Can You Take Benadryl While Pregnant? Safety and Alternatives

Benadryl is the brand name for the drug diphenhydramine, which is a first-generation antihistamine many women take to relieve classic allergy symptoms (like an itchy nose), as well as certain pregnancy symptoms, such as insomnia and morning sickness. 1 2 3

But is it actually safe to take Benadryl when you’re expecting? Read on to learn more about the safety of Benadryl during pregnancy, its potential side effects, and your alternative options.

Yes, Benadryl is generally considered safe for occasional use during pregnancy. It doesn’t increase your chance of most pregnancy complications, including preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or your baby having a low birth weight. 1

Benadryl use does carry the potential for a few (relatively minor) side effects for you and your baby, something that we’ll explore a little further down, but unless you overuse the drug, these are relatively unlikely and probably won’t be serious.

Taking Benadryl is a tried-and-true remedy for common ailments during pregnancy. In fact, up to 15% of pregnant women use an antihistamine to manage their runny nose or nausea. 4

How much Benadryl can you safely take while pregnant?

Usually, you can take a standard dose (12.5 to 25 mg) every 6 hours as needed. 5

However, every woman is different, and you should ask your doctor about the appropriate dosage and frequency to minimize your risk of having problematic side effects during your pregnancy.

While Benadryl is generally considered a safe allergy medication for pregnant women, regular use during pregnancy may cause your baby to experience a few withdrawal symptoms after she’s born, such as tremors and diarrhea. 6

This doesn’t happen to all babies who get exposed to Benadryl, but give your doctor a heads-up if you’ve been taking it (especially if you’ve been doing so daily) so they can keep an eye on your little one and make sure everything’s okay.

Potential side effects through each trimester

The side effects and (minor) risks associated with Benadryl change throughout your pregnancy. Here’s a trimester-by-trimester breakdown:

• First trimester: A few studies suggest that your baby’s at a higher risk of birth defects if you take Benadryl early on in your pregnancy. The evidence for this is mixed, with several other studies suggesting there’s no elevated risk. 1 4 Regardless, you should exercise caution with your medications during this period when your baby’s organs are developing—always run anything you’re thinking about taking by your doctor.
• Second trimester: Benadryl is generally considered safe during the second trimester when taken as directed by your doctor, with no special risks.
• Third trimester: Taking too much Benadryl or using it for longer than recommended by your doctor may result in uterine contractions and, in very rare cases, fetal death. 6 These risks are minor if you take the drug occasionally.

Make sure you consult your doctor or midwife before taking any medication at all during your pregnancy, even if it’s an over-the-counter drug that you’re used to taking.

General (non-pregnancy-specific) side effects of taking Bendaryl

Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine, and like other drugs in this class, it may cause lightheadedness, sleepiness, blurred vision, or a change in your mental state (less coordination, slower reaction time, and impaired judgment). 4 7

Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing any other tasks dependent on your vision until you know how Benadryl affects you. Track any side effects you experience in your journal or pregnancy tracker app so that you have an accurate overview.

You may also experience other uncomfortable symptoms, like difficulty peeing and constipation (on top of other pregnancy-induced constipation you may be experiencing). 4 7

Again, all of these symptoms can be caused by Benadryl use at any time, and they aren’t specific to pregnancy, although it’s especially important to be safe while driving when you’re carrying a child.

You may experience Benadryl toxicity if you take a dose that’s too high. This can lead to symptoms like excessive sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and flushing (warmth, redness, or a darkening complexion). 10

While these symptoms may only be mildly bothersome, you should still check in with your doctor to ensure that there’s not a more serious problem at play.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience more concerning symptoms, such as: 8 10

• Fast heartbeat
• Memory problems
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

You should also stop using Benadryl and see your doctor if you experience an allergic reaction (at any time, not just in pregnancy). The symptoms of this can include skin rashes, itchiness, flushing, or swelling (often in the hands, face, feet, but also sometimes in the throat, which can make it hard to breathe). 8

Tell your doctor if you’re a long-term Benadryl user

In addition to the symptoms listed above, there are also long-term consequences to using Benadryl too often or taking a dose that’s too high, which can include a risk of developing anxiety or memory problems and dementia (although this is mainly a risk for older adults and probably isn’t something you need to worry much about if you’re young enough to become pregnant). 8

Benadryl is generally a safe drug when used responsibly, but it’s best not to take it every day for prolonged periods (months or years on end). Speak with your doctor about alternatives if you rely on Benadryl as a sleep aid or to keep your allergies at bay.

If you’re hesitant about taking Benadryl or if it’s not providing enough relief, consider second-generation antihistamines.

These drugs, which include loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine (Zyrtec), work a bit differently from Benadryl, and are less likely to cause drowsiness. 4 11 12

You can also try certain steroid nasal sprays, like budesonide (Rhinocort), fluticasone (Flonase), and mometasone (Nasonex). 13

However, it’s best to steer clear of drugs containing pseudoephedrine (a common decongestant) in your first trimester, as it’s been linked to a slightly higher risk of certain birth defects. 14

What can you take to help you sleep while pregnant?

As mentioned, some pregnant women take Benadryl to overcome insomnia.

However, if you’re struggling to catch some Z’s, your doctor may first recommend nonpharmaceutical options, like trying cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), keeping your bedroom dark and quiet, and avoiding heavy meals or drinks leading up to bedtime. 15

You should also ensure you’re sleeping on your left side (sleeping in the wrong position during pregnancy can exacerbate your discomfort).

If those solutions don’t work, your doctor may recommend other antihistamines and melatonin supplements over Benadryl due to the long-term side effects mentioned above. 15

What can you take for the cold and flu while you’re pregnant?

Pregnancy suppresses your immune system, so it’s normal to get sick while you’re expecting. 16 17 Consider these pregnancy-safe medications: 12

• If you’re congested: Guaifenesin (Mucinex)
• If you have a persistent cough: Dextromethorphan (Robitussin)
• If you have a sore throat: Benzocaine (Chloraseptic, Cepacol, Halls) lozenges or cough drops
• If you have aches, pains, and a temperature over 100.6 °F: Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Again, always ask your doctor to verify that a medication is okay to take. For instance, by and large, it’s perfectly safe to take cough drops while you’re pregnant, but some brands may include herbal ingredients that you should stay away from.

Note that you can get the flu shot while pregnant to help protect you during cold and flu season.

Figuring out what’s safe to take can be a headache. Here’s a simple overview of what you can do to manage your allergies, colds, flus, and sleeping problems without resorting to medication at all:

How to treat your allergies without medication during your pregnancy

You can make a few changes to your environment to keep things clean and avoid triggering your allergies.

To start, check the Air Quality Index for your area. During high-pollen periods, stay indoors and keep your windows closed. You can also follow these other strategies: 18

• Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter
• Use a dehumidifier to filter out allergens
• Avoid gardening, mowing, and other outdoor activities that expose you to allergens
• Wash your sheets and bedding weekly in hot water 19
• Shower after going outside to remove allergens from your skin and hair

See your doctor if your symptoms worsen, as this can be a sign of a sinus infection. Watch out for other symptoms like fever, general discomfort or tiredness, pain in your face, or discolored discharge from your nose. 18

How to treat the cold and flu without medication during your pregnancy

The best remedies are often the simplest ones. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.

You can also alleviate your congestion by using a humidifier, facial steamer, or hot-mist vaporizer (a hot shower works, too). 20 You can also try a saline nasal drop, spray, or rinse (e.g., with a bulb syringe, squeeze bottle, or neti pot). 21

If you have a sore throat, gargle warm salt water and have a cup of decaffeinated tea with honey or lemon.

While constant sniffles are annoying, sticking to the right remedy will help you avoid more complications. While you’re pregnant, it’s best to stay away from: 21

• Vitamin C and zinc: The doses of these nutrients and minerals in supplements for colds are much higher than what’s recommended for you during your pregnancy. If you’re already taking your prenatal vitamins, they should provide you with all the extra nutrients you need.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Generally, pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin aren’t recommended during pregnancy. NSAIDs can increase your baby’s risk of developing problems with her heart and lungs if you take them in higher doses later in your pregnancy.
• Herbal supplements: There’s not enough scientific evidence to establish that the use of herbal medications for colds and flu is safe during pregnancy (or even effective).

Getting the sniffles when you already have exhausting pregnancy symptoms is no fun.

While you might be itching for a quick fix, it’s important to talk to your doctor before reaching for any over-the-counter remedies like Benadryl. They’ll probably approve the drug for occasional use, but being cautious will help ensure the safety of both you and your baby.