Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Guidance on treatments considered suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Healthy Start vitamins
Women and children getting Healthy Start food vouchers also get vitamin coupons to swap for free Healthy Start vitamins. Healthy Start vitamins are specifically designed for pregnant and breastfeeding women and growing children.

Their midwife or health visitor will be able to give advice. If anyone needs help completing the form, social prescribers in your area can be contacted.

More information can be found at www.healthystart.nhs.uk

Constipation

Drug Cost Age Other information
Drug
Lactulose
Cost
Liquid
£6.60 (300mL)
Age
No age restrictions
Info

Can be taken in pregnancy and while breastfeeding
Drug
Lactulose
Cost
Liquid
£8.60 (500mL)
Age
No age restrictions
Info

Can be taken in pregnancy and while breastfeeding

Indigestion and heartburn

Upper digestive symptoms including acid reflux, heartburn, and simple dyspepsia.

Drug Cost Age Other information
Drug
Gaviscon Double action
Cost
Liquid
£13.00 (500mL)
Age
12 years and over
Info

(Mint or aniseed or mixed berry)
Drug
Peptac
Cost
Liquid
£8.00 (500mL)
Age
6 years and over
Info

Can be taken in pregnancy and while breastfeeding

Mild pain, discomfort, fever

Common short-term symptoms such as aches, sprains, headache, back pain, and period pain.

Drug Cost Age Other information
Drug
Paracetamol 120mg/5mL
Cost
Suspension
£3.50 (100mL)
Age
2 months and over
Info

Can be taken in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Drug
Paracetamol 250mg/5mL
Cost
Suspension
£4.00 (80mL)
Age
6 years and over
Info
Drug
Paracetamol 500mg
Cost
Tablets
£0.40 (16 tablets )
Age
10 years and over
Info

The maximum tablets that can be bought at all outlets is 16. Pharmacies can sell 32, legally they can sell up to 96 at the discretion of the pharmacist.
Drug
Paracetamol 500mg
Cost
Soluble tablets
£4.00 (24 tablets)
Age
12 years and over
Info

Pharmacies can sell 32, legally they can sell up to 100 at the discretion of the pharmacist.

Vitamins and minerals

Please refer to the Vitamins and minerals section.

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