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Tips for Pregnant or Nursing Moms

Is it safe to use over-the-counter (OTC) medicine while I am pregnant?

The best thing you can do for your health and the health of your baby is to talk to your doctor before taking any medicine—prescription or over-the-counter (OTC)—when pregnant, breastfeeding, or when planning to become pregnant. For some medicines, not enough is known about how they might impact a mother or fetus during these times. In all instances, it is very important to have a conversation with your doctor before taking any medicine when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. It also is important to have a conversation with your doctor before stopping particular medications.

How should I decide whether to use a medicine while I am pregnant?

When you are pregnant or nursing you should pay more attention to what goes into your body. Not all OTC medications are safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding, which is why it is so important for you to talk to your doctor about your own situation and the benefits and risks of taking any medication.

Where do doctors and nurses find out about using medicines during pregnancy?

Doctors and nurses get information from research journals, studies, and textbooks. Doctors and nurses also share their knowledge with each other, get information from the Drug Facts label (which is regulated by FDA), and learn about medicines directly from the makers and manufacturers of medicines.

What if I'm thinking about getting pregnant?

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you are thinking about getting pregnant. Your doctor will help you determine the best way to take care of yourself before getting pregnant. During this visit, talk to your doctor about any medications and dietary supplements you take. It is also important to talk to your doctor before you stop taking certain health products.

What if I get sick and need to use medicine while I am pregnant?

Talk to your doctor if you have questions about taking medicines while pregnant. It is important to follow the directions given by your doctor. Not taking a medicine you need that a doctor prescribes could be harmful to you and your baby.

Are vitamins safe for me while I am pregnant?

The experts agree that regular multivitamins and prenatal vitamins are safe to take during pregnancy and can be helpful. Here are recommendations from The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

• Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should take daily a vitamin that contains at least 400 micrograms (µg) of folic acid. Folic acid reduces the chance of a baby having a neural tube defect, like spina bifida, where the spine or brain does not form the right way.
• It is best to start taking these vitamins before you become pregnant or if you could become pregnant.
• It's important to take the vitamin dose prescribed by your doctor. An excess of certain vitamins can harm your baby.

For more information visit womenshealth.gov.

What should I do if I am a nursing mother and need to take medicine?

The following are some basic tips for taking OTC medicine when you're breastfeeding:

• Talk to your doctor first about any medicine—prescription or OTC—if you are a nursing mother. Medicines can pass through breast milk to a baby.
• Whenever possible, take oral medicines after you breastfeed or before the infant's longest sleep period. This will give the medicine a chance to leave your system before you feed your baby again.
• If you are taking any medications, watch your baby for any signs of side effects. These signs can include a rash, trouble breathing, or other symptoms that your baby didn’t have before you took the medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice these or any other symptoms that concern you.

 

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