Pregnancy can raise many questions about medications, vaccines, nutrition, and lifestyle choices. Finding accurate, evidence-based information is important for making informed decisions about your health and your baby's wellbeing. We recommend the following trusted Canadian resources.

GynQI Pregnancy Handouts Evidence-based handouts for pregnancy topics Learn more → Healthy Pregnancy Hub Fact sheets on medications and pregnancy health Learn more →

These resources provide up-to-date information developed by healthcare professionals and researchers specializing in pregnancy care.

Vaccines during pregnancy

Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect both you and your baby during pregnancy. Some vaccines help prevent serious illness in pregnant individuals, while others provide antibodies that help protect newborns during their first months of life.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Any trimester
  • Helps protect against severe influenza infection and hospitalization.
  • Provides protection to your baby during the first months after birth.

Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

27–32 weeks
  • Protects newborns from pertussis (whooping cough), which can be life-threatening in young infants.

COVID-19 Vaccine

During pregnancy
  • Reduces the risk of severe illness.
  • Helps protect both the pregnant individual and the newborn.

RSV Vaccine

32–36 weeks
  • Helps protect infants from severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection during their first months of life.

Always discuss vaccination recommendations with your healthcare provider, as guidance may vary based on your medical history and local public health recommendations.

Medications during pregnancy

Many medications can be used safely during pregnancy, but some may require adjustments or alternatives. Never stop or start a prescription medication without speaking with your healthcare provider.

The Healthy Pregnancy Hub offers evidence-based fact sheets on:

  • Prescription medications
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Mental health medications
  • Nausea and vomiting treatments
  • Diabetes medications
  • Pain management options
  • Vaccines and medical conditions during pregnancy

If you have questions about a specific medication, discuss them with your obstetric care provider, family physician, pharmacist, or nurse practitioner.

Alcohol, cannabis, and other substance use

The safest choice during pregnancy is to avoid alcohol, cannabis, and recreational drugs.

Cannabis

Current evidence suggests there is no known safe amount of cannabis use during pregnancy. Cannabis products, including THC and CBD products, may cross the placenta and affect fetal development. Cannabis use during pregnancy has been associated with increased risks of low birth weight, preterm birth, stillbirth, and potential long-term effects on child development.

Alcohol

No amount of alcohol has been proven safe during pregnancy. Alcohol exposure can affect fetal growth and development and may lead to lifelong health consequences. Discuss any concerns about alcohol use with your healthcare provider.

Other substances

If you use tobacco, vaping products, cannabis, opioids, or other substances, talk openly with your healthcare team. Supportive and confidential resources are available to help you reduce risks and support a healthy pregnancy.

When in doubt, ask

Every pregnancy is unique. If you have questions about medications, vaccines, supplements, herbal products, travel, or lifestyle choices, speak with your healthcare provider before making changes.

For additional evidence-based information, visit:

GynQI Pregnancy Handouts – Learn more
Healthy Pregnancy Hub – Learn more