The universal disclaimer on medications during pregnancy is no medication has been studied completely. No study could take into account all the variables of human development that pertain to the specific medication. That being said, avoid taking unnecessary medications. This is most important during the first eight weeks of the pregnancy. Certainly, there are chronic prescribed medications such as anti-depressants, anti-hypertensives and thyroid medication, to name a few, which can be very important to the mother's well-being during pregnancy and will be continued. Sometimes, a medication will be changed to a safer alternative. Specific questions regarding medications can be handled at clinic appointments.
What about self-medication or OTCs for acute conditions?
The following are generally acceptable during pregnancy (select to read more):
Pain or headache
Tylenol (acetaminophen); Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) up to 20 weeks pregnant; Benadryl; Magnesium. Tylenol and Motrin may be used together. To alleviate a migraine headache, drink a caffeinated beverage with Tylenol and Motrin.
Cold, runny nose
- Vaporizer at bedside
- Vicks VapoRub
- Nasal irrigation: 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. baking soda in 8 oz. warm water. Irrigate nasal passages 3-4 times daily
- Cepastat lozenges or throat sprays
- Afrin (oxymetazoline)—theoretic precautions in IUGR cases
- Antihistamines
- Chlor-trimetron (chlorpheniramine)—after 12 weeks pregnant
- Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)—after 12 weeks pregnant
- Novahistine—after 12 weeks pregnant
- Tylenol cold and sinus—after 12 weeks pregnant
- Advil cold and sinus—after 12 weeks and before 20 weeks pregnant
- Claritin (loratadine)—after 12 weeks pregnant
- Zyrtec—after 12 weeks pregnant
- Mucinex D—after 12 weeks pregnant
Cough
- Robitussin (guaifenesin)—after 12 weeks pregnant
- Delsym (dextromethorphan)—after 12 weeks pregnant
- Any over the counter cough/throat lozenge
Sinus tenderness
- Vaporizer/Vicks VapoRub
- Antihistamines as above
- Saline nasal spray/irrigation
- Afrin (oxymetazoline)
- Warm packs to eyes and sinuses
Heartburn/Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Tums
- Maalox
- Pepcid (famotidine)
- Prescription: nexium (esomeprazole), protonix (pantoprazole), available in some cases and considered safe during pregnancy
- Pepto Bismol: do not use during pregnancy
- Prilosec
Nausea and vomiting*
- Strategies
- Avoid odors and triggers
- Avoid spicy and fatty foods
- Omit iron supplement
- Eat bland, dry high protein foods
- Eat small frequent meals with fluids between
- Avoid an empty stomach
- Keep crackers at bedside; eat before rising
- Alternative therapies
- Ginger: ginger ale or capsules (250mg 4 times per day taken orally)
- Vitamin B6
- P6 elastic wristband (acupuncture point)
- Antihistamines available without a script
- Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) 50mg 4 times per day
- Antivert (meclizine) 25mg 3 times per day
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 25mg 3 times per day
- Prescription medicines available if indicated
* adapted from Niebyl. "Management of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy: A Clinical Perspective". Academy for Healthcare Education. Nov. 2002 pp.6-9.
Diarrhea
(You may follow these instructions if symptoms are acute and no alert signs such as fever, bloody diarrhea or weight loss have occurred.)
- Clear liquids/bland diet until symptoms resolve
- Imodium AD
Constipation
- Miralax
- Water consumption should be at least 8-10 glasses of water per day
- High fiber diet
- Fiber laxatives such as Metamucil, Citrucel, Fibercon
- Milk of magnesia
- Magnesium Citrate—120 to 240 mL orally
- Mineral oil—may decrease absorption of fat soluble vitamins
- Glycerine suppositories
- Colace
Hemorrhoids
- Increase fluids
- Increase fiber through diet or supplementation as above for constipation
- Avoid straining with defecation and avoid prolonged times on the toilet
- Use sitz baths to soothe
- Try topical therapies—will not cure, but may decrease symptoms, for example, Tucks, Preparation H, Hydrocortisone and epi-foam