If you were in the environment during your pregnancy, you may be wondering if you can take your regular over-the-counter (OTC) medication. Some medications are safe to use while pregnant. However, others may not, or may not know their effects on your child.

When you see your doctor confirming your pregnancy, ask what medications are safe to use and which medications you should avoid. To help you determine what is safe, your health care practitioner will assess the risks and benefits.

Also, even if the label says 'natural', tell your doctor about any alternative medicine or supplement you are taking. Also, if you take any new medications while you are pregnant, double-check with one of the doctors who prescribed them.

What medications can you take while pregnant?

When you are pregnant, it is important to take prenatal vitamins because they are both safe and essential. Ask your doctor about the safety of taking additional vitamins, herbal medicines, or supplements. The safety of most herbal medicines and supplements during pregnancy has not been established.

Generally, you should not use over-the-counter medications while you are pregnant, unless necessary.

When used according to package recommendations, the following medications and home remedies may not have any adverse effects during pregnancy. For more information about their safety or medications not covered here, see your doctor.

Medications to prevent pregnancy *

• Allergies
• Diphenhydramine is a diphenhydramine derivative (benadril)
• Loratadine is a type of loratadine that is Claritin
• Nasal steroid spray (Rhinocort)
• Before taking them in the first trimester, consult your doctor.
• Cold and influenza
• Acetaminophen is a pain reliever (Tylenol)
• Spray with nasal drops or saline
• Rinse with warm salt/water solution.
• Consult your doctor before using any additional medications, especially in the first trimester.
• Constipation
• Metamucil
• First aid ointment
• Bacitracin
• J&J First-Aid Cream is a brand of first aid cream made by J&J.
• Neosporin
• Polysporin
• Hives
• Benadryl ointment
• Caldrill cream or lotion
• Hydrocortisone ointment or cream
• Oat Bath (Avino)

What alternative medicine is safe to use while pregnant?

For pregnant women, some alternative therapies are safe and beneficial in reducing some of the unpleasant side effects of pregnancy. Before using any of these, consult your doctor first. When you are pregnant, remember that 'natural' does not always mean 'safe'.

Acupuncture, acupressure, ****** root (250 mg capsules four times a day), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, 25 mg two or three times a day) can effectively help with nausea in early pregnancy. Drinking a thick syrup from a can of peaches, pears, mixed fruit, pineapple or orange slices may also help.

Chiropractic manipulation has the best track record for back pain. Massage is another option, but make sure your massage therapist is well versed in prenatal massage.

Exercise and hypnotherapy can help transform a breech baby.

During childbirth, epidurals are the most effective pain reliever, but wetting in a warm bath can also help. During labor, relaxation and breathing techniques, as well as emotional support and self-hypnosis, are commonly used. Some women may benefit from acupuncture.

What alternative treatments should you avoid while pregnant?

The following compounds, in concentrated form (not as a cooking spice), are harmful to your baby. Some suspect birth defects and/or childbirth.

Avoid the following **** supplements: Arbor Vitae, Beth Root, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Cascara, Chest Tree Berry, Chinese Angelica (**** Quai), Cinchona, Cotton Root Bark, Feverfew, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Zuni Kawa Kawa, Licorice, Meadow Saffron, Penny Royal, Poke Root, Rhubarb, Sage, St. John's wort (in large doses can cause birth defects).

Aromatherapy essential oils to avoid are calamus, mugwort, pennyroyal, sage, wintergreen, basil, hyssop, mirror, marjoram, and thyme.

If you have any questions about medication, supplements, or therapy, consult your doctor before taking or using it.