Is it safe to take Claritin or other allergy medications during pregnancy? Answer From Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D. Allergy medications are sometimes recommended during pregnancy. During your first trimester, don't take decongestants by mouth, either. They may make some birth defects more likely. Watch out for antihistamines combined with a decongestant. Therefore, while there is no such thing as a completely safe medication during pregnancy, the past association between antihistamine use during the first trimester and birth defects was not confirmed in a recent large study. The safety of Zyrtec, when taken by the mother during pregnancy, has not been proven with an absolute degree of certainty but the FDA states below** that “Limited published data with cetirizine suggests it is relatively safe during the first trimester (first 12 weeks) of pregnancy. If possible the pruritus and other allergic manifestations in the first trimester of pregnancy should be managed using topical medications like bland emollients and systemic antihistamines should be avoided as none of the antihistamines are categorized as safe by the FDA and in India no specific guidelines exist regarding their use in pregnancy. Preferably all drug usage including. Steroid nasal spray (Check with your doctor first, but over the counter sprays are generally safe.) Cold and Flu Robitussin (check which ones, some should not be used in 1st trimester), Trind-DM. The safety of Zyrtec, when taken by the mother during pregnancy, has not been proven with an absolute degree of certainty but the FDA states below** that “Limited published data with cetirizine suggests it is relatively safe during the first trimester (first 12 weeks) of pregnancy. Cetirizine Pregnancy Warnings Animal models have failed to reveal evidence of teratogenicity and harmful effects on pregnancy, embryofetal development, parturition, and/or postnatal development. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Zyrtec, Equate Allergy Relief, PediaCare Children's 24-Hour Allergy, Zyrtec, Zyrtec Hives. Medicine use while Breastfeeding · Safe Medications during Breastfeeding. None of the antihistamines available today have been categorized as safe during pregnancy. Control studies are available for certain first generation drugs. Antihistamines like Chlor-Trimeton and Benadryl are safe for pregnant. Aches, pains and uncomfortable symptoms are unfortunately part and parcel of pregnancy. But before you reach for that over-the-counter medicine, learn which medications are safe to take during pregnancy, and which are not.