BUMPS: Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy
If you've ever stood in a pharmacy aisle wondering whether a medicine is actually safe to take while pregnant, you're not alone — it's one of the most common worries in pregnancy, and one of the hardest to Google your way through reliably. BUMPS (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) is the UK resource built specifically to answer that question with clear, evidence-based information rather than guesswork.
What BUMPS is and who runs it
BUMPS stands for Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy. It's a free public information service produced by the UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS), a specialist NHS-linked service that advises healthcare professionals on medicine safety in pregnancy. The patient-facing leaflets on the BUMPS website are written in plain language but are based on the same evidence that GPs, midwives, obstetricians, and pharmacists consult when they need detailed guidance.
- It's hosted at medicinesinpregnancy.org
- It's completely free to use, with no login required
- Leaflets cover hundreds of individual medicines, from common painkillers and antihistamines to more specialist prescriptions
- Each leaflet is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect current evidence
How to use the resource
BUMPS is organised as a searchable library of medicine-specific leaflets rather than a single general guide, which makes it genuinely useful when you have a specific question:
- Search for the medicine by name (brand name or generic name both usually work)
- Read the leaflet, which typically explains what's known about the medicine's safety in pregnancy, any risks identified in research, and practical advice
- Look out for separate sections on use in breastfeeding, since safety in pregnancy and safety while breastfeeding aren't always the same
- Use the "what to do" guidance at the end of each leaflet, which usually recommends discussing your specific situation with your GP, midwife, or pharmacist rather than making decisions alone
It's worth noting that BUMPS leaflets summarise the general evidence base, not a personalised recommendation for you. Your own health history, the dose, and the trimester you're in can all affect the advice a clinician gives, so use BUMPS to inform the conversation rather than as a substitute for it.
Why it's a trusted starting point
Unlike many pregnancy forums or general health websites, BUMPS is written and maintained by specialists in medicine safety who track emerging research and pregnancy registry data. This is genuinely the same resource many GPs, obstetric pharmacists, and midwives reach for when a patient asks about a medicine that isn't covered by a standard leaflet insert. If you take regular prescribed medication and are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, checking BUMPS alongside a conversation with your prescriber is a sensible habit — never stop a prescribed medicine abruptly without medical advice, even if you're unsure about its safety, since some conditions carry more risk if left untreated than the medicine itself does.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BUMPS?
BUMPS (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) is a free, evidence-based resource from the UK Teratology Information Service that provides plain-language information on the safety of specific medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It's hosted at medicinesinpregnancy.org and is widely used by both patients and healthcare professionals.
How do I use BUMPS to check a medicine?
Go to medicinesinpregnancy.org and search for the medicine by name. Each result opens a dedicated leaflet explaining what's known about its safety in pregnancy, with separate guidance for breastfeeding where relevant. Use the information to guide a conversation with your GP, midwife, or pharmacist rather than as a final decision on its own.
Should I stop taking a medicine if I'm not sure it's safe in pregnancy?
Don't stop a prescribed medicine on your own without speaking to a healthcare professional first. For some conditions, stopping treatment suddenly carries more risk to you and your pregnancy than continuing it does. Check BUMPS for background information, then discuss your specific situation with your GP or pharmacist promptly.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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