For Consumers
Pregnancy
Having a baby can be a joyous time.The FDA has lots of resources to help you make good choices about the medicines, foods, and other products that are safe for you and your baby.
Some women need to take medicines during pregnancy for health problems like diabetes, depression, morning sickness or seizures. Always talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before taking any medicines, vitamins or herbs. Don't stop taking your prescription medicines unless your health care provider says that it is OK.
Use these resources to help you talk with your health care provider about the medicines you take during your pregnancy.
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Pregnancy makes it harder for your body to fight off illness caused by food. Some foods are not safe for you and your baby. Check out these food safety tips.
- Food Safety at Home
- Food Safety for Moms-To-Be
- Video on Food Safety for Pregnant Women
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Checklist of Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy (foodsafety.gov) - What You Need to Know about Mercury in Fish and Shellfish
- Lo que Used Necesita Saber Sobre el Mercurio en el Pescado y los Mariscos
- Common Questions about Listeria
The FDA has general tips on how to safely use a breast pump and store breast milk. Talk to your health care provider for other breastfeeding tips.
- Breast Pumps
- Breast Pumps: Don't Be Misled - Get the Facts
- How to Store Breast Milk
- Using Breast Milk from Another Woman
- Using Codeine Products while Nursing/Breastfeeding
Other Helpful Tips for New Moms
 | There is a lot you need to know about the medicines and other products you use for your baby. FDA has free videos and brochures to help you talk to your healthcare provider about what is best for you and your baby. |
Infants
- Infant Formula
- Do Not Feed Simply Thick to Premature Infants
- Know Concentration Before Giving Acetaminphen to Infants
- Infant Sleep Positioners
Medicines and Children
- Giving Medicine to Children (video)
- General Medication Tips for Parents
- Know Active Ingredients in Children's Meds
- Report Kids' Problems with Medical Products
- Children's Health
Mom's Health
General Pregnancy Resources
- text4baby - Free text messages for pregnant women and new moms
- MedlinePlus - Links to other goverment resources for pregnant women
- womenshealth.gov - Helpful tips on pregnancy
- Flu.gov - Pregnant Women and the Flu
- CDC - Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes and Pregnancy
NIH - Gestational Diabetes March of Dimes
- MotherToBaby (Organization of Teratology Information Specialists) Call to speak with a counselor about taking medicines while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 1-866-626-6847.
