Medications in Pregnancy
It is very important to realize that medications, including over the counter medications (including herbal treatments and supplements) can affect your baby when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please be sure to review any and all prescription or over the counter treatment you take with us at your first prenatal visit. We even have pre-conception visits where you can review these issues and any others before you conceive.
As a general rule, we advocate not taking any non-prescribed medication when you are pregnant or breast feeding. However, we know that occasionally during your pregnancy you may experience an ache or a pain, a cold or flu, or indigestion or heartburn. If your symptoms are severe enough, you may find it necessary to take an over-the-counter medicine. Below are some suggestions for common problems.
Headache, aches, pains
Management Info: If no relief, report this to your doctor
Medications Pregnancy: Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
Breast Feeding: Icy Hot (ointment/patches) Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
Colds
Management Info: Drink plenty of fluids. Rest. Use medications with caution if blood pressure or thyroid problems. Consult physician. Avoid combination products. Buy individual agents and use only what medication you need to treat your symptoms
Medications Pregnancy:
Day time use: For nasal, sinus, chest congestion:
Sudafed PE (Pseudoephedrine) **DO NOT USE IN 1ST TRIMESTER, Mucinex (Guafenesin), Vicks Vapor Rub
For runny nose: Chlotrimeton (Chlorpheniramine)
Night time use: Benadryl (Diphenhydramine HCL)
Breast Feeding: Sudafed PE (Pseudoephedrine), Vicks Vapor Rub
Cough
Management Info: Drink plenty of fluids. Rest. Use a cool steamer. Hard candy or throat lozenges for dry throat
Medications Pregnancy: To produce cough: Mucinex (Guaifenesin), Robitussin, Tussin
To suppress cough: Robitussin DM (Guaifenesin/Dextromethorphan
Breast Feeding: Same as pregnancy.
Sore Throat
Management Info: Gargle with a warm salt solution. Use hard candy, may try lozenges if needed. If a sore throat persists longer than three days, call your primary MD for a throat culture. Drink plenty of fluids.
Medications Pregnancy: Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Any throat lozenges that can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. Severe sore throat: Cloraseptic Spray
Breast Feeding: Same as pregnancy.
Flu
Management Info: Stay home and rest. Treat symptoms as they develop. For vomiting and diarrhea you may take clear liquids (ice chips, 7-up, tea, jello, broth). You may add food gradually after 24-48 hours. (Start with bland foods such as soda crackers)
Medications Pregnancy: Fever: Tylenol (Acetaminophen) (Example: Immodium) Diarrhea: Kaopectate (Attapulgite) Immodium (Lopermide)
Breast Feeding: Continue to nurse your baby. Same as pregnancy.
Constipation
Management Info: Increase fluid intake to 64 oz. daily. Add fiber to your diet (fruit, vegetables, bran cereal, wheat bread, muffins, bagels)
Medications Pregnancy: Metamucil, Natural Bran, Docusate (Example: Colace which is stool softener), Milk of Magnesia
Breast Feeding: Same as pregnancy.
Heartburn
Management Info: Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid greasy, spicy and acidic foods. Limit carbonated soda, tea and caffeine. Avoid laying down within 3 hours of eating.
Medications Pregnancy: Antacids (Examples: Mylanta, Maalox, Tums, Rolaids, Riopan), Simethicone (Example: Gas-X), Rantidine (Example: Zantac), Famotidine (Example: Pepcid AC)
Breast Feeding: Same as pregnancy.
