is for upset stomach, diarrhea, indigestion, and nausea, is not a pregnancy-safe medication. The active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol, bismuth subsalicylate, is closely related to aspirin and could cause bleeding irregularities.¹⁹

Talk with your health provider if you struggle with gastric problems like indigestion, nausea, or constipation during your pregnancy.

Related: 23 Ways To Relieve Morning Sickness

Prescription Medications During Pregnancy

Many women have pre-pregnancy health conditions requiring ongoing treatment and management. Conditions such as seizures, mental health conditions, heart conditions, or diabetes are some of these. Finding a definitive list of medications you can take while pregnant is challenging, especially when balancing chronic conditions with pregnancy.⁴

If you are taking prescription medications, let your OBGYN know as soon as you think you may be pregnant. If you plan on becoming pregnant, talk with your OBGYN about ways to limit any potential drug exposure risks.⁴

Medication decisions during pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to figure them out alone. Some medications may be considered during pregnancy, while others should be avoided or used only under specific guidance.

Before taking any medication, check the active ingredients, follow the label, and talk with your healthcare provider. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks based on your symptoms, trimester, health history, and pregnancy needs.