Discomforts in Pregnancy

Disclaimer: The medical information published on this page is not intended to serve as a substitution for a thorough evaluation from a qualified healthcare provider. Please contact your midwife if you have questions about illness or medication safety.

The following are generally acceptable during pregnancy. Medicines during pregnancy should only used as a last resort to more natural alternatives.

Pain or headache:

  • Tylenol (acetaminophen)
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) up to 32 weeks pregnant. Tylenol and Motrin may be used together.
  • To alleviate a migraine headache, drink a caffeinated beverage with Tylenol and Motrin
  • Increse water intake
  • Magnesium ( Natural Calm)
  • Sleep
  • Cold compress

Cold, runny nose:

  • Vaporizer at bedside
  • Vitamin C 1000mg every 3-4 hours
  • Zinc 30mg daily
  • Elderberry syrup
  • Garlic
  • 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 32 weeks pregnant
    • Claritin (loratadine)—after 12 weeks
    • Zyrtec—after 12 weeks
    • Mucinex D—after 12 weeks

Cough:

  • Robitussin (guaifenesin)—after 12 weeks pregnant
  • Delsym (dextromethorphan)
  • 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):

    • Papaya enzymes
    • Tums
    • Maalox
    • Pepcid (famotidine)
    • Zantac (ranitidine)
    • Pepto Bismol: do not use during pregnancy

    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
      • Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) 50mg 4 times per day
      • Antivert (meclizine) 25mg 3 times per day
      • Vistaril (hydroxyzine) 25-50mg 4 times per day
      • Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 25mg 3 times per day

    Hemorrhoids:

    • Increase fluids
    • Drink Natural Calm
    • Increase fiber through diet or supplementation as above for constipation
    • Avoid straining with defecation and avoid prolonged times on the toilet ( use a squatty potty)
    • Use sitz baths to soothe
    • Try topical therapies~ Witch hazel, Tucks, Preparation H, Hydrocortisone and epi-foam

     

    Diarrhea:

    (Call your care provider if symptoms last more than 24-48 hours)

    • Clear liquids/bland diet until symptoms resolve
    • Imodium AD

    Constipation:

        • 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
        • Glycerine suppositories

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