5 Common Medications to Avoid During Pregnancy – Especially While Traveling

Introduction: Why this matters now

 On September 21, 2025, the Washington Post reported that president Donald Trump made headlines with an autism announcement today linking acetaminophen (Tylenol) to potential risks during pregnancy. The announcement sent ripples through the medical community, sparked debates in the media, and even nudged Tylenol stock and Kenvue stock price on Wall Street. Whether you follow Trump news, RFK announcements, or check in with Dr. Oz for health updates, one thing is clear: the safety of familiar medications in pregnancy is under scrutiny like never before.

For travelers, this issue becomes even sharper. Imagine you’re in a long airport line with a splitting headache, or your flight lands in a country where the pharmacy shelves look nothing like home. It’s tempting to reach for familiar pills from your carry-on. But pregnancy changes how your body processes medicine, and what used to be safe may suddenly carry new risks. Here’s a clear, travel-friendly guide to five medications you might be used to—but should think twice about during pregnancy.

1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Paracetamol) – The "Safe" Option Under Scrutiny

Why it matters: For decades, acetaminophen was the go-to pain reliever in pregnancy. But the trump tylenol announcement put it in the spotlight, raising concerns about links to autism (autism tylenol news). Research is split: some studies, like a Harvard analysis, show potential ties to ADHD and autism; others, like a Swedish sibling study, suggest no clear risk.

On the road: In travel, Tylenol is often the first thing people pack—for fevers, muscle aches, or jet lag headaches. But because it crosses the placenta and may disrupt hormones, experts now say: don’t pop it casually. Always check with your doctor before relying on it abroad.

Key studies here

2. NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen) – Hidden Cardiovascular Risks

Why it matters: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are everywhere—airport kiosks, hotel gift shops, and even airline med kits. But research shows risks of birth defects, amniotic fluid reduction, and fetal kidney issues, especially after 20 weeks.

On the road: Many travelers take ibuprofen for sore backs after long flights or for altitude headaches in the mountains. The problem? These drugs can restrict blood flow through the placenta. Better to swap for non-drug strategies like stretching on flights, hydration, or doctor-approved alternatives.

FDA warning here

3. Opioid Pain Medications (Codeine, Oxycodone) – The Emergency Trap

Why it matters: Emergencies happen—dental pain abroad, sudden injuries, or post-surgery recovery. Opioids like codeine or oxycodone might be prescribed, but data links them to serious risks: heart defects, spina bifida, and neonatal withdrawal.

On the road: In some countries, codeine is still sold over the counter for coughs or strong pain. That can tempt a traveler in distress. But for pregnant women, it’s a red flag. If you land in an ER abroad, make sure staff know you’re pregnant before they hand out prescriptions.

National Birth Defects Prevention Study

4. First-Generation Antihistamines (Diphenhydramine/Benadryl) – Allergy Relief with a Catch

Why it matters: Allergy meds and sleep aids like Benadryl are staples in many travel bags. Early research hinted at possible birth-defect risks, and newer data raises concerns about long-term effects like liver issues. Add the drowsiness factor, and it’s not exactly ideal for someone pregnant navigating crowded airports.

On the road: Travelers often use antihistamines for motion sickness, itchy rashes, or as DIY sleep aids on overnight flights. But dizziness and sedation can increase the risk of falls—dangerous when you’re pregnant and carrying luggage.

MotherToBaby fact sheet

5. Decongestants (Pseudoephedrine) – Not Worth the Quick Fix

Why it matters: Stuffed noses are common with cabin pressure changes and colds picked up in crowded buses or airports. But pseudoephedrine, a common decongestant, is linked to abdominal wall defects and reduced blood flow to the placenta.

On the road: Long flights often cause ear and sinus pressure, making pseudoephedrine tempting. But add in high altitude travel or low cabin oxygen, and the circulation risks multiply. Safer options include saline sprays or using filtered masks to prevent infections in the first place.

NHS guidance

Safe Packing Tips for Pregnant Travelers

Here’s a quick comparison table that can help you plan your travel kit:

Pack these with you instead of improvising at your destination. Pharmacies abroad may not stock the brands you know, and language barriers can make it risky to guess.

Practical Scenario: Long-Haul Flight to Asia

Picture this: You’re flying from New York to Bangkok while five months pregnant. Ten hours into the flight, you feel nauseous and reach for familiar motion-sickness tablets. But the label is in another language, and you can’t be sure what’s inside. This is exactly the moment when having a pre-packed, doctor-approved travel kit pays off. Ginger chews or vitamin B6 you packed at home are far safer bets than experimenting with local brands in the air.

Talking to Your Doctor About Your Travel Kit

Before your trip, schedule a consultation with your OB-GYN or midwife and bring a draft list of what you’d like to pack. Ask questions such as:

• Which pain relievers are safest for me at my current stage of pregnancy?

• What’s a safe option if I get motion sickness while flying or sailing?

• Are there over-the-counter meds abroad that I should definitely avoid?

• Should I carry a doctor’s note or prescription for any of these items?

This conversation helps tailor your kit to your health history and destination, and prevents panic when symptoms strike far from home.

Final Thoughts

The Trump acetaminophen announcement may have been political theater for some, but it highlights a serious truth for travelers: drug safety in pregnancy is a moving target. What felt safe yesterday may be under review today. Add the unpredictability of travel—jet lag, illness, strange pharmacies—and the risks get more real.

The bottom line? Don’t wait until you’re standing in a pharmacy in a foreign city with Google Translate open. Before you pack your bags, talk to your doctor about what’s safe for you and your baby. Put together a travel kit with pre-approved medications, and you’ll be ready for whatever your trip throws at you—without putting your pregnancy at risk.