Safer Medicines in Pregnancy and Beyond
Trusted information and links to resources for families. Knowing which resources are trusted can be difficult, please find below information on how you can stay well while planning and expanding your family.
Resources for you and your family
Planning Your Pregnancy
Find out more about planning your pregnancy, staying well and safe medicines below.
Staying Well in Pregnancy
You can find information on recommended supplements, medicines and keeping well while pregnant below.
Breastfeeding Support
Most medicines are compatible in lactation, see below for evidence based resources to find out more.
Managing your baby's Health
You can find out more information on vaccinations, supplements health and infant feeding below.
Positive Test? Book Before 10 Weeks!
Search 'Somerset Foundation Trust Maternity' or Scan the QR code
https://www.badgernotes.net/SelfReferral/CareLocation/somerset
Your first midwife appointment (also called the booking appointment) should happen before you're 10 weeks pregnant. This is because you'll be offered some tests that can only be done in early pregnancy. However, you will be well cared for whenever you tell us you are pregnant, it's never too late!
Many people take medicines for short or long-term conditions, including during pregnancy.
Do not stop prescribed medication without speaking to your healthcare professional.
Support is available before, during and after pregnancy.
NEW NHS Referral link available for patients to self-refer into maternity services:
Planning Pregnancy
Some medicines are not safe in pregnancy. Alternatives are usually available. Do not stop prescribed medicines without speaking to your prescriber. Both parents’ medicines can affect the baby before and during pregnancy. Medicine risks can change at different stages of pregnancy. Check with your pharmacist, GP, midwife, specialist, or the BUMPS / NHS website.
Staying Well in Pregnancy
Daily over the counter vitamin D is recommended before and during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding, alongside daily folic acid (starting before pregnancy if possible, until 12 weeks).
You may be offered a prescription for higher-dose folic acid, low-dose aspirin or other medicines if recommended for your health. Find out more on the NHS website or ask your healthcare professional.
Pregnancy vitamins and supplements - NHS
Getting vitamins – Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)
Taking Low Dose Aspirin During Pregnancy- Patient Information Leaflet NHS Somerset November 2025
National guidance from NICE recommend your healthcare professional offers you high dose folic acid 5mg once daily to anyone who is planning to become pregnant or is in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy if they have an increased risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect or other congenital malformation, for example, if they:
- (or your partner) have, or if there is a family history of, a neural tube defect or other congenital malformation
- have had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect or other congenital malformation
- have type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- have a haematological condition that requires folic acid supplementation, such as sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia
- are taking medicines that can affect how folic acid is absorbed or metabolised (for example, people taking anti-epileptic medicines or medicines for HIV).
Are you at risk of blood clots in pregnancy? Take this early pregnancy questionnaire to see if you should talk to your healthcare professional: earlypregnancy | Thrombosis UK the Thrombosis UK website also has further information on blood clots, how they are prevented, how you can reduce your risk, and how they are treated if you are diagnosed with a blood clot.
Use the NHS Referral link to self-refer into maternity services: Refer yourself for NHS pregnancy care - NHS
Pregnancy Sickness Support | UK Charity Established in 2002, Pregnancy Sickness Support is the only UK registered charity that provides vital emotional and practical support for those suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), including a national peer support network, specialist counselling, and evidence-based information.
You can find more information on the Maternity - Somerset NHS Foundation Trust website, including details of their Somerset maternity advice line and emergency triage.
Call: 01823 343985
The support line is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and is your dedicated maternity emergency line. If in doubt, call the number.
Breastfeeding Support and Medicines in Lactation
Most medicines are compatible while breastfeeding or chestfeeding, with
suitable alternatives available if needed.
Your healthcare professional can use specialist, evidence-based resources.
More information is available on the NHS website and the Breastfeeding
Network Drugs in Breastmilk Service.
Contact the Drugs in Breastmilk Service - The Breastfeeding Network
Drugs in Breastmilk factsheets - The Breastfeeding Network
You can also contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline – Helpline who are available with trained breastfeeding supporters 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for all infant feeding support queries.
Managing your Baby's Health
You can find information on vaccinations, caring for your baby if they are unwell, and on recommended
vitamins on the NHS website, or by talking to your healthcare professional.
You may qualify for free Healthy Start vitamins.
Vaccinations in pregnancy - NHS
NHS vaccinations and when to have them - NHS
Getting vitamins – Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)
You can also find out more resources, including local services on our Women's Health - NHS Somerset ICB page.
First Steps Nutrition Trust is an independent public health nutrition charity who have information on eating well from preconception to 5 years of age, as well as conflict of interest-free information on infant milks marketed in the UK, and to promote better regulation and marketing of breastmilk substitutes.
You can also find information on child nutrition locally on the patient webinars website, helping you access reliable nutrition information from qualified health professionals in Somerset.
All new parents should be aware of safe sleep guidance, especially if EITHER parent is prescribed sedating/ drowsy medication, whether you are breastfeeding or not. Resources are available from Co-sleeping | The Lullaby Trust and BASIS – Baby Sleep Information Source
You can also contact your Health Visitor for more information and support. The Somerset Health Visiting Team are available. If you require advice and support you can contact the Health Visiting under-fives Parent Service text line on 07480 635514.
Find the Health Visitor telephone number in your area on the Somerset County Council Health Visitor website. The Somerset Health Visiting Team are now also able to offer breast pump loans, get in touch for more information.
