Medications, Drugs and Complementary Therapies

If you are trying to become pregnant, or are pregnant, it is best to stop drinking alcohol, smoking and using drugs before getting pregnant as these substances can negatively affect your ability to get pregnant, stay pregnant and/or have a healthy pregnancy. Some medications are safe to take and others may pose a risk to your growing baby. Be sure to review all drug use, including over-the-counter drugs, prescription medication, herbal remedies, and complementary therapies, with your health care providers.

In this section, learn more about acupuncture, alcohol, herbs and homeopathy, medications, as well as information on other drugs and tobacco use.

Motherisk helpline is no longer able to offer their phone counseling service.

Women’s College Hospital, in collaboration with researchers across Canada, has created an online patient decision aid (PDA) that has the potential to improve the decision-making process for pregnant individuals regarding antidepressant use in pregnancy. The PDA is currently being evaluated in a research study. All aspects of the study are conducted online and over the phone, making it accessible to pregnant individuals all across Canada.  

Women may be eligible to participate in the online PDA research study if they are:

1. Canadian residents ≥ 18 years of age
2. Are in the first trimester of pregnancy or planning a pregnancy within 1 year
3. Have been offered to start or continue using an antidepressant to treat depression
4. Are having trouble deciding what to do

Visit the Mother To Baby for more information.