Taking Medication in Pregnancy

It’s important to take special care with any medication in pregnancy as some medicines are not suitable for pregnant people.

If you are taking medication for any pre-existing or current conditions, let your LMC or GP know what you are taking so they can make sure it is still safe for you and your baby. They may adjust your dosage or change your medication after discussing this with you. Be sure to take any medications as prescribed and do not exceed the stated dosage.

Before taking any over-the-counter medicines like antihistamines for hay fever or remedies for cold and flu relief, always check with your GP or pharmacist that they’re safe to take while pregnant.

Many vitamins and supplements won’t cause any harm when taken at the recommended dosage but if you aren’t sure or you do have concerns, consult a healthcare professional just to be safe.

In terms of pain relief, paracetamol is safe for pregnant people to take but be sure you don’t take more than the recommended dose of paracetamol each day (4g in 24 hours). NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) like ibuprofen should not be used in the first six months of pregnancy unless advised by your doctor. NSAIDs may increase the risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy and they should be avoided completely in the third trimester of pregnancy as they can affect the development of your baby’s large blood vessels.