During pregnancy women are often advised to avoid over-the-counter cold medicines due to the potential for harming the baby. Many medicines have yet to present any risks to the pregnant woman or baby but some have also not be studied thoroughly. The recommendation to avoid medicines is simply a precaution. For the most part, doctors advise women to follow the general rule that the benefit of the medicine should outweigh the potential risks.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is the preferred over-the-counter pain reliever during pregnancy. FamilyDoctor.org warns against taking any medicine when pregnant without first consulting a doctor. It is also best to avoid the extra strength or maximum strength varieties of acetaminophen. During pregnancy a woman should take the smallest effective dose for the shortest possible time to minimize any potential risk to her pregnancy or the baby. The baby's spinal cord and brain materials are formed during the first trimester making it wise to avoid medications as much as possible during the first trimester.
Decongestant
A decongestant can reduce the swelling of the blood vessels in the nasal passages that cause the feeling of a "stuffed nose." Pseudoephedrine is considered the oral decongestant of choice, according to American Family Physician. This drug is classified as a category B risk by the Food and Drug Administration, which suggests the drug may have revealed a risk in animal studies that have not be repeated in human studies or that no harm was found in animal studies. Decongestants should only be used under the advice of a physician during pregnancy. As with acetaminophen, the medication should be taken in the smallest effective dose and for the shortest period of time possible. It is important to note the ingredients in over-the-counter decongestants as many contain other active ingredients and high levels of alcohol. These forms of decongestants should be avoided. A health care provider can make a safe recommendation.
Antihistamine
Diphenhydramine is a commonly recommended antihistamine. This type of drug works by blocking the body's production of histamine. Histamine causes many of the cold and allergy symptoms including runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and coughing. This medicine is categorized as a risk level B, just like pseudoephedrine. There is a slight risk of oxytocin-like effects when the drug is taken at high doses, warns American Family Physician. This means the drug can induce contractions or preterm labor if taken incorrectly. As with any other cold medicine, it is important to note all ingredients in the medicine and avoid high levels of alcohol and other drugs that may not be safe during pregnancy. Generally speaking, the older the cold medicine the safer it is considered due to frequent use and a longer period of time to observe potential risks. This is not to say newer drugs are more dangerous, it is just that newer medicines have not been as well observed.
Other Medicines
Expectorants and cough suppressants have a higher risk of potential harm to the baby with a rating of C, according to American Family Physician. Such medicines should only be used under the direct advice of a doctor and it is not often that the benefit of the medicine outweighs the potential risk of these drugs. Examples include guaifenesin and dextromethrophan hydrobromide. Instead, a woman may find just as much relief without the added risk by using home remedies like honey, lemon water and herbal teas.
