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Common Discomforts &
Acceptable Drugs In Pregnancy

Below is a list of common discomforts during pregnancy. We hope you will find the solutions to these discomforts helpful. The medications that are included for some problems are over-the-counter and do not require a prescription. they may be used in pregnancy if necessary and are acceptable when used to a minimum. To our knowledge, they will not harm your baby.

GAS/INDIGESTION:

  • Avoid spicy or greasy foods
  • Antacids low in sodium
    • Tums – as on package
    • Mylanta, Maalox, or Riopan – 1-2 teaspoons 30 minutes after meals and at bedtime

COLDS/CONGESTION:

  • Rest – increase fluid intake
  • Use a humidifier/vaporizer
  • Warm cloth to sinuses
    • Actifed – Sudafed – 30 mg. by mouth 3 times a day
    • For allergies use Benadryl according to package

FEVER:

  • Increase fluid intake
    • Tylenol – 2 tablets every 4 hours
    • Call if persists greater than 24 hours

HEADACHE:

  • Rest in quiet, dark environment
    • Tylenol – 2 tablets every 4 hours, as needed, or Extra-Strength Tylenol

SORE THROAT:

  • Gargle with hot salt water 4 times a day
  • Rest – increase fluids
    • Chloraseptic  spray or lozenges

NAUSEA/VOMITING:

  • Small, frequent carbohydrate feedings
  • Increase fluids and protein
  • Avoid caffeine and colas
    • Dramamine – 50 mg. 1 tablet every 6 hours, or
    • PeptoBismol – as on package, or
    • Emetrol Syrup – 1 tablespoon as needed

BACKACHE:

  • Elevate feet – rest
  • Pelvic tilt exercises
  • Heating pad
    • May use Tylenol or Extra-Strength Tylenol, if severe

NOSEBLEEDS:

  • More common in pregnancy
  • Cold cloth to nose with pressure
  • Vaseline to mucous membranes in edge of nose to decrease irritation
  • Use a humidifier in your bedroom

SWELLING:

  • Elevate feet or hands
  • Increase water intake to 8-10 glasses per day
  • Avoid increased salt intake
  • Rest as much as possible on left side

DIARRHEA:

  • Try to increase fluid intake even if no solid food is eaten
    • Donnagel, PeptoBismol, Imodium AD or Kaopectate, as on package

INSOMNIA:

  • Warm, relaxing bath
  • Use multiple pillows to find positions of comfort
    • Benadryl, according to package
  • Expect to have to get up frequently to empty your bladder

VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION:

  • Over-the-counter Monistat as the package directs is recommended

CONSTIPATION:

  • 8-10 glasses of water per day
  • Regular exercise i.e., walking, etc.
  • Increase bran and fiber in food
  • May add if needed and use according to package:
    • Colace 50 mg
    • Peri-Colace
    • Metamucil
    • Citrucel
    • Dialose – Plus

HEMORRHOIDS:

  • Hot sitz baths – 3-4 times a day
  • Avoid constipation
    • Anusol cream or suppositories 3 times a day, or
    • Tucks pads, or
    • Preparation H,  as on package

COUGH:

  • Robitussin (Plain or DH)  1 teaspoon every 4 hours

PAINTING:

  • OK if performed in well ventilated area
  • If fumes are nauseating, leave the house, room, etc.

TRAVEL:

  • May travel up to 35-36 weeks if no complications
  • You may need a note for airline so check when making reservations
  • When traveling by car, stop every 60-90 minutes to walk around and empty bladder
  • OK to pass through metal detector at airport

BREAST CONCERNS:

  • For the most part, medicines that are OK in pregnancy are OK in breast-feeding

OTHER COMMON QUESTIONS:

  • Chickenpox & measles exposure—if you had chickenpox, you and your baby are protected
  • If you are not sure that you had them or know that you did not have them, call our office for further information
  • Hair coloring & permanents acceptable but may not take as well as in nonpregnancy
  • We would recommend waiting until after the first trimester of your pregnancy

EXERCISE:

  • Do not add any new exercise program
  • Keep heart rate less than 140 beats per minute and at a maximum for only 20 minutes
  • Modify aerobics from high to low impact
  • Light weights workout is OK if currently doing them

DENTAL WORK:

  • Maintain good dental hygiene
  • Regular checkups
  • Dental X-rays are OK with an abdominal shielding
  • Antibiotics acceptable for prescription by your dentist for prophylaxis or infection:
    • Penicillin or Erythromycin;  No Tetracycline
  • Fillings and other dental work are OK; Novocaine WITHOUT Epinephrine may be used for anesthetic during dental procedures