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Medication tips and guidelines

You are pregnant, but unfortunately that does not exclude you from the aches, pains, and viruses of everyday life. To minimize related symptoms, we hope you'll try natural remedies.

If they don't provide relief, however, you may use certain over-the-counter medications after your 14th week of pregnancy. Please follow directions carefully and call a member of your healthcare team if you don't feel better soon or have a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to call your provider if you have any questions or concerns.

HOW TO TREAT COMMON MEDICAL PROBLEMS DURING PREGNANCY

PROBLEM

NATURAL REMEDY

OVER-THE-COUNTER
MEDICATION*

Allergies	Saline spray, neti pot.	Claritin, Benadryl, Zyrtec
Colds	Rest, increased fluids (especially juices with vitamin C), humidifier/cool mist vaporizer, cool cloth on forehead.	Vicks VapoRub, Vicks DayQuil, Sudafed, Tylenol Cold, Robitussin Cough, Dristan Nasal Spray (may use up to three days), lozenges
Constipation	Increase exercise. Increase fluids and fiber in diet.	Metamucil, Citrucel, Colace
Diarrhea	Maintain fluids. Limit solid foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat mild foods – some doctors recommend bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.	Imodium, Kaopectate (Note: Do not use Pepto-Bismol – it contains aspirin)
Headache, fever, general body aches	Bed rest, increased fluids (especially juices with vitamin C), cool or warm cloth to forehead.	Tylenol (Acetaminophen) (Note: Do not use aspirin, aspirin products, or Ibuprofen)
Heartburn	Do not lie down or go to bed right after eating. Prop back up with pillows. Partake in small, frequent meals and avoid spicy foods or other trigger foods.	Gaviscon, Maalox, Mylanta, Pepcid, Tums liquid or tablets (Note: No Rolaids)
Hemorrhoids	Prevent constipation as noted above. Sit and soak in warm tub.	Tucks pads, Preparation H, Anusol, hydrocortisone cream (sparingly)
Insomnia	No TV while falling asleep. Go to bed early. Avoid caffeine. Establish routine.	Tylenol PM or Unisom
Itching	Take a warm bath with two cups oatmeal. Apply vitamin E oil to affected areas.	Aveeno lotion, Benadryl cream, unscented lotions
Leg cramps	Exercise daily to tone and stretch leg muscles. Eat more potassium (try bananas, potatoes, and yogurt). Drink tonic water.	Be sure your diet includes 1200 mg of calcium every day.
Vaginal Yeast	Wear cotton underwear. Use unscented body care products.	Gyne-Lotrimin, Monistat vaginal cream (Note: Avoid vaginal suppositories or applicators unless prescribed)

* Generic medications may be used instead of brand names when available

WISE TIPS FROM FHN

Use sunscreen. Being pregnant makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so you're more prone to sunburn and chloasma – dark, blotchy spots. Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear a hat and sunglasses, and avoid tanning beds.

Medication tips and guidelines

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