A Guide to Medications During Pregnancy
Safe medications, ones to avoid, and rules for consulting your doctor.
HeyMom Editorial Team Pregnancy 1 min read 
Medication use during pregnancy truly requires attention. Asking your doctor before using any medication — every time — is the most fundamental rule. Even medications that seem "minor" can be evaluated differently during this period.
Medications generally considered safe include paracetamol (fever reducer, pain reliever) and some antacids (calcium carbonate). However, even with "safe" ones, follow your doctor's advice on dose and duration.
Medications that should be strictly avoided: Ibuprofen and aspirin (especially after the 20th week), isotretinoin (acne medication), warfarin (blood thinner), certain antibiotics, and high-dose vitamin A preparations. An important exception: If your doctor has prescribed low-dose aspirin to lower your preeclampsia risk, please don't stop it on your own because of this list; that treatment was planned specifically for you. This list isn't complete — always ask your doctor.
Not everything "natural" is safe. Some herbal teas (sage tea, St. John's wort, senna) can cause unexpected effects. If you regularly take medication for a chronic condition, discussing this with your doctor when planning pregnancy is very important.
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