Taking medicines when pregnant
When you’re pregnant you need to take extra care with medicines.
Most medicines will cross over from your bloodstream to your baby, including:
- prescription medicines
- medicines from the pharmacy for minor health problems
- herbal medicines and natural remedies
Make sure your GP, dentist, pharmacist or other healthcare professional knows you’re pregnant before they prescribe anything or give you treatment. It’s always best to check before you take any kind of medicine.
Unplanned pregnancies
Not all pregnancies are planned. Some women will already be taking medication when they find out they’re pregnant.
If this happens to you, don't stop taking medications without checking with your GP.
Stopping important medicines suddenly could harm both you and your baby. Speak to your GP before you stop taking any prescribed medications.
Prescription medicines
Some medicines are safe to take when you’re pregnant, while others can be harmful for your developing baby, including some common medicines.
Before you take anything – or stop taking anything – it’s important to get the right advice. You can ask your midwife, pharmacist or GP. You should get advice about each medicine you take.
Your GP or obstetrician will help you decide what to take and how much to take, to keep you and your baby as safe as possible during pregnancy.
Find contact details for your GP practice
If you’re already taking any medicine
If you’re already taking any medicine, tell your GP you’re pregnant as soon as possible. Together you can decide whether you still need the medicine and, if you do, your GP can make sure you’re taking the smallest amount for the shortest time.
Speak to your GP, obstetrician or a drug support service if you’re regularly taking these types of prescribed medicines:
- sleeping tablets, such as temazepam
- medicines for anxiety, such as diazepam
- opiate type painkillers, such as codeine, tramadol or dihydrocodeine.
- medicines for epilepsy or mental health such as sodium valproate or valproic acid
- treatment for type 1 or type 2 diabetes
NHS Pharmacy First Scotland
Your pharmacy is a great place to go for help and advice about medicines without the need for an appointment.
Your pharmacist can:
- give you advice about minor illnesses - such as coughs, colds and aches and pains
- suggest and provide free treatment for minor illnesses and common conditions, where treatment is advised
- refer you to see a different health professional
Anyone registered with a GP in Scotland can access the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service.
More about the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service
Complementary therapy in pregnancy
Even though something's 'natural', doesn’t mean that it’s safe to use in pregnancy. There are some herbal remedies and complementary medicines that you shouldn’t take.
Be sure to tell your midwife, pharmacist or GP if you’re using:
- complementary medicine
- herbal remedies
- homeopathy
- aromatherapy
You should also get their advice before you use or take anything new.
If you’re using complementary therapies, it’s still important to go to your antenatal check-ups.
Finding a registered therapist
If you decide to use herbal or complementary therapy:
- always go to someone who's properly qualified
- check whether the practitioner has experience with pregnant women
- make sure you tell them you’re pregnant before you have any treatment
Find a registered complementary therapist
Further information, other languages and alternative formats
Translations and alternative formats of this information are available from Public Health Scotland.
Last updated:
25 January 2023