Medications, Supplements & Pregnancy: What Should You Keep, What Should you Pause?

One of the first questions we hear at Colorado Birth & Wellness is: “What can I safely take now that I’m pregnant?”

At your first prenatal visit, we’ll review everything you’re currently taking. Prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbs, and supplements. If you take medications regularly (or even occasionally), we encourage you to let us know as soon as possible so we can guide you early.

But pregnancy doesn’t mean stopping everything.

Prescription Medications

If you’re managing a chronic condition like depression, anxiety, thyroid imbalance, diabetes, or high blood pressure, you will likely continue treatment. Sometimes with dosage adjustments or medication shifts.

Your health matters and stable parents grow stable babies.

Never stop a prescription medication without speaking to your provider first.

Over-the-Counter Medications

We usually recommend starting with natural remedies when possible. Like hydration, rest, magnesium, ginger, saline spray, chiropractic care, humidifiers, acupuncture, etc.

But sometimes you need more support. Here’s a general guide (always confirm with your provider):

Pain & Fever

✔ Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
✘ Ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), regular-strength aspirin
⚠ Low-dose aspirin may be recommended in specific cases, but only under provider guidance

Nausea & Heartburn

✔ Ginger
✔ Vitamin B6
✔ Doxylamine (Unisom)
✔ Famotidine (Pepcid)
✔ Ondansetron (Zofran, prescription)

✘ Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol)

If nausea or vomiting is persistent, please call your provider

Allergies

✔ Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
✔ Loratadine (Claritin in certain forms)
✔ Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Many families also explore acupuncture for seasonal support.

Sleep

✔ Unisom
✔ Benadryl

We encourage strong sleep hygiene first. Dark rooms, magnesium, warm baths, calming nighttime routines, but short-term medication support can be appropriate when needed.

Adding Prenatal Vitamins

While some medications get paused, this is the time to be consistent with high-quality prenatal nutrition.

A solid prenatal should include:

• At least 400 mcg folate (or methylfolate)
• Iron (if indicated)
• Iodine
• Vitamin D
• DHA for brain development

Some families prefer capsules. Others tolerate gummies better. Tablets may contain more iron but can feel heavier on the stomach.

Keep in mind, Google will overwhelm you. Your midwife won’t.

We review medications, supplements, and nutrition early in care so you can feel confident about what you’re taking.

Have questions about our birth center? Connect with us to learn more about our evidence-based approach to natural birth.