Pregnancy 101: Is It Safe to Take Cold Medicine While Pregnant?

"Women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should ask their doctor before taking this medication."

The not-for-pregnant-women disclaimer is a warning label that exists on almost every vitamin, supplement, over-the-counter drug, and prescription out there. Why? Because the list of things that are off-limits truly is a mile long once you're pregnant (or even while breastfeeding).

It's not uncommon to wonder if you can even take cold medicine while pregnant. The answer to that is: ask your doctor. But that doesn't mean over-the-counter medicines are totally off the table for the full nine months. Here's what you need to know.

Can You Take Cold Medicine While Pregnant?

If you're pregnant over the winter period, you might wonder whether you have to suffer through a stuffy nose or sore throat. Can you take cold medicine while pregnant? The answer is maybe.

Most OB/GYNs say that you should always try to use natural soothing remedies before you turn to cold products. The average over-the-counter medicine only treats your symptoms - not the cold itself. So, you might feel better, but you aren't getting better.

If you do need to take something, you'll likely take:

• Tylenol (not ideal, but safer than ibuprofen or aspirin)

• Benadryl

• Sudafed

• Claritin

However, you should always talk to your doctor before taking any of the above, as melodramatic as it may seem.

It's important to remember that all drugs, including those found at your local pharmacy, have interactions, particularly for pregnant women. If you order your prescriptions from a Canadian pharmacy online, make sure you're getting the correct prescription name and dosage because a different brand may not necessarily be approved for use in pregnant women.

Three Things You Shouldn't Take When Pregnant

Is there anything available in your drug store that you should avoid? Yes, you should not take:

• High doses of aspirin (low doses may be okay with doctor supervision)

• Ibuprofen

• Herbal supplements or medications

It's particularly important to be wary of any herbal remedies. What you ingest can reach your baby, and there's no science behind what effect a supplement might have on your developing baby. Plus, supplements aren't regulated, so no one can really say whether it's safe.

The first trimester is when you want to avoid all medications, if possible. During the first 12 weeks, your baby's organs are developing. As a result, any interference could have a more serious effect earlier on in the pregnancy.

Always Try Natural First - or Talk to Your Doctor

The problem with taking cold medicine while pregnant is that it can be passed on to your baby, who isn't yet developed enough to process it. Even items like Tylenol (which is generally safe) can make a difference in your baby's development if you don't stick to the correct dosage.

Fortunately, if you have a cold, there are plenty of other natural alternatives available. Often, they work just as well as any over-the-counter medicine, and they don't come with side effects!

As always, you should talk to your doctor or OB/GYN before taking anything if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Did we answer your question? Learn more about the do's and dont's of pregnancy in our Moms archive.