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Medicines in pregnancy

Rongoā hapūtanga

Taking medicines while pregnant can affect your pēpi. If you need to take any medicine while pregnant, first ask your general practice team, midwife, lead maternity carer (LMC) or pharmacist.

If you are already taking medicine for a health condition, do not stop it until you have discussed this with your general practice team.

If you take medicine for a long-term health condition, talk about this with your general practice team or specialist before becoming pregnant. This is especially important if you have epilepsy, diabetes or a mental health condition. For example, depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. This means your medicine can be adjusted if necessary.

Pain relief

It is safe to take paracetamol when you are pregnant. The adult dose of paracetamol is 2 tablets up to 4 times a day. But you should only take paracetamol if you really need it. If you need to take paracetamol regularly for pain, talk to your midwife or general practice team. The pain may need to be investigated.

You should not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen while you are pregnant.

Herbal and homeopathic remedies and aromatherapy in pregnancy

Not all herbal, homeopathic or aromatherapy treatments are safe in pregnancy.

Some of these substances can be harmful in pregnancy. Also, some preparations can be contaminated by potentially harmful substances.

Discuss the use of any of these treatments with your midwife, LMC, general practice team or pharmacist.

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Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2024.

Sources

See also:

Alcohol, smoking & drugs in pregnancy

Medicines, alcohol, drugs & breastfeeding

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Review key: HIHCP-311277