Download Managing Discomforts and Minor Illnesses

Managing Discomforts and Minor Illnesses during Pregnancy
One remedy that can not be stressed enough: fluids, fluids, fluids! We recommend 8 to 10 8-ounce glasses of water
(including low sugar, no caffeine alternatives) per day!
Indigestion, Heartburn, Reflux
First Try: Small meals, raise the head of your bed, avoid spicy foods
Then Try: Maalox, Mylanta, Riopan, Tums
Note: Antacids may worsen constipation
Pain, Headache
First Try: Rest, local heat or ice, gentle massage or stretching
Then Try: Acetaminophen (Tylenol, extra strength Tylenol)
Avoid: Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) Naprosyn (Aleve) Aspirin
Cough
First Try: Humidifier, rest, fluids, avoid irritants (pollen, dust, smoke)
Then Try: Robitussin (plain or DM)
Congestion, Runny Nose
First Try: Humidifier, fluids, saline nasal spray
Then Try: Afrin nasal spray, Benadryl, Tavist
After 12 weeks of pregnancy: Claritin, Zyrtec
Avoid: Many over-the-counter remedies contain pseudoephedrine so read labels carefully for active ingredients. These include but are
not limited to: Sudafed, Actifed, Comtrex, Triaminic, Theraflu, and Dimetapp. Pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure, so it is
especially important to avoid this ingredient if you already have high blood pressure.
Sore Throat
First Try: Warm fluids, salt water gargle (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water)
Then Try: Chlorasceptic spray, lozenges, Tylenol
Constipation
First Try: Increased fluids, fiber (Fibercon, Metamucil, bran cereal, fresh or dried fruits, and fresh vegetables, fruit juices, prunes)
Then Try (for short term use only): Milk of magnesia, Colace, Peri Colace, Dulcolax, Sennokot
Note: Keep in mind how much fruit and fruit juices you are consuming so you do not take in too much sugar
Diarrhea
First Try: Increase fiber (see constipation heading for suggestions), increase fluids
Then Try: Kaopectate, Imodium AD
Avoid: Lomotil
Hemorrhoids
First Try: Increase fluids, increase fiber, Sitz Baths (a warm shallow soak available at the pharmacy)
Then Try: Tucks pads, Anusol, Preparation H, Stool softener (i.e. Colace)
Nausea
First Try: Our morning sickness diet enclosed in your information packet, small frequent meals containing carbohydrates, clear liquids
such as regular soda and Kool-Aid (avoid orange and tomato juice and milk), ginger, take your prenatal vitamin at bedtime, eat saltine
or graham crackers before bedtime if you are awakening at night
Then Try: B-Vitamin Complex supplement
Other Common Concerns
Acne: It is okay to use topical preparations containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or antibiotics
Caffeine: In low to moderate amounts it is not a concern (i.e. 3 cups of coffee per day or less)
Hair Care: Dyes, permanents and relaxers do not pose a risk to the fetus but during pregnancy, hair may react differently to a tint or a
chemical
Paints and Fumes: Avoid painting or inhaling fumes in a closed area. Avoid oil based paints
Dental Care: Gums bleed more easily, so brush and floss gently
Routine dental exams are fine. If x-rays are necessary, make sure your abdomen is shielded with a lead apron
Local anesthetics, for dental procedures, that do not contain epinephrine are safe
Avoid
Alcohol
Smoking
Herbal Supplements (they are generally not well studied for safety during pregnancy)