Before a pregnant woman takes any medication whatsoever it is sensible to check with a chemist or family doctor that the medication is safe during pregnancy. Medicines that are to be avoided during pregnancy are often most dangerous if taken in the first 10 weeks of the pregnancy. Therefore women trying to get pregnant also need to seek advice about any medication they intend to take or are taking regularly.

Simple pain relief in pregnancy

If you have a cold or sore throat, headaches or minor pains it is perfectly safe to use paracetamol to control temperature symptoms or as pain relief. If you require a stronger pain killer, paracetamol and codeine tablets are safe. They will not harm the baby although you should avoid large dose of codeine before delivery.