Crowds, long lines and the same holiday songs blaring over store loudspeakers can bring on a pounding headache even for the heartiest of holiday shoppers. When you’re pregnant and feel a headache coming on, do you take over-the-counter (OTC) medication to fend off the inevitable pain, or do you decide to do without any medication and suffer the consequences?

According to a WiserPregnancy survey, moms-to-be are split down the middle on this issue. About half of pregnant women take OTC painkillers to treat common ailments, including headaches (55%), colds (51%) and back pain (50%).

If you’re in the no-medication-during-pregnancy camp, you’re not alone. Taking medication during pregnancy is somewhat taboo in U.S. culture, and with good reason. Studies have linked some medications to an increased risk of birth defects or other pregnancy complications, and many moms do not want to take any chances.

However, some drugs have been thoroughly studied and are considered safe for you and your baby. They can make you more comfortable, and your doctor may recommend OTC treatment, especially if your symptoms prevent you from functioning normally and focusing on sustaining a healthy pregnancy.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is one OTC medication on the okay list and a medication of choice for many expectant moms.

New study findings in the January 2010 publication of Obstetrics & Gynecology magazine report that there is no evidence that acetaminophen use during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects. In fact, the study suggests that when women used Tylenol or other acetaminophen-based drugs to lower fever in the first trimester, they had a lower risk of having a baby with certain birth defects in comparison to women who did not use fever-reducing medication.

Remember to check with your doctor if you are considering taking OTC medication during pregnancy to be on the safe side.

How do you feel about medication during pregnancy? Have you treated any pregnancy ailments with OTC medication?