Safe online pregnancy medications

Drugs can be classified into three different categories in terms of consumption during pregnancy. 

1. Alcohol and drugs 
2. Prescription medications 
3. Over-the-counter medications. 

Alcohol and drugs 

Alcohol and other drugs, including nicotine, angel dust, cocaine, crack, heroin, LSD, marijuana, and speed, increase the chance of fetal anomalies and are not safe during pregnancy. These drugs get transferred from the placenta to the developing baby and affect the brain and limb growth of the baby. 

Alcohol, tobacco, and medications can also lead to premature birth, low birth weight, placental abruption, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, miscarriage, stillbirth, and developmental/behavior problems in the baby hence should be avoided at all cost. 

Safe prescription medications during pregnancy

Some of the most common medical conditions during pregnancy are cold, flu, nausea, morning sickness, vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases bacterial infection and allergies can also occur and need medical consultation for the effective and safe treatment. 

For allergies: 

Allergies and allergic responses in the body can trigger inflammation, runny nose, watery and itchy eyes. The safest medications to be used for allergic reactions are: 

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Loratadine (Claritin)
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

Some of the common side effects of anti-allergic medication are drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, fatigue and nausea. Rest and adequate hydration can aid in alleviating and reducing these symptoms.

For bacterial infections: 

Infections such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, skin infections, genital tract infections, and soft tissue infections are common during pregnancy. However, not all antibiotics prescribed for these conditions are safe for pregnant women. Among the three safe classes of antibacterial drugs that pose no harm during pregnancy are: 

• Penicillins (Amoxicillin)
• Cephalosporins (Cephalexin, Cefuroxime)
• Macrolides (Azithromycin, Erythromycin, Clindamycin) 

Common side effects of antibiotics can be nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions (ranging from mild rashes to severe reactions), abdominal discomfort or pain, headache and vomiting. 

For cold and flu: 

Common cold and flu can catch a prone easily with slight weather changes, however  in pregnant women, not every medicine and home remedy can be suitable as they can be a potential threat to the developing baby. For effective and safe treatment of cold and flu, following are the medications often recommended by healthcare providers. 

• Dextromethorphan (Robitussin)
• Guaifenesin (Mucinex)
• Vicks Vapor Rub mentholated cream
• Mentholated or non-mentholated cough drops

Side effects that can be observed when on cold and flu medications are dizziness, nausea, drowsiness and headache.

For GIT disturbances: Diarrhea and constipation 

Gastrointestinal disturbances with pregnancy are common and often result in diarrhea or constipation. Pregnancy leaves us with few options to cater these medical conditions by fewer safe pregnancy medications. 

• Loperamide for diarrhea is considered safe and prescribed by healthcare professionals. 
• Methylcellulose fiber (Citrucel), Docusate (Colace) ,Psyllium (Metamucil), Polycarbophil (FiberCon), and polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX) are often prescribed to effectively treat constipation. 

Side effects of these medications can be abdominal cramping, bloating and gas. 

Over-the-counter medications

 Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a safe OTC option for pain relief, fever, and headaches. Folic acid supplement is an OTC supplement considered safe to prevent birth defects.