A lot of women use over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and cold medicines to treat common illnesses like headaches or runny nose. However, not all over-the-counter drugs are safe for pregnancy. This is similar when pregnant women take herbal supplements or medicines. If you are pregnant, you should talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicines, supplements or herbal products to ensure it is safe for you and your baby.
Here are the top points to be aware of before taking any over-the-counter, supplement or herbal supplement during pregnancy:
You should consult a doctor before use. Some of the substances you take can cause many problems during pregnancy;
You do not need a prescription from your doctor when buying a medicine does not mean it is safe to take it;
You should seek advice even if you read the label and think it is safe for you.
The answer is depending on the type of drug you take. For example, the pain reliever aspirin (Bayer®) can increase your risk of bleeding during pregnancy or delivery. The pain reliever ibuprofen (Advil®) can cause massive bleeding in the last 3 months of pregnancy. Many pregnant women often use acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for pain relief. However, taking too much acetaminophen can harm the liver.
Ideally, you should consult your doctor before taking any over the counter medications.
The answer also depends on the type of supplement you take. Supplements help increase nutrients that you cannot get by mouth. For example, you can take a vitamin supplement to boost vitamins B or C, iron and calcium.
All pregnant women should be provided with 600 micrograms of folic acid with vitamins per day. Most of the vitamins for pregnant women contain enough of these. The needs of pregnant women are different for each vitamin, some of which are not safe for pregnant women. You should consult your doctor before taking any vitamin supplements.
We do not know for sure whether herbs are safe for pregnant mothers. Herbs are plants used for cooking or medicine, for example green tea and ginkgo trees. Currently, there is very little research investigating the effects of herbs on pregnant women. Therefore, the best way to stay safe is not to take herbs during pregnancy.
In addition, there are alternative therapies that are proven to be safe and effective for reducing unpleasant symptoms for pregnant women. However, you should consult a specialist regardless of any special medication or therapy. Remember, "natural" is not the same as "safe" when you are pregnant.
You can refer to:
Easy to remember 7 vitamins for mothers pregnant with pictures
If you want your child to be strong, pregnant mothers must supplement vitamin D
Warning for risks of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
Prenatal vitamins can worsen nausea, especially on an empty stomach. Learn practical timing and food adjustments, safer options to discuss, and when to call your pregnancy care team.
Nighttime leg cramps are common in pregnancy, but their exact cause is often unclear. Learn likely contributors, safe relief steps, and warning signs that need prompt care.
Pack a small hospital bag with the essentials, protect important medical aids, and check which items your hospital provides or restricts.
Learn when pregnancy swelling can wait for routine discussion, when to call maternity care the same day, and which symptoms need emergency help now.
Ease pregnancy heartburn with smaller meals, smart timing, and pregnancy-aware medication advice—without cutting nutritious foods or skipping prenatal supplements.
Help older children adjust to a new baby with honest, age-appropriate conversations, optional ways to join in, steady routines, and space for mixed feelings.
Try pregnancy-safe pillow positioning and gentle turning strategies for hip pain at night, and learn when persistent pain or other symptoms need medical care.
Morning sickness can ease and return as pregnancy symptoms fluctuate. Learn common triggers, practical steps, and when nausea or vomiting needs medical attention.
Fetal movement can feel different as pregnancy progresses, but a clear change in your baby’s usual pattern needs prompt attention. Learn what may affect what you feel and when to call.
Build a flexible birth plan by comparing pain relief, birth setting, support, and newborn care—and writing backup preferences for an unpredictable labor.
