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Medication safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Check which drugs are safe, which require caution, and which are contraindicated.

FDA Pregnancy Categories

A

Category

Safe — Controlled studies show no risk

B

Category

Probably Safe — No human risk demonstrated

C

Category

Caution — Risk cannot be ruled out

D

Category

Positive Evidence of Risk — Use only if benefit outweighs risk

X

Category

Contraindicated — Studies show fetal abnormalities

Generally Safe in Pregnancy

First-choice analgesic/antipyretic

Safe penicillin antibiotic

First-line for gestational hypertension

Safe for gestational diabetes

Essential for hypothyroidism

Required — prevents neural tube defects

Contraindicated / Dangerous

Teratogen — stop 3-6 months before conception

Causes warfarin embryopathy (1st trimester)

Severe birth defects — absolute contraindication

Neural tube defects, cognitive impairment

ACE inhibitorsD

Fetal renal damage (2nd-3rd trimester)

Avoid after week 20 — premature ductus closure

Golden Rules

1.Never take medications without consulting your doctor
2.Folic acid 400-800 mcg/day — start before conception
3.Don't stop prescribed medications on your own
4.Paracetamol is the analgesic of choice; avoid NSAIDs after week 20
5.Review all medications with your doctor when planning pregnancy

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Information on this page is for reference only. It does not replace medical advice. Always consult your obstetrician-gynecologist before taking any medications during pregnancy or breastfeeding.