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.