While you are pregnant, you may have common problems that aren't caused by your pregnancy, like a cold or the flu. Or you may have a mild headache, mild fever, or backache. These minor symptoms generally don't cause problems. Doctors say it's usually safe to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever and pain.

Follow these over-the-counter (OTC) medicine precautions:

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Ask your doctor or midwife before taking any cold or flu medicines, including medicines that have acetaminophen. Not all cold and flu medicines are safe during pregnancy.
• Do not use other OTC medicines, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), unless your doctor or midwife says it's okay. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).