Being pregnant can be challenging. There are so many do’s and don’ts when it comes to healthy, long-term pregnancies and so many things which a pregnant woman cannot put into her body. Taking medication during pregnancy becomes tricky as many medications can cause negative side effects and harm to the foetus. Below we have a quick rundown of the most common medications to avoid.
Over-The-Counter Meds
Some over-the-counter meds may cause birth defects in babies. Although we may not think twice about taking them normally, here are some common ones to avoid while pregnant:
- Bismuth subsalicylate which is anti-indigestion medication. This is particularly important as some indigestion medication is safe, and in fact, recommended, however, Bismuth subsalicylate is not.
- Phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine. These are both decongestants. Avoid these during the first trimester completely and use sparingly if absolutely necessary in the last two trimesters.
- Guaifenesin which can be found in common cough and cold meds.
- Ibuprofen and aspirin, which form part of a large group of pain meds, and name brands such as Advil and Aleve should be avoided. Although these are not highly dangerous, rather not take them.
- Codeine can be found in many pain meds, as well as some children’s medications, and should be avoided at all costs.
Consult Your Doctor When It Comes To Prescription Medication
Prior to falling pregnant, some women take daily medication for different ailments and illnesses and need to consult their doctor as soon as possible when finding out they’re pregnant. While doctors will always prescribe pregnancy-safe medications, it’s beneficial to know the avoidable ones as well. Those avoidable prescription medications are:
- Certain acne medications such as Accutane are highly likely to cause birth defects. This should be stopped as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. If trying to conceive, stop acne medication months in advance.
- Blood pressure meds such as benazepril and lisinopril should be avoided. Although some blood pressure medication may be prescribed to avoid preeclampsia, you need to confer with your doctor as to which ones will work for you and which ones are safe. Any ACE inhibitors should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
- Some seizure meds may need to be stopped if possible. These include valproic acid, but again you need to consult with your doctor regarding this chronic medication.
- Antibiotics including doxycycline and tetracycline should never be taken when pregnant. Some antibiotics are safe for use during pregnancy, but must never be used without your medical practitioner’s advice.
- Methotrexate which is arthritis medication is a definite no-no when pregnant.
- Warfarin prevents blood clots and must be avoided. One does not want thinned blood during pregnancy due to the risk of bleeding out. If you are on Warfarin for a life-threatening disorder and fall pregnant, consult your doctor immediately.
- Lithium is a bipolar and depression medication and while it is advised to not stop all mood stabilizers, contact your doctor to find out which are safe for continued use during pregnancy.
- Alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium) are both anxiety and depression medication and deemed unsafe for pregnancy. As with Lithium above, medical advice needs to be sought in order to remain on certain mood stabilisers.
Seek Professional Advice
All medications need to prescribed by your doctor before being taken when you are pregnant. The list of medications to avoid during pregnancy can differ depending on your circumstances. Do not hesitate to contact our doctor’s rooms today to receive the best care during your pregnancy. Book an appointment to discuss what is best for you and your baby.
Your Pregnancy Medication Questions, Answered
I’ve got a headache. Is Compral safe in pregnancy?
When it comes to everyday painkillers, you need to be careful. While paracetamol is generally considered safe in moderation, drugs like Compral and Ibuprofen should be avoided altogether. It contains both aspirin, which can pose risks to your baby, and a high amount of caffeine, which can increase the risk of certain complications. It’s always best to chat with your doctor before taking anything, so please feel free to book a consultation for personalised advice.
My heartburn is out of control. Can you take bismuth subsalicylate while pregnant?
While it’s tempting to reach for something like Pepto-Bismol, it should be avoided because it’s a salicylate, similar to aspirin, which carries potential risks for the baby, especially later in pregnancy. Instead of reaching for just anything, it’s a great time to focus on prevention. In fact, our blog has some great tips on using nutrient-rich foods to help manage symptoms naturally.
I prefer natural remedies. Is homeopathic medicine safe in pregnancy?
It’s a common belief that “natural” always means “safe”, but this isn’t necessarily true during pregnancy. Many herbal remedies haven’t been tested for safety. While some things, like using ginger for nausea, have been shown to be safe, other products may be of low quality or even contain harmful substances. So, before you start any new supplement, it’s an important conversation to have with us at your pre-conceptual care appointment.
I think I have an infection. Is it safe to take antibiotics when pregnant?
Yes, taking the right kind of antibiotics when pregnant is often necessary to treat a bacterial infection that could otherwise harm you or your baby. First, a doctor needs to diagnose the infection so the safest, most effective treatment can be established, such as amoxicillin or cephalexin.
Certain types, like tetracyclines, are generally avoided. Your doctor will always prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed, because any medication can cross the placenta. This careful management is a core part of the dedicated care you’ll receive from our obstetrics service.
I’m on medication for chronic anxiety. Do I need to stop?
Absolutely not, but you do need to talk with a qualified obstetrician. Suddenly stopping prescribed medication can be riskier than continuing with a managed plan. We have a whole blog post that goes into detail about antidepressants during pregnancy, which is a great starting point for this conversation. Managing your health with your doctor becomes even more of a team effort if you’re in a high-risk pregnancy category, as this often involves extra monitoring and a more tailored care plan to keep both you and your baby healthy.
This is all so confusing. How do I know what’s really okay to take?
You’re not alone in feeling that way. The safest and simplest rule is not to take anything without speaking to your doctor first. Get to know our team of trusted doctors and feel confident that you’re in a supportive space to ask anything about safe drugs and medications during pregnancy.