Some nonmedicinal treatments, like prenatal massage, can be perfectly safe and helpful during pregnancy. Also, many natural and homeopathic remedies aren't well regulated, so it's difficult to know exactly what's in them. The biggest challenge with determining the safety and effectiveness of natural or alternative remedies is that many haven't yet been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so the risks are simply unknown.
Like any drug, some natural remedies are considered low risk in pregnancy and some aren't. Just because a product is labeled "natural" doesn't necessarily mean it's safe to take during pregnancy. talk to your doctor first.ĭiphenhydramine (Benadryl, Maximum Strength Unisom SleepGels, Nytol, Sominex, Eazzze the Pain!)Īre natural or alternative remedies safe to use during pregnancy? Check labels carefully and avoid any products containing active ingredients not listed here. Miconazole (Desenex, Femizol-M, Micatin, Monistat 3)Ĭertain Cruex, Desenex, and FungiCure products that may contain antifungal agents not listed here and should not be used during pregnancy. Yeast infections and other fungal infections such as athlete's footĬlotrimazole (Cruex, Gyne-Lotrimin 3, Lotrimin AF, Mycelex-7) Loperamide, antidiarrheal medication (Imodium, Kaopectate II, Maalox Total Relief, Pepto Diarrhea Control) Hemorrhoid creams (Anusol, Preparation H, Tucks) Other laxatives and stool softeners (Colace, Dulcolax, Maltsupex, Move It Along!, milk of magnesia) Polycarbophil (Equalactin, Fiber-Lax, FiberNorm, Konsyl, Mitrolan) Psyllium (Konsyl-D, Metamucil, Modane Bulk, Perdiem) Loratadine, an antihistamine (Alavert, Claritin, Tavist ND, Triaminic Allerchews)ĭiphenhydramine, an antihistamine (Banophen, Benadryl, Diphenhist, Genahist) The decongestants pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, which can affect blood flow to the placenta May not be safe to take for prolonged periods, so take only as needed. Take the lowest effective total dose, and don't exceed the maximum recommended daily dose. Note that many combination medications contain acetaminophen. Simethicone for gas pains (Gas-X, Maalox Anti-Gas, Mylanta Gas, Mylicon) Heartburn, gas and bloating, upset stomachĪntacids for heartburn (Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, Tums) We've listed some brand names as examples, but there are many more on the market. The chart below lists the OTC medications that are considered low risk for pregnant women when taken occasionally to treat a mild illness. Never discontinue a medication that you've been prescribed without talking with your healthcare provider first.(Some medications aren't safe to take long term during pregnancy.) Ask your provider how long it's safe for you to take the product.Read the label and check with your healthcare provider to confirm dosage information. Take the smallest effective dose, and never take more than the recommended dose.When it comes to taking medication during pregnancy, it's best to keep these things in mind: