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While you probably think nothing of taking an aspirin for a headache or dosing yourself up with cold remedies, now you're expecting, its not quite that simple.
Lots of over-the-counter drugs aren't recommended for pregnant women, partly because scientists simply don't know how they affect the pregnant body.
"While we know the majority of drugs are reasonably safe, we're not allowed to test them on pregnant women," says Dr Pat McElhatton, of the UK's National Teratology Information Service. "That's the reason we're so careful about what we give in pregnancy - it's a precaution."
You can make sure you and your baby stay safe by consulting your GP, midwife or pharmacist before you take any drug, no matter how harmless it seems. Our guide to some common over-the-counter and prescribed medicines, below, will also tell you what's safe and what's not.
Cough and cold treatments
If you come down with a cold or cough, have a chat with your pharmacist, rather than buying something over-the-counter or from your supermarket. Modern cough and cold remedies often contain a combination of lots of different drugs and some even contain alcohol.
"For coughs and colds, it's best to stick to very simple remedies and lots of fluids,' says Dr McElhatton.
Indigestion
Most over-the-counter remedies for indigestion aren't going to do you any harm if you do develop mild indigestion or heartburn, it's safe to take what your pharmacist recommends. If it doesn't go away, however, or gets worse, see your GP, who can check that there isn't any underlying problem.
Painkillers
For most women, paracetamol is safe to take throughout pregnancy. Aspirin and ibuprofen aren't recommended after 30 weeks, as they can affect a valve in your baby's heart. If you develop a headache or any other minor pain in pregnancy, take the recommended dose of paracetamol and, if that doesn't work, ask your midwife, pharmacist or GP for advice.
Thrush
Taking over-the-counter creams, pessaries and pills for thrush isn't recommended while you're pregnant. If you do get thrush, it's important to see your GP so that she can rule out other vaginal infections. Also, recurrent thrush in pregnancy can be a sign that you are developing pregnancy diabetes - another good reason to have a check-up with your doctor.
Piles
Although over-the-counter remedies are safe to use while you are pregnant, you'll need to speak to your GP first. "It's not that the medicines available are dangerous," says Dr McElhatton, "but your GP can choose a remedy that's right for you and which will clear up the problem quickly."
Acne
Acne treatments which contain high doses of retinoids (normally only available on prescription from a hospital specialist) aren't safe to use in pregnancy as they increase the risk of birth defects this particularly applies to those taken by mouth rather than applied directly to the skin. Your skin is also more sensitive in pregnancy, so before you use any acne preparation check with your midwife, GP or pharmacist first.
Antibiotics
Most antibiotics, including penicillin, are safe to take in pregnancy. As long as your GP is aware that you are pregnant, he or she will be able to prescribe antibiotics safely for you.
Cystitis
Over-the-counter cystitis treatments, such as Ural, may be high in sodium and aren't recommended while you are pregnant. If you do get an attack, drink plenty of fluids and see your GP.
What if I take regular medication?
If you have a chronic complaint for which you take regular medication, such as asthma, eczema, psoriasis, epilepsy or diabetes, you should ideally talk to your GP before you get pregnant. Drugs used to treat these conditions are rarely harmful to you and your baby, but your GP will want to make sure your condition is well controlled and may want to adjust your dosage once you're pregnant. It's particularly important to keep diabetes well under control during pregnancy, so you may need to see your hospital specialist, too.
Did you know?
It's a myth that medicines are only unsafe in the first trimester of pregnancy - take medical advice throughout your pregnancy.
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