Training resources
Get to grips with how to answer questions patients may ask you about the safety of medicines in pregnancy.
Administration of subcutaneous terbutaline sulfate for the reduction of contraction frequency in individuals in labour: PGD template
A PGD template, developed by SPS and NHSE and reviewed by the RCOG, for the administration of subcutaneous terbutaline sulfate to individuals in labour
Intrapartum administration of benzylpenicillin for prevention of early-onset Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection in neonates: PGD template
A PGD template, developed by SPS and NHSE and reviewed by the RCOG and the UKHSA AMR team, for the intrapartum administration of benzylpenicillin in neonates
Herbal medicines: safety during pregnancy
Pregnant women often use herbal medicines as alternatives to conventional medicines and a review of the safety of commonly used herbal medicines is provided
Using opioids for pain relief during pregnancy
Opioid analgesics may be used at any stage of pregnancy at the lowest effective dose for the short-term relief of pain when other analgesics are not effective.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: treatment during pregnancy
Intramuscular hydroxocobalamin is the preferred treatment choice for management of clinically relevant vitamin B12 deficiency, including during pregnancy.
Supply of folic acid 5mg tablets to reduce the risk of neural tube defect or to compensate for the increased demand for folate during pregnancy: PGD template
A PGD template, developed by SPS and NHSE and reviewed by the RCOG, for the supply of folic acid 5mg tablets to at risk individuals during pregnancy.
Supply of aspirin tablets to individuals at risk of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy: PGD template
A PGD template, developed by SPS and NHSEI and reviewed by the RCOG, for the supply of aspirin tablets for individuals at high risk of pre-eclampsia
Pain: treatment during pregnancy
Signposting evidence-based information on the treatment of pain in pregnancy
Urinary tract infection: treatment during pregnancy
Signposting evidence-based information on the treatment of urinary tract infection in pregnancy
Nausea and Vomiting: treatment during pregnancy
Signposting evidence-based information on the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
Treatment resources
Both pre-existing and new conditions need to be managed carefully during pregnancy. Maintaining good maternal health supports good foetal health and development. Good medicines choices in pregnancy can also enable safe medicines use in breastfeeding.
Articles below discuss and signpost to advice on safe and effective treatment during pregnancy for a range of common conditions.
Allergy, immunology and pregnancy
Hayfever or allergic rhinitis: treatment during pregnancy
Signposting evidence-based information on the treatment of hayfever or allergic rhinitis in pregnancy
Cardiovascular disorders and pregnancy
Hypertension: treatment during pregnancy
Signposting evidence-based information on the treatment of hypertension in pregnancy
Complementary medicines and pregnancy
Herbal medicines: safety during pregnancy
Pregnant women often use herbal medicines as alternatives to conventional medicines and a review of the safety of commonly used herbal medicines is provided
COVID-19 treatments and pregnancy
Using Tocilizumab or Sarilumab for hospitalised patients with COVID-19 who are pregnant
A careful risk assessment should be done on the benefits of this off-label use to the mother, and the risks it poses to the fetus or neonate.
COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy
Using COVID-19 vaccines in women of child bearing potential
Summary information concerning COVID-19 vaccination in women of child-bearing age or who are pregnant
Endocrine disorders and pregnancy
Diabetes: treatment during pregnancy
Signposting evidence-based information on the treatment of diabetes in pregnancy
Gastrointestinal disorders and pregnancy
Nausea and Vomiting: treatment during pregnancy
Signposting evidence-based information on the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
Constipation: treatment during pregnancy
Signposting evidence-based information on the treatment of constipation in pregnancy
Heartburn and Dyspepsia: treatment during pregnancy
Signposting evidence-based information on the treatment of heartburn and dyspepsia in pregnancy
Haemorrhoids: treatment during pregnancy
Signposting evidence-based information on the treatment of haemorrhoids in pregnancy
Haematological disorders and pregnancy
Vitamin B12 deficiency: treatment during pregnancy
Intramuscular hydroxocobalamin is the preferred treatment choice for management of clinically relevant vitamin B12 deficiency, including during pregnancy.
Dosing and monitoring for treatment of Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy
Effective treatment of vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy requires consideration of treatment regimens, monitoring, and preferred forms of vitamin D.
Infections and pregnancy
Urinary tract infection: treatment during pregnancy
Signposting evidence-based information on the treatment of urinary tract infection in pregnancy
Thrush or vaginal candida: treatment during pregnancy
Signposting evidence-based information on the treatment of thrush or vaginal Candida in pregnancy
Mental health and pregnancy
Depression: treatment during pregnancy
Signposting evidence-based information on the treatment of depression in pregnancy
Neurological disorders and pregnancy
Epilepsy: treatment during pregnancy
Signposting evidence-based information on the treatment of epilepsy in pregnancy
Pain and pregnancy
Using opioids for pain relief during pregnancy
Opioid analgesics may be used at any stage of pregnancy at the lowest effective dose for the short-term relief of pain when other analgesics are not effective.
Pain: treatment during pregnancy
Signposting evidence-based information on the treatment of pain in pregnancy
Respiratory conditions and pregnancy
Asthma: treatment during pregnancy
Signposting evidence-based information on the treatment of asthma during pregnancy