Current medicines, changing circumstances

Medicine Questions During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy or breastfeeding can change the context for medicine questions, but abruptly stopping a needed medicine can also create risk. Bring the complete product list and timing details so the pharmacist can help identify reliable information and the right follow-up.

Back to Women’s Health Bring a medication question

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Prepare your conversation

Questions worth bringing.

Use the questions that fit your situation. A pharmacist can explain medicines, devices and practical next steps without replacing diagnosis, personal monitoring targets or prescriber-led treatment decisions.

Should I check any current prescription before the next dose or refill?
Which non-prescription medicines or supplements should I review first?
What information matters during breastfeeding, including infant age or timing?
Which question needs the prescriber, midwife or another care professional?

What to know

Focus on the next useful decision.

Keep the current prescription, care plan and recent changes visible so the right professional can answer the right question.

Review before starting or stopping

Contact a pharmacist, prescriber or other appropriate care professional before starting a new product or stopping regular treatment. The answer depends on the exact medicine, dose, reason for use and stage of pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Include every product

Bring prescription medicines, pain and cold products, vitamins, supplements and natural health products. A complete list helps separate questions that can be answered at the pharmacy from those needing another clinician.

Give time-sensitive context

Include gestational stage, breastfeeding details, recent dose changes and when the next dose is due. Seek urgent assessment for an emergency or symptoms that your maternity care team has told you not to wait on.

Before you ask

Bring the details that change the answer.

All prescription and non-prescription products, vitamins and supplements
The dose, reason for use and timing of the next dose
Pregnancy stage or relevant breastfeeding details
Instructions and contact information from the maternity care team

Private consultations Medication reviews Prescription services

Sources used

Sex & U: sexual and reproductive health information Menopause Foundation of Canada Public Health Agency of Canada: healthy pregnancy guide

Reviewed August 26, 2026.

Before you make a change

Talk with a pharmacist or your care team.

Use this page to prepare questions, not to start, stop or change prescribed treatment. Follow the urgent instructions in your care plan and call 911 for an emergency.

Contact the pharmacy