You should avoid all medication if possible, especially in the first three months when we feel the baby is most susceptible to drugs.  If another doctor prescribes medicines for you on a regular basis or for a new onset problem, please make them aware you are pregnant so that they can prescribe safe medicines during your pregnancy.

Aches, Pain, Fever or Headache

We recommend using comfort measures such as decreased screen time, cool dark room, cool cloth to head.  Rest, neck or scalp massages are also helpful.  Do not take products containing Ibuprofen, such as Advil, products containing Naproxen, such as Aleve, or products containing aspirin, such as Goody Powders.

Constipation

This is the most common problem in pregnancy.  Try eating more fruit and vegetables and drink more water.  You may take Colace (stool softener) and Milk of Magnesia, Fibercon, Metamucil, or Citrucel (laxative).

Cough, Cold, Allergy and Congestions

You can take Benadryl, Dimetapp, Actifed, Sudafed, Robitussin or  Claritin.  Antihistamines like Benadryl or Claritin will help with sneezing, runny nose or allergy symptoms.  Decongestants like Sudafed will help with congestion.  Robitussin will help with breaking up congestion in your sinuses or lungs.  If any of these symptoms are associated with fevers, take Tylenol.  If your fever lasts more than 2-3 days, please call the office during regular office hours.  Increase your fluid intake to help with breaking up congestion.  If you are an asthmatic and have inhalers, you can use them as prescribed. Do not use Afrin nasal spray.

Diarrhea

Increase clear liquids and avoid milk and dairy products.  Eat plain, bland food as tolerated.  You may take Kaopectate or Imodium AD.

Fever

Tylenol or Extra-Strength Tylenol.  If you cannot get your fever down with Tylenol to below 101 degrees, or if your fever is associated with one-sided back pain and vomiting, please call us.

Hemorrhoids

Avoid constipation.  You may use any over the counter product for hemorrhoids including Tucks, Preparation H, Annusol, or warm soaks.

Indigestion or Heartburn

Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, Gaviscon, Riopan and Pepcid AC are all safe.

Nausea

Emetrol or Vitamin B6 25mg (can be taken three times daily)

Sore Throat

Warm salt water gargle first.  If no relief, any spray or lozenge such as Chloraseptic or Sucrets can be used

Yeast Infection

Monistat vaginal cream.  (Insert applicator gently)