This guide provides essential health information for pregnancy. All recommendations are based on current Australian medical guidelines (RANZCOG) and international best practices. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised medical advice.
Medications During Pregnancy
Important
Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication during pregnancy, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
Medications to Avoid
- ×Ibuprofen and NSAIDs (Nurofen, Advil) can affect fetal heart and kidney development, particularly after 20 weeks. Paracetamol is the preferred option for pain relief during pregnancy.
- ×Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) for severe acne causes serious birth defects. Must be discontinued well before pregnancy.
- ×Certain antibiotics including tetracyclines. Your doctor will prescribe pregnancy-safe alternatives when needed.
- ×Some antidepressants. Do not stop antidepressants without medical supervision. Your doctor will assess the risks and benefits for your specific situation.
- ×Warfarin can cause birth defects. Patients on warfarin will be switched to safer alternatives such as low molecular weight heparin.
Generally Safe Medications
- ✓Paracetamol for pain and fever at recommended doses
- ✓Most antacids for heartburn relief
- ✓Pregnancy-specific multivitamins
Alcohol and Pregnancy
Alcohol crosses the placenta and reaches your baby at similar concentrations to your bloodstream. Fetal organs, particularly the liver, cannot process alcohol effectively.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) can result from alcohol exposure and may cause:
- • Physical abnormalities including facial features and organ development
- • Growth restriction before and after birth
- • Learning difficulties and developmental delays
- • Behavioral challenges that persist into adulthood
Medical recommendation: No safe alcohol threshold has been established during pregnancy. Complete abstinence is recommended. If you consumed alcohol before confirming pregnancy, discuss this with your doctor at your first prenatal visit.
Smoking During Pregnancy
Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, including nicotine and carbon monoxide, which cross the placenta and reduce oxygen and nutrient supply to your baby.
Health risks include:
- • Increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth
- • Premature birth with underdeveloped organs
- • Low birth weight and associated complications
- • Placental abruption (medical emergency)
- • Birth defects including cleft lip and palate
- • Increased SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) risk
Cessation support: Quitting at any stage of pregnancy provides health benefits. Reducing cigarette consumption also helps. Speak with your doctor about quit-smoking programs, nicotine replacement therapy, and other pregnancy-safe support options.
Prenatal Vitamins
Folic Acid (Folate)
Dose: 400-800 micrograms daily
Essential for preventing neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Should be commenced before conception when possible. Higher doses (5mg daily) are recommended for women with diabetes, family history of neural tube defects, or taking certain medications.
Iodine
Dose: 150 micrograms daily
Required for fetal brain development. Australian soils are iodine-deficient. Most pregnancy multivitamins contain adequate iodine.
Vitamin D
Important for those with limited sun exposure, darker skin, or cultural/religious clothing practices. Blood testing can determine if supplementation is necessary.
Iron
Supplementation based on blood test results. Iron levels are monitored throughout pregnancy. Unnecessary iron supplementation can cause constipation and other side effects.
Food Safety
Listeria Risk Foods
Listeria bacteria can cause miscarriage or stillbirth. Avoid:
- • Soft cheeses (brie, camembert, feta, blue cheese) unless cooked until steaming
- • Pre-prepared salads and pre-cut fruit from shops
- • Cold deli meats, pâté, and meat spreads
- • Smoked salmon and ready-to-eat seafood
Mercury in Fish
High mercury levels affect fetal brain development:
- • Avoid: Shark (flake), marlin, swordfish, king mackerel
- • Limit to once fortnightly: Tuna steaks, catfish, orange roughy
- • Safe (2-3 times weekly): Salmon, prawns, canned tuna, snapper, flathead
Food-borne Infection Risks
- • Raw or undercooked eggs (runny yolks) carry salmonella risk
- • Raw or rare meat must be cooked until well done
- • Unpasteurised milk and juice
Caffeine
Limit to 200mg daily (approximately 2 cups instant coffee or 1 cup espresso-based coffee). Consider caffeine in tea, chocolate, and soft drinks.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Contact your doctor or hospital immediately if you experience:
- •Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking
- •Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- •Severe headache, vision changes, or sudden facial/hand swelling
- •Fever above 38°C
- •Decreased fetal movement (after 28 weeks)
- •Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- •Pain or burning during urination
Need Pregnancy or Fertility Support?
Our AHPRA-registered fertility doctors provide expert consultations, prenatal guidance, and specialist referrals through secure online appointments.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider. Consult your doctor or midwife for personalised medical guidance.
Sources: Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), Australian dietary guidelines, international pregnancy health standards.