Medications During Pregnancy and Comfort Measures for Common Discomforts of Pregnancy

No medication is proven completely safe in pregnancy. Therefore, please use any medication only when absolutely necessary for the shortest duration possible. Below is a list of medications and comfort measures that you may find helpful for treating common ailments during pregnancy. All of the medications listed are over the counter and do not require a prescription. Unless specifically noted otherwise, use medications as they appear on product packaging.

    • Tylenol (acetaminophen)

    • Local heat

    • Sudafed after 13 weeks

    • Mucinex after 13 weeks

    • Reflux: Pepcid

    • Antacids: Tums

    • Antacids: Maalox

    • Avoid spicy or greasy foods

    • Avoid large meals at bedtime

    • Elevate head of bed

  • Stool Softeners may be used:

    • Colace

    • Metamucil,

    • Citrucel

    For severe constipation:

    • Milk of Magnesia may be used

    Best avoided by:

    • Good hydration (plenty of water)

    • Dietary bran and fiber

    • Benadryl

    • Tylenol PM

    • Unisom

    • Warm, relaxing baths

    • Use pillows to adjust for comfort

    • Benadryl

    • Cortisone

    • Imodium

    • Claritin

    • Benadryl

    • Zyrtec

    • Preparation H

    • Anusol

    • Benadryl

    • Claritin

    • Robitussin

    • Tylenol (3 regular strength or 2 extra strength)

    • Saline nasal spray

    • Afrin may cause rebound congestion and should be used sparingly

    • Sudafed may be used after 13 weeks

    • Rest and increase fluid intake

    • Use a humidifier or vaporizer

    • Try to use alcohol free products

    • Use Tylenol as directed (3 regular or 2 extra strength every 4-6 hours as needed)

    • Increase fluid

    • Call the doctor/midwife if your fever exceeds 101 degrees

    • Chloraseptic spray

    • Lozenges

    • Gargle with warm salt water 4 times/day

    • ½ Unisom tablet and 25mg Vitamin B6 every 8hrs

    • Ginger snaps, tablets, or tea

    • Eat smaller, more frequent meals

    • Keep Saltine crackers on your bedside table and eat first thing before you get out of bed

    • Increase fluids and protein

    • Call if you cannot tolerate any oral intake

    • Sea Bands – acupressure therapy

    • Use Tylenol as directed

    • Heating pad (do not use electric heat for more than 20 minutes)

      • You may wish to make your own rice heating bag by taking a tube sock or long sock and filling it with uncooked rice and tying the open end. You may then place this in the microwave for 1 minute and apply to the area of discomfort.

    • Exercises/stretches

    • KT Tape

    • Maternity support belt

    • Use massage or warm bath

    • Tylenol

    • May use Migraine Excedrin after 13 weeks

    • Try a small amount of caffeine

    • Rest in a quiet dark place

    • Cold cloth to nose with pressure

      • If pressure does not stop your nose bleed after 5 minutes you should go to the hospital

    • If you have Afrin available you may try a spray of Afrin to see if this will stop the bleeding. If not, please go to the hospital

    • Apply Vaseline to the insides of your nostrils

    • Use a humidifier

    • If you have itching and white discharge, you may try Monistat

    • Chronic moisture from normal discharge or urinary leakage can cause irritation, Desitin may help.

    • Chronic pantiliner use may worsen irritation by chafing and should be used sparingly.

    • Wear breathable fabric underwear like cotton.