Can You Take Pepto-Bismol While Pregnant?
It's best to avoid Pepto-Bismol in pregnancy — it contains a salicylate (aspirin-like ingredient). For heartburn or upset stomach, an antacid like Tums is a better choice. Check with your provider.
The full answer
Pepto-Bismol's active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate, and the 'salicylate' part is aspirin-like — salicylates are generally avoided in pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, because of effects on bleeding and on the baby's circulation. For the symptoms people reach for it for, there are better-studied options: calcium-carbonate antacids like Tums for heartburn and indigestion, and for an upset stomach or diarrhoea, the mainstays are fluids and rehydration, with your provider's advice if it's persistent. Kaopectate is another product to check, as some versions also contain a salicylate. If you took a dose early in pregnancy before you knew, it's unlikely to have caused harm — just switch to a safer option and mention it to your provider. If you've taken several doses after 20 weeks, stop and call your provider. This is general information, not personal advice.
Safer alternatives
- For heartburn/indigestion, use a calcium-carbonate antacid like Tums instead
- For an upset stomach, focus on fluids/rehydration; ask your provider if it persists
- Check other stomach remedies (e.g. some Kaopectate) for salicylates too
When to avoid: Avoid Pepto-Bismol and other salicylate-containing stomach remedies in pregnancy, particularly the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
Pepto-Bismol by trimester
| Stage | What changes |
|---|---|
| First trimester | Generally advised against. Bismuth subsalicylate is a salicylate — the same family as aspirin — which is why it's treated differently from other stomach remedies even early on. |
| Second trimester | Still advised against, and the concern is more pointed as pregnancy progresses because of the salicylate content. There are alternatives for indigestion and heartburn that don't raise the same issue. |
| Third trimester | Avoided. Salicylates in late pregnancy raise concerns about bleeding and the baby's circulation, so this is the period where the advice is firmest. |
Common questions about pepto-bismol in pregnancy
Why is Pepto-Bismol not recommended in pregnancy?
Because its active ingredient, bismuth subsalicylate, is a salicylate — chemically related to aspirin. That places it under the same cautions rather than alongside ordinary antacids, which is surprising to a lot of people given where it sits on the shelf.
I took some before I realised — should I worry?
A single dose taken before you knew is not generally treated as an emergency. Stop, switch to something else, and mention it at your next appointment so it's on the record.
What can I take for an upset stomach instead?
It depends what the symptom actually is — heartburn, indigestion, diarrhoea and nausea have different answers. Calcium-carbonate antacids are commonly used for heartburn; for diarrhoea, hydration matters most and persistent symptoms should be checked. A pharmacist can match the remedy to the symptom safely.
Your provider or pharmacist should confirm whether Pepto-Bismol suits you, since they can check your history and other medicines. The general rules for medicines in pregnancy are in our pregnancy safety guide, and you can track your pregnancy with the How Far Along Am I? calculator and the week-by-week guide.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you take Pepto-Bismol while pregnant?
- It's best to avoid Pepto-Bismol in pregnancy — it contains a salicylate (aspirin-like ingredient). For heartburn or upset stomach, an antacid like Tums is a better choice. Check with your provider. Pepto-Bismol's active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate, and the 'salicylate' part is aspirin-like — salicylates are generally avoided in pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, because of effects on bleeding and on the baby's circulation. For the symptoms people reach for it for, there are better-studied options: calcium-carbonate antacids like Tums for heartburn and indigestion, and for an upset stomach or diarrhoea, the mainstays are fluids and rehydration, with your provider's advice if it's persistent. Kaopectate is another product to check, as some versions also contain a salicylate. If you took a dose early in pregnancy before you knew, it's unlikely to have caused harm — just switch to a safer option and mention it to your provider. If you've taken several doses after 20 weeks, stop and call your provider. This is general information, not personal advice.
- Why is Pepto-Bismol not recommended in pregnancy?
- Pepto-Bismol's active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate, and the 'salicylate' part is aspirin-like — salicylates are generally avoided in pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, because of effects on bleeding and on the baby's circulation. For the symptoms people reach for it for, there are better-studied options: calcium-carbonate antacids like Tums for heartburn and indigestion, and for an upset stomach or diarrhoea, the mainstays are fluids and rehydration, with your provider's advice if it's persistent. Kaopectate is another product to check, as some versions also contain a salicylate. If you took a dose early in pregnancy before you knew, it's unlikely to have caused harm — just switch to a safer option and mention it to your provider. If you've taken several doses after 20 weeks, stop and call your provider. This is general information, not personal advice.
- When should I avoid Pepto-Bismol during pregnancy?
- Avoid Pepto-Bismol and other salicylate-containing stomach remedies in pregnancy, particularly the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
Sources
This answer was checked against the following public guidance. Advice can differ between countries; your midwife, doctor or pharmacist can apply it to you.