Pregnancy Safety Guide: Food & Medication

Evidence-based pregnancy nutrition and drug safety — trimester-by-trimester answers for expecting mothers.

Worried About What’s Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy brings a flood of questions: Can I eat this? Is that medication safe? Sorting through forum opinions and conflicting advice is exhausting — and the stakes are high.

MioMama gives you evidence-based answers drawn from medical literature and FDA guidance, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Why Pregnant Women Trust MioMama

1,000+ foods checked for pregnancy safety

Trimester-specific medication guidance

Evidence-based answers, not forum opinions

What You Can Check on MioMama

Food Safety

Find out which foods are safe, risky, or to avoid during each trimester. From salmon to soft cheeses — we have you covered.

Browse Food Safety

Medication Safety

Look up medications by brand or generic name. Includes FDA category, trimester notes, and risk-benefit assessments.

Browse Medications

Trusted by Expecting Mothers

“Finally a site that gives straightforward answers without making me more anxious. Used it every week of my pregnancy.”

— Sarah M., 2nd trimester

“I checked every medication my doctor suggested here. The trimester-specific guidance was exactly what I needed.”

— Priya K., 3rd trimester

“The food database is incredibly thorough. I could finally eat with confidence knowing what was safe and what to avoid.”

— Emma L., postpartum

Common Pregnancy Safety Questions

Is salmon safe during pregnancy?

Yes, cooked salmon is safe and recommended during pregnancy. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support fetal brain development. Limit intake to 2–3 servings per week and avoid raw or smoked salmon due to the risk of listeria and parasites.

Can I take ibuprofen while pregnant?

Ibuprofen is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, as it can affect fetal kidney development and may cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is the preferred pain reliever — always consult your healthcare provider.

Is coffee safe in the first trimester?

Moderate caffeine consumption (under 200 mg per day, roughly one 12 oz cup of coffee) is generally considered safe during pregnancy. High caffeine intake has been linked to increased risk of miscarriage and low birth weight, so it is best to limit intake, especially in the first trimester.

What medications are safe for headaches during pregnancy?

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) at recommended doses is the first-line treatment for headaches during pregnancy. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin should be avoided, particularly after 20 weeks. Always consult your doctor or midwife before taking any medication during pregnancy.

Is sushi safe during pregnancy?

Raw or undercooked fish in sushi poses a risk of listeria and parasitic infections during pregnancy. Cooked sushi rolls (such as shrimp tempura or California rolls with cooked crab) are generally safe. Choose low-mercury fish like salmon and shrimp over high-mercury options like tuna.

Can I take antihistamines while pregnant?

Some antihistamines are considered safe during pregnancy. Loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are generally preferred as they are non-sedating. First-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) should be used with caution. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any allergy medication.