Common Problems and Safe Treatment/ Medications
One of the most frequently asked questions is “what medications are safe to take while I am pregnant?” This list
includes safe over the counter medications that you may take as directed for common symptoms without asking. If
you are on prescription medication or take another OTC medication that is not on the list, please discuss this with
your provider. We recommend that you not smoke, drink alcohol, or take herbal supplements during your
pregnancy for the best interest of your health and your baby’s health.
Problem
Treatment
Medications (Take as directed)
Anemia
Cold, Hay Fever, Cough,
Nasal Congestion, Sore
Throat
Constipation
Diarrhea
Dry Heaves, Nausea,
Vomiting
Fever
Heartburn, indigestion
Muscle Aches, Back
Pain
Rev August 16.2012MC
In pregnancy, anemia is usually a result of low iron in the
blood, and you may be advised to take one of the iron
supplements listed. In addition to these medications,
eating a diet with increased amounts of iron would help.
When increasing your iron intake, be sure to increase
fluids, fiber, and fresh fruits and vegetables to avoid
constipation. Continue to take your prenatal vitamins in
addition to these medications.
Treat the symptoms of your cold. Increase your fluid
intake. Water and an 8 oz. glass of juice will help
decrease congestion. Avoid dairy products as they
increase the congestion. A steam vaporizer with Vicks
vaposteam humidifier may be helpful. Call if symptoms
persist, fever of 101 or greater, productive cough, or
trouble breathing. When purchasing cough medicine, be
sure that it contains NO ALCOHOL. Gently gargle with
warm salt water. These medications will make you more
comfortable.
Increase the amount of fluids you drink, especially
water. Also, increase the amount of fresh fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, and fiber in your diet.
Increase your fluid intake to replace lost fluids. Rest your
intestinal tract for 12-24 hrs without food, or eat the
BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). If diarrhea
persists for more thatn 24-36 hrs, call us.
Eat small frequent meals. Try drinking fluids apart from
your meals. Call if you are vomiting for greater than 24
hours, or have a fever greater than 101 F
Dress lightly, increase fluids, take lukewarm baths, can
call if your temperature is over 101 for more than 24 hrs.
Avoid spicy meals. Eat small frequent meals. Avoid lying
down immediately after eating. May take 1 ounce of
antacid prior to meals and 1 tsp between meals
Remember good posture and good body mechanics. Use
of maternity girdle may help. Apply a heating pad to the
back.
Niferex-150 (available in generic for ½
the cost- ask the pharmacist)
Feosol
Slow-Fe
Ferrofolic 500
Ferrous Sulfate
Chlortrimeton
Tavist, Tylenol Cold
Benadryl
Ocean nasal spray, Breathrite Strips
Sudafed, Claritin
Sucrets, Chloraseptic spray
Steam Vaporizer with Vicks Vaposteam
Cough Drops (any brand)
Robitussin DM
Colace
Citracel
Milk of Magnesia
Senokot
Surfak
Kaopectate
Immodium AD
Unisom 12.5mg up to 4 times daily
Vitamin B6 50mg 4 times daily
Benadryl 25-50 mg every 4 hours
Dramamine 25 mg every 6 hours
Peppermint tea, Ginger tea
Sea Bands
Classic Coca Cola, Ginger Ale
Ginger syrup (available at health food
stores)
Saltine Crackers
Suck on hard candy or peppermints
Regular Tylenol or Extra- Strength
Tylenol as per package directions
Tums/Rolaids
Maalox/Mylanta (I&II)
Gaviscon
Pepcid/Zantac/Tagamet
Regular Tylenol or Extra-Strength
Tylenol as per package directions