Medications and Self Helps During Pregnancy

This is in no way an announcement.

MEDICATIONS permitted during pregnancy and 'SELF HELPS' for common concerns

• COLD/FLU: Robitussin (regular or DM), Sudafed (after 12 weeks), Benylin, Tylenol (regular or extra strength), 4-way.

• ALLERGIES: Benadryl and Claritin.

• SINUS DRAINAGE: Humidify your home or bedromo and increase your fluid intake.  Benadryl, Claritin and Sudafed (after 12 weeks).

• SORE THROAT: Increase fluids.  Call the office if your temperature is greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
• UPSET STOMACH: Maalox, Mylanta 11, Tums (1 1/2 hours after meals and at bedtime - no more than 6-8 per day).

• INDIGESTION AND HEARTBURN: Avoid spicy foods.  Eat smaller more frequent meals.

• HEMORRHOIDS: Preparation H, Anusol Cream, Witch Hazel, Tucks.  Avoid constipation b increasing the amount of fluid and roughage in your diet.  Sitting in a soothing tub of warm (not hot) water is a soothing measure you can try.

• CONSTIPATION: Metamucil, Milk of Magnesia, Colace, Doxidan.  Increase intake of fruits, juices, bran and water (6-8 glasses above normal intake).

• NAUSEA: Dry toast, Saltine crackers, frequent small snacks and meals, Red raspberry tea, Vitamin B6 (50mg 3 times a day) with Unisom (1/2 a tablet) or Pyridox (available at Salmon's pharmacy in Orem and Art City pharmacy in Springville only), Phenergan, Ginger, Motion sickness bracelets.  Try eating smaller more frequent meals throughout the day.  Eat your meals dry and wait 45 minutes before drinking fluids.

• DIARRHEA: Stick to a clear liquid diet for 24 hours.  After 24 hours make an appointment with your doctor.

• YEAST INFECTION: Any over the counter vaginal cream or suppository.

• VAGINAL DISCHARGE: You will normally have more discharge when you are pregnant.  If signs of infection occur, such as itching and foul odor try over the counter vaginal creams first.  If this does not help call your doctor.  Do not douche.

• BACKACHE: Rest and take a warm (not hot) bath.  Use correct posture and try to avoid heavy lifting.  Sleep on a firm bed.  Wear low-heeled shoes.

• LEG CRAMPS: Wear support pantyhose and low-heeled shoes.  Elevating feet and warm (not hot) baths may help.  Increase milk, calcium or magnesium intake.

• SWELLING (EDEMA): This is a problem that most pregnant women have at some time during their pregnancy.  Support panty hose, elevating feet, and rest on your left side may offer some relief.  Don't wear rings if your hands are swollen.  Water pills are not recommended during pregnancy.  Drink fluids - especially water - and lower salt intake.

• VARICOSE OR SPIDER VEINS: Elevate feet as often as possible and wear support pantyhose.  These may go away after pregnancy.  No thigh high or knee high hose.

• DIZZINESS, FAINTING, LIGHTHEADEDNESS: Avoid sudden changes in posture.  After lying down, get up slowly, rolling to one side, then push up to sitting.

• FEVER: Drink fluids.  Call the office if your temperature is greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

• GROIN PAIN: Round ligament pain is sharp, sudden pain in the groin area caused by the uterus growing to accommodate the baby.  Move carefully and avoid sudden movements.  Turn over carefully when you are in bed or gettig up.  Get off of your feet.

• HEADACHE: If you have no relief or have visual disturbances call the office.  You can take Tylenol.

• SEXUAL INTERCOURSE: Continue as long as comfortable unless you have bleeding (some spotting can be normal after intercourse) or your bag of water ruptures.

• SPOTTING: Go to bed if possible.  Avoid intercourse, tampons or douching and observe.  If cramping or bleeding is as heavy as a period call the office.

Do Not's

• Saunas
• Hot Tubs
• Whirl Pools
• Cats - if you have a cat DO NOT change the litter box and stay away from stray or wild cats
• Ibuprofen is an absolute do not!
• Aspirin