Frequently Asked Questions

Pregnancy is an exciting new adventure, but it can also raise concerns, especially if you live with a chronic condition (e.g., epilepsy) or face a new medical condition (e.g., gestational diabetes). In such cases, taking medications during pregnancy may be necessary to protect the health of both the mother and the baby.

HEALTHY PREGNANCY HUB was created to give you reliable, evidence-based information on medication use during pregnancy. Our content, carefully reviewed by expert teams across Canada, focuses on the risks and benefits of medications during pregnancy, as well as associated health conditions.

Whether you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, a person in their support network, or a healthcare professional, HEALTHY PREGNANCY HUB is your key resource for a healthy pregnancy.

Explore our Fact Sheets and Resources on medications and health conditions specific to pregnancy. You can also consult our search engine or Serene, our AI-generated chatbot, to quickly access the information you need. Our platform will help you make informed decisions in collaboration with your healthcare professionals.

Please note that while we provide medical information, we do not prescribe and do not replace the advice of healthcare professionals.

Our website includes two main sections for information: 1) Fact Sheets and 2) Resources. 

Fact Sheets are written content providing comprehensive information on common medical conditions and specific medication during pregnancy. Among the topics we have, you can find information on anxiety disorders, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, antibiotics (medication to treat infections), and acetaminophen or paracetamol (Tylenol®).

Resources include additional information in various formats for you to learn more. There are videos, podcast episodes, brochures, and short articles on frequent medical conditions during pregnancy and activities we have done in different communities across Canada. Don’t forget to listen our video on mental health during pregnancy, our brochure on gestational diabetes, and our video on aspirin for preeclampsia.

The search engine can help you find the Fact Sheets or Resources associated to a specific topic, or you can ask Serene, our AI-generated chatbot, to help you.

Yes, subscribing to our newsletter gives you exclusive access to our new content and invitations to register for our in-person or virtual events. You’re also the first to hear about the upcoming topics, updates, and collaborations!

Stay informed and connected by registering here!

To listen to the text on our site, simply click the play button at the top of the screen () to activate audio playback. This feature is designed to make navigation easier and provide you with convenient audio access to information about medications during pregnancy.

Once activated, you can customize the audio experience to suit your preferences:

1. Change the reading speed: Use the speed icon () to adjust the voice pace.
2. Choose the voice type: Select “Reading Voice” in the menu () to choose the voice type. We offer three voices in US English: Paul (Male, US English), Samuel (Male, US English), and Sophie (Female, US English).
3. Adjust text highlighting: Go to “Settings” in the menu () to change the text highlighting during playback.

No time to listen now? Download the audio to listen later by clicking on “Download mp3″ in the menu ().

No, Serene, our chatbot, works with artificial intelligence (AI). It does not replace healthcare professionals. Serene is specially designed to give you information based on the content of our website and to help you navigate through it.

The chatbot answers questions such as:

“Are multivitamins important during pregnancy?”

“Can I take Advil in the third trimester?”

“Do you have information on epilepsy?”

Serene cannot diagnose your medical condition or offer you a prescription. It cannot adjust your medication dose or describe the associated side effects.

Each person and each pregnancy is unique. For personalized advice tailored to your situation, or if you have specific questions about your medications, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional. This could be a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or midwife; they are there to support you on this new journey.

During pregnancy, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team if you have concerns. Also, discuss any changes regarding your health or medications, including natural health products, with a healthcare professional. They can guide you through this journey and ensure that the products are safe for your pregnancy.

Some medical conditions require informed decision-making in collaboration with your healthcare team for a healthy pregnancy. Conditions such as hypertension, epilepsy, depression, and anxiety disorders are a few examples.

If you are considering pregnancy or are already pregnant and currently taking medications, talk to your doctor to determine the best course of action.

Contact your doctor, midwife, or the nursing advice line immediately if you experience concerning symptoms during your pregnancy, such as:

• Severe vaginal bleeding
• Sudden abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Dizziness
• Decreased fetal movements

Your health and your baby’s health are a priority. To speak with a nurse about your health, you can contact 811, available 24/7

If you or a loved one require emergency care, call 911.

Your pharmacist is a valuable resource throughout your pregnancy journey and beyond. They can give advice on medications, prescribe vitamin supplements like folic acid to prevent deficiencies.

They also help you manage common pregnancy discomforts. For example, they can prescribe medications to relieve conditions such as nausea and vomiting and acid reflux, until you can see your doctor.

Pharmacists also give support for breastfeeding, offering advice on milk production and managing breast discomfort.

Pharmacists carefully review your list of medications to ensure their safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding. They can prescribe treatments for medical conditions such as urinary tract infections and minor skin problems. In addition, they can adjust prescriptions if necessary and order laboratory tests to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.

Your pharmacist collaborates with your healthcare team. They ensure that your medications meet your needs and also offer services such as vaccinations and preventive care. This way, they provide comprehensive and safe care during this key period of your life.

Each province and territory in Canada have its own regulation regarding the specific activities that can be performed by pharmacist, you can find the full list for your region here.

Some prescribed medications can be taken during pregnancy, but caution is essential. Your healthcare professional will evaluate the potential risks and benefits of each medication with you to determine the best option for you. Our website can also assist you in this process!

Many factors influence the recommendation of a medication during pregnancy, including the amount of available scientific research. Research helps determine the risks and benefits of a medication. Most medications have not been widely studied in pregnant women. However, post-market studies have shown that some medications, like folic acid or penicillin-based antibiotics, generally do not increase risks.

Every pregnancy is unique. Always consult your healthcare team to determine if a medication is appropriate for your situation.

Some over-the-counter medications can be taken during pregnancy, but caution is essential. Your healthcare professional will evaluate the potential risks and benefits of each medication with you to determine the best option for you. Our website can also assist you in this process!

Many factors influence the recommendation of a medication during pregnancy, including the amount of available scientific research. Research helps determine the risks and benefits of a medication. Studies show that some over-the-counter medications, when taken safely, do not increase risks for the baby and the mother.

For example, acetaminophen or paracetamol (Tylenol®) for pain and fever is generally considered to have no additional risk. However, ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®) are avoided at certain stages of pregnancy.

Remember that no medication can be considered 100% safe, even with available research. Therefore, it is essential to consult your healthcare professional for personalized advice.

As with medications during pregnancy, caution is advised when it comes to natural or herbal products during pregnancy. 

Although many people believe these products are safer than medications, this is not always the case. In fact, most of them lack clinical testing to confirm their safety and effectiveness, especially during pregnancy.

In reality, for many natural products, we do not know all the effects they can have on the mother and the developing baby.

Therefore, it is important to consult your healthcare professional (pharmacist, nurse, doctor) before using natural or herbal products. They can ensure that they are safe for your pregnancy.

Not all medications are safe during pregnancy. It is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits of each medication with the support of a healthcare professional. Our website can also assist you in this process!

A medication is recommended when the benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Some medications carry higher risks during pregnancy. They could increase the chances of birth defects (congenital malformations) or complications like preterm labor beyond the background risk. In other cases, there is not enough scientific research to assess these risks. For example, isotretinoin (e.g., Accutane®), used to treat severe acne, is linked to a higher risk of birth defects and is therefore avoided.

The risks for the mother and baby depend on several factors, including:

• The type of medication: Some medications are associated with a higher risk of birth defects, among others.
• The dose: The amount of medication taken can influence the risk to your baby’s development.
• The timing of pregnancy: The risk varies depending on the trimester in which the medication is taken.
• Your health condition: Certain medical conditions may increase or decrease the risks associated with some medications.

Every pregnancy is different. Always consult your healthcare team to determine if a medication, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, is appropriate for your situation. They can also recommend safer alternatives if needed.

Pregnancy is not always easy. With the hormones, some unwanted symptoms may appear, such as nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, anxiety, or digestive problems.

Certain prescribed or over-the-counter medications can be taken during pregnancy to provide relief, but caution is essential. Many factors influence the recommendation of a medication. It’s important to weigh the potential risks and benefits with the help of your healthcare professional to ensure the medication is right for you.

Some medications are essential for a healthy pregnancy, like folic acid, which helps in the formation of the neural tube, among other things. Other medications can help you take care of yourself and reduce uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. Sometimes, taking medication is the best option for your health and, therefore, your baby’s health.

For example, your pharmacist may recommend:

• Doxylamine-pyridoxine (Diclectin®) for nausea and vomiting
• Psyllium (Metamucil®) for constipation
• Antacids containing calcium carbonate (e.g., Tums®, Maalox®) for heartburn and acid reflux

Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections or antidepressants to support your mental health.

You can consult our chatbot, Serene, if you’re looking for information to relieve a specific symptom.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy to ensure safety and effectiveness for you and your baby.

Always discuss with your healthcare professional before making any changes to your medical treatment.

If you took a prescribed or over-the-counter medication before knowing you were pregnant and then discovered your pregnancy, consult your healthcare professional as soon as possible. They can guide you in determining the best option for you and your baby.

Avoid stopping or altering the medication without professional advice. Depending on your health condition, not taking your medication could pose greater risks to you and your baby than continuing under medical supervision.

Always prioritize your health and seek advice from a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.

Always discuss with your healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment.

Pregnancy is a period of importante changes in the body of the pregnant person. During this period, some medications can be taken, while others are not recommended as they increase health risks for the mother or baby.

If you have a medical condition requiring constant medication, such as epilepsy or anxiety, planning your pregnancy in advance is key. By planning several months ahead, your doctor can adjust or adapt your medication for your future pregnancy.

If you find out that you are pregnant and are currently taking prescribed medication, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist as soon as possible.

It is important not to stop or adjust your treatment on your own. Abruptly stopping your medication can sometimes pose greater risks to you and your baby than continuing under medical supervision.

Your healthcare team will assess your specific health needs, the potential benefits, and the risks of the medication to find the best option for you. Your healthcare professionals will support you through this new journey to ensure both your health and the well-being of your baby.

Congenital malformations, so malformations present at birth, are a common concern for expecting parents. In a healthy population, congenital malformations happen in approximately 3 out of 100 pregnancies. This is called the background risk.

Some medications, such as thalidomide, can increase the risk of malformation.

If you have a medical condition that requires taking medication during your pregnancy, your healthcare professional will evaluate, with you, the risks to your baby to determine the best option for both you and your baby.

These risks depend on several factors, including:

• The medication types: Some medications increase the risk of congenital malformations.
• The dose: The amount of medication taken can influence the level of risk to your baby’s development.
• The stage of pregnancy: The trimester in which the medication is taken can impact the level of risk for malformations.
• Your health condition: Certain medical conditions can increase the risks associated with some medications.

It is important to discuss any concerns regarding medications during your pregnancy with your healthcare team. They are there to ensure your health and your baby’s health.

If you have a question on a specific medication, use the search engine of our website or Serene, our chatbot, to learn about the risks and benefits of your medication and help you prepare your questions for your healthcare providers.

When breastfeeding, it is recommanded to talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before taking any medication, whether it is a prescription or over-the-counter. Some medication can affect milk production or pass into the breastmilk. The effects on the baby vary depending on the medication taken while breastfeeding.

Some options are considered safe during breastfeeding including:

• acetaminophen or paracetamol (Tylenol®)
• ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) 
• most antibiotics
• antidepressants

It is important to discuss any concerns about medications and breastfeeding with your healthcare team to prioritize your health and your baby’s health.

Before using natural or herbal products while breastfeeding, it is recommended to consult your healthcare team. They can provide personalized advice based on your needs and the specific product.

There is less scientific research on the safety and effectiveness of natural or herbal products. It is generally advised to avoid herbal remedies that have not been well studied or whose safety remains uncertain. Some herbs contain compounds that can affect milk production. Others may pass into breast milk, potentially impacting your baby’s health or development.

Additionally, herbal supplements are not subject to the same strict regulations as medications, which can lead to variations in product purity and potency.

If you are breastfeeding and taking an herbal product, monitor your baby’s reactions. In case of any changes or concerns, contact a healthcare professional. Your health and your baby’s health are a priority.

During breastfeeding, certain substances can be transmitted through breast milk. The amount and effects on the baby vary depending on the medication. Some medications, which may pose a higher risk to the baby, are generally to be avoided. This includes, for example, anticancer drugs and immunosuppressants.

Some medications can decrease milk production and are not recommended, especially for young infants such as: 

• antihistamines
• sedatives
• certain decongestants. 

If you wish to breastfeed, consult your healthcare professional to see if your medication is compatible with breastfeeding. They are the best people to give you personalized advice tailored to your situation.

If you need to take a medication that is not recommended while breastfeeding, don’t worry. You can temporarily stop breastfeeding. During this time, you can feed your baby with stored breast milk, donated milk, or infant formula. To maintain your milk supply, it is recommended to pump and discard your milk until the medication is fully eliminated from your body. Once this process is complete, you can safely resume breastfeeding.

It is important to discuss any concerns about medications and breastfeeding with your healthcare team to ensure the health and well-being of both you and your baby.