Taking medicines in pregnancy: general principles to guide your decisions

Headaches, colds and heartburn do not stop just because you are pregnant. And each one brings the same question: “Can I take something for this?” This article names no specific drug or amount. It simply gathers general principles to help you decide together with your doctor.

Risk on both sides

No medicine is “safe” for everyone or “forbidden” for everyone. The effect depends on the type of medicine, the amount, how long it is used and the stage of your pregnancy. On the other hand, untreated high fever, an infection or an uncontrolled long-term condition can also carry risks for your baby.

So the question is often not “medicine or no medicine?” but “which option is the most balanced for you?” Weighing that up with you is your doctor’s job.

Over-the-counter products count too

Anything you buy without a prescription, or already have at home, belongs here:

• Pain relievers, cold and cough products, nasal sprays, stomach remedies
• Herbal teas, supplements, “natural” blends, essential oils
• Vitamin and mineral supplements (high amounts of some vitamins can be harmful)
• Some acne and skin-care products, whether applied or taken by mouth

“Herbal” does not mean safe. The effects of many plants in pregnancy have not been studied well enough.

Medicines you already take regularly

If you take medicine regularly for asthma, thyroid problems, blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, depression or anything else, do not stop or cut back on your own. Stopping suddenly can sometimes be riskier for you and your baby than the medicine itself.

If you are planning a pregnancy, or your test has just turned positive, review your medicines with your doctor as soon as you can. Some can be switched to an option better suited to pregnancy.

Things to keep in mind when deciding

• Tell every health professional, including the pharmacist, that you are pregnant and how far along you are.
• The pregnancy section of a leaflet is written very cautiously and does not know your situation, so do not rely on it alone.
• The aim is generally the shortest time needed and the lowest effective amount, as set by your doctor.
• Products aimed at a single complaint are usually preferred over combination products with several active ingredients; your doctor or pharmacist can advise.
• Do not use leftover medicines or ones prescribed for someone else.
• Keep a note of what you take and show it at your check-ups.

What you can do

For some complaints, non-drug measures can be a good first step:

• Headache: Enough water, regular meals, rest, a warm or cool compress on your forehead.
• Cold: Rest, plenty of fluids, saline nose rinses, steam, sleeping with your head raised.
• Heartburn: Small, frequent meals; stopping eating two to three hours before bed.
• Constipation: High-fibre foods, water, a gentle walk.

If these are not enough, asking your doctor or midwife is always the best step. There is no such thing as bothering them with something too small.

When to contact your doctor

• You have a temperature of 38 °C or higher.
• Your complaint does not clear up within a few days or gets worse.
• You took a medicine by mistake or before you knew you were pregnant: do not panic, take the packaging and ask your doctor or the national poison information line (114 in Türkiye).
• After taking a medicine you get a rash, swelling of the face or lips, or shortness of breath: call 112 straight away.

This article is for general information; when it comes to which medicine to take and when, your doctor’s advice comes first.