Answer: Ideally you should avoid all medications (including herbal remedies) during pregnancy, since most drugs have not been tested on pregnant women and it can be hard to know what affect they may have on your baby. If you have a severe sleep problem or disorder, your practitioner may recommend a prescription or over-the-counter drug to use during your second or third trimester. But you should never take any medication during pregnancy without first consulting your doctor or midwife.Over the counter medicationsAsk your doctor or midwife if you can take an antihistamine. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride and doxyalamine (brand names include Benadryl, Sominex, and Unisom) are generally considered safe during pregnancy, although drowsiness is a side effect -- not the primary effect -- of the drug. Since other possible side effects include impaired alertness and dizziness, you should not drive or operate machinery after taking this medication.Prescription medicationsIf you're suffering from severe insomnia or anxiety, your healthcare provider may recommend that you take a prescription sleeping medication. Warning: Never drive or operate machinery after taking a drug to help you sleep.