Included are methods and systems for drilling in a subterranean formation. A method comprises providing a drilling fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a betaine shale stabilizer; placing the drilling fluid into the subterranean formation; and drilling a wellbore in the subterranean formation. A drilling system comprises a drilling fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a betaine shale stabilizer; a drilling assembly; a drill string coupled to the drilling assembly; a pumping system fluidically coupled to the drill string, wherein the pumping system is capable of pumping the drilling fluid through the drill string.