Medication safety in pregnancy & breastfeeding
Wondering whether a medication is okay in pregnancy or while breastfeeding? This quick reference summarizes the general guidance from each drug's FDA label and NIH's LactMed database. It's general information, not a personal recommendation — always check your own situation with a clinician.
| Medication | In pregnancy | While breastfeeding |
|---|---|---|
| Estradiol | Not used in pregnancy | Use with caution |
| Ibuprofen | Avoid from around 20 weeks | Usually considered a preferred NSAID |
| Levothyroxine | Continued in pregnancy | Usually considered compatible |
| Metformin | Sometimes used under clinician guidance | Usually considered compatible |
| Progesterone | Sometimes used under specialist care | Usually considered compatible |
| Semaglutide | Not recommended in pregnancy | Generally avoided — limited data |
| Sertraline | A decision to make with your clinician | Often considered a preferred option |
| Spironolactone | Generally avoided in pregnancy | Usually considered acceptable |
Tap a medication for the full summary, including the sources. See all medications in our Drugs A–Z.