Medicines

Most medicines taken during pregnancy cross the placenta and reach the baby.

Before taking any medicine when you're pregnant, including painkillers, check with your pharmacist, midwife or GP that it's suitable.

When deciding whether to take a medicine during pregnancy, it's important to find out about the possible effects of that medicine on your baby.

This is the case both for medicines prescribed by a doctor and for medicines you buy from a pharmacy or shop.

Which medicines are safe?

You can find out information on medicines in pregnancy on the bumps (best use of medicines in pregnancy) website.

They also have advice on what to do if you have already taken a medicine in pregnancy.

But it's also important to never stop taking a medicine that's been prescribed to keep you healthy without first checking with your doctor.

Stopping taking your medicine could be harmful to both you and your baby.

If you're trying for a baby or are already pregnant, it's important to always:

• talk to your doctor immediately if you take regular medicine, ideally before you start trying for a baby or as soon as you find out you're pregnant
• check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before taking any prescribed medicines or medicines that you have bought
• make sure your doctor, dentist or another healthcare professional knows you're pregnant before they prescribe anything or give you treatment

If you cannot find information about a specific medicine on bumps, you can ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist to contact the UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS) for advice on your behalf.

Is paracetamol linked to autism?

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) has confirmed taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe and there is no evidence it causes autism in children.

See the MHRA statement on taking paracetamol during pregnancy on GOV.UK

Updated: 23 September 2025

Herbal and homeopathic remedies and aromatherapy in pregnancy

Not all "natural" remedies or complementary therapies are safe in pregnancy.

Some products used may not be of a high quality and may contain other substances, such as lead, that could be harmful.

You're also advised not to take herbal remedies if you're trying to get pregnant.

Tell your midwife, doctor or pharmacist if you're using herbal, homeopathic or aromatherapy remedies or therapies.

If you do decide to use these therapies, you should always consult a qualified practitioner.

You should tell your practitioner that you're pregnant before discussing any treatment.

The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA) provides information on qualified or registered practitioners.

Organisations with PSA-accredited voluntary registers include:

• the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council
• the Federation of Holistic Therapists

Complementary remedies or therapies cannot replace conventional antenatal care.

It's important to go to all your regular antenatal appointments throughout your pregnancy.

More information

Medicines A to Z

Sexual Health Advice

• Sexual Health Advice - Introduction and Overview
• The MenB vaccine that helps protect against gonorrhoea
• Sexual Health - Mpox and its dangers for Gay Men
• What happens when you visit an STI Clinic
• Ejaculation issues are common sexual problems in men
• The Male Menopause for men in their late 40s to early 50s
• Help and care if you have been Sexually Assaulted
• Mental health issues and self-harm are common amongst gay men