Can you take Benadryl while pregnant?

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a first‑generation antihistamine used for allergy symptoms, motion sickness, and as a short‑term sleep aid. Most data support that occasional, recommended doses are safe in pregnancy, but always discuss with your healthcare provider before use.

Is Benadryl safe during pregnancy?

• CDC and allergy experts consider diphenhydramine generally safe in pregnancy.
• Earlier, small studies suggested possible cleft lip/palate risk, but larger recent studies show no increased birth‑defect risk, even in the first trimester.
• Rare reports link excessive or prolonged use late in pregnancy to uterine contractions or fetal effects, but standard dosing is not associated with low birth weight or strong preterm delivery risk.

Recommended dosing

• Oral: 25–50 mg every 4–6 hours as needed, up to 6 doses in 24 hours.
• Topical (itch relief): apply sparingly to affected areas 3–4 times daily.
• Avoid combination products with pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine in the first trimester.

Side effects in pregnancy

• Drowsiness or sedation
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Rare: vision changes, urinary retention

Alternatives if Benadryl isn’t right

• Second‑generation antihistamines:
  • Claritin (loratadine)
  • Zyrtec (cetirizine)
  • Allegra (fexofenadine)
• Doxylamine (Unisom)
• Chlor‑Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)
• Hydroxyzine (Atarax) – prescription only
• Intranasal corticosteroids:
  • Flonase (fluticasone propionate)
  • Rhinocort (budesonide)
  • Nasonex (mometasone)
  • Flonase Sensimist (fluticasone furoate)
• Saline nasal spray or irrigation (neti pot)
• Saline eye drops, frequent vacuuming and bedding washes

Breastfeeding considerations

Diphenhydramine passes into breast milk and may reduce milk supply or cause infant sedation. Discuss breastfeeding plans and symptom relief with your provider before use.

Sources

• Li Q, et al. Assessment of antihistamine use in early pregnancy and birth defects. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2013;1(6):666–674.e1.
• Hansen C, et al. Antihistamine use and birth defects: National Birth Defects Prevention Study 1997–2011. Birth Defects Res. 2020;112(16):1234–1252.
• MotherToBaby. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) use during pregnancy. OTIS Fact Sheet. 2023.
• Prescribers’ Digital Reference. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride – drug summary. Accessed Mar 11, 2025.