Growing up, you had a few health problems and always relied on medication. Now that you’re older, your health has generally improved, but you are never afraid to reach for the painkillers or visit the pharmacy for medicine when you feel you need it.

However, now that you’re pregnant, you wonder whether you should be more careful about the medication that you put in your body. After all, you want the best for your growing baby, and you wouldn’t want to do anything to jeopardise their health.

If you’re feeling confused about which medication you can and can not take during your pregnancy, then you’re not alone. Plenty of parents have this dilemma. So, let’s discuss which medicines are safe to take during this time.

But first of all, let’s outline just why it’s so important to take the right medicines during your pregnancy in the first place.

Why is it important to take the right medicines during my pregnancy?

When you take medicine during pregnancy, the medicine will cross the placenta and reach the baby. This is why it’s so important to consult a pharmacist, midwife, or GP before taking any medications while pregnant, so you can assess the potential effects they may have on your baby.

If your healthcare worker isn’t aware that you are pregnant, it’s essential that you let them know before they prescribe you any medications.

Now that we’ve outlined why it’s important to take the right medicines during your pregnancy, we'll cover which medicines are safe to use during your pregnancy.

Which medicines are safe to use during my pregnancy?

When it comes to ascertaining what medicines are safe to use during my pregnancy, it’s always best to consult your doctor.

When it comes to over-the-counter medications, it’s generally advised not to take them when you’re pregnant, unless you really need them.

Finally, you might also be wondering whether more natural medications such as herbal, homeopathic remedies and aromatherapy are safe during your pregnancy. So, we thought it best to answer that question too!

What about herbal, homeopathic remedies and aromatherapy?

Although it’s easy to assume that natural remedies or complementary therapies are safe to take during pregnancy, this isn’t always the case. There are some natural products which may not be of high quality and may contain substances that could be harmful to your baby.

So, it’s always best to consult your midwife, doctor, or pharmacist before taking any herbal, homeopathic remedies, or aromatherapy.

Which medicines should I be taking during pregnancy?

Refer to the BUMP website and speak to your doctor rather than self-medicating, says Unii.