Data & Statistics

Use of Medications in Pregnant Women

• Most women (about 90%) take at least one medication during pregnancy and 70% take at least one prescription medication.
  
  
• Over the last 30 years, first trimester use of prescription medications has increased more than 60%.
  
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• A 2005 study reported that over-the-counter medications are taken by most women at some point during pregnancy:
  
  
  • Acetaminophen, commonly used for pain relief, was used by about 65% of pregnant women.
    
    
  • Ibuprofen, another common pain reliever, was used by about 18% of women during pregnancy.
    
    
  • Pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, was used by about 15% of pregnant women.
    
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• In a 1998–2005 study, 4.5% of women reported using an antidepressant (used for depression) 3 months before becoming pregnant or during the pregnancy.
  
  
  • Use of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) was reported most often (3.8%), followed by bupropion (0.7%).
    
    
  • A decline was observed (3.1% to 2.3%) in reported use of antidepressants between the first and second month after conception.
    
    
  • In four states, the frequency of reported antidepressant use during pregnancy increased from 2.5% in 1998 to 8.1% in 2005.
    
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• In a 1998–2004 study, 10.9% of women reported using an herbal product 3 months before becoming pregnant or the during pregnancy.
  
  
  • During pregnancy, prevalence was 9.4%, and was highest in the first trimester.
    
    
  • Higher prevalence was associated with age greater than 30 years and education greater than 12 years.
    
    
  • Ginger and ephedra were the most commonly reported products used early in pregnancy; use of teas and chamomile were commonly reported throughout pregnancy.
    
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• In a 1997–2003 study, 29.7% of women reported using antibiotics 3 months before becoming pregnant or while pregnant. [Read summary]
  
  
  • Antibiotic use 3 months before becoming pregnant was reported by 2% of women.
    
    
  • Antibiotic use increased during pregnancy, peaking at 5.8% during the fourth month.
    
    
  • Use of penicillins was reported most often, by 5.9% of pregnant women.