Medicines and pregnancy
How to use medicine safely while pregnant or breastfeeding, and what to always check first.
- Always say you are pregnant before accepting any medicine
- Over-the-counter and herbal medicines are not automatically safe
- Never stop chronic medicine without advice
- Bring all your medicines to your antenatal visit
Some medicines are safe in pregnancy, some are not, and some depend on how many weeks pregnant you are. Never assume that because a medicine is sold without a prescription it is safe for pregnancy.
Always tell any nurse, doctor, dentist or pharmacist that you are pregnant or breastfeeding before you accept a medicine, including over-the-counter painkillers, flu remedies, traditional or herbal medicines and skin treatments.
Do not stop chronic medicine on your own. For conditions such as epilepsy, HIV, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma or mental health conditions, stopping suddenly can be more dangerous for you and your baby than continuing. Ask for a review instead.
Vaccines given in pregnancy in South Africa, such as tetanus-containing vaccines, are used because they protect both you and your baby.
Bring all your medicines, including anything bought at a shop or given by a family member, to your antenatal visit so they can be recorded.
If you have already taken a medicine you are worried about, do not panic and do not stop chronic treatment on your own — speak to your clinic or a pharmacist as soon as you can.
This information is general health education and does not replace advice from your nurse, midwife or doctor. In an emergency go to your nearest facility.