Antenatal Care › Medications
Medications in pregnancy
Many medicines are safe to use in pregnancy, and some are not. The important thing is to check before you stop or start anything, rather than guessing or going without.
Last reviewed May 2026 by Dr Sarah Koffmann
When you find out you are pregnant, make an early appointment with your GP to go over anything you take. The right plan depends on you, so it is worth a proper conversation rather than stopping things on your own.
If you already take medicine
If you take medicine for an ongoing condition, such as depression or anxiety, epilepsy, asthma, a thyroid condition, diabetes or high blood pressure, do not stop it suddenly when you find out you are pregnant. For many conditions, staying well is safer for you and your baby than going without, and some medicines, like antidepressants, can be harmful to stop abruptly. Review what you take with your GP early, so you can adjust it together if needed.
Over-the-counter and natural products
Check before taking over-the-counter medicines, herbal preparations, vitamins or supplements as well. Natural does not always mean safe in pregnancy. A pharmacist, your GP, or MotherSafe can tell you what is fine to use.
Free advice from MotherSafe
MotherSafe is a free NSW service that advises on whether medicines and other exposures are safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. You can call them, or read their factsheets.