Not all medications are safe to take during pregnancy; that is why, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is planning drug labeling changes that will provide more information for pregnant women.

However, be aware that less data is available about a given medicine’s safety for mothers and their fetus because pregnant women have typically been kept out from clinical trials that test the safety and effectiveness of new medicines.

Some lesser-known reasons for caution while taking medicines during pregnancy include:

• “Pregnancy may change the way your body processes medications. Pregnant women should ask their health care professional if the dosage should be changed for their medicines.”
• “Even everyday medicines, such as some over-the-counter pain relievers, can be unhealthy for pregnant women and the fetus at certain points during a pregnancy.”
• “Many women have serious medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure and epilepsy, and they need to take prescription medicine during pregnancy. The risk of stopping a medication could be greater than continuing it during pregnancy. Women should always consult a health care professional before stopping or starting a medicine while pregnant or while trying to get pregnant.”
• “Women are more vulnerable to getting the flu during pregnancy. A flu shot can provide some protection against the flu. Pregnant women should not get the flu nasal spray.”

For more information on medicine and pregnancy, visit the FDA Pregnancy Website