Common Ailments of Pregnancy

Aches and pains

Tylenol, Extra Strength Tylenol, or any product that Tylenol makes (Tylenol PM, Tylenol Cold and Sinus, etc.) is safe. Avoid any medicines containing aspirin (Bayer, Excedrin, BC, or Goody Powder) or anti-inflammatory medicines (ibuprofen, naprosyn, Aleve, Nuprin, etc.) as these may affect the development of your baby.

Nausea

Nausea is very common in early pregnancy. Early in pregnancy, nausea usually gets better as the day progresses. However, in your second or third trimester, nausea may be worse in the evenings.

Attempt to increase your intake of clear liquids (water, juice, Gatorade, Jello) and bland foods (toast, crackers, rice, bananas) at times when your nausea is worse. Frequent, small snacks may stay down better than heavy meals. Avoid salty, spicy, or fried foods as this may make your nausea worse. When attempting solid foods, start off gradually, around mid-day.

Emetrol, an over-the-counter medicine, or products containing ginger (such as ginger ale) may help. Vitamin B6 (25 mg twice per day) and ginger capsules (250 mg four times per day) are two more over-the-counter products that may help. If you feel like other medications are needed, please call the office.

Sore Throat

Most of the over-the-counter products, including most throat lozenges, are safe. Try Chloraseptic lozenges or spray, Cepastat lozenges or spray, Sucrets, etc.

Congestion/Sinus drainage/Runny Nose/Cough

Once again, most of the over-the-counter medicines are safe. Some of our favorites are Sudafed, Sudafed-plus, Dimetapp, Actifed, Chlortrimeton, Robitussin, Tylenol-cold, Tylenol-PM, Tylenol-sinus, and Tylenol-flu. Attempt to keep your fever below 101 degrees at all times. If you feel like you need a prescription medicine, call the office.

Diarrhea

Treat diarrhea as you do when you are not pregnant. Most diarrhea will resolve without treatment in 24-48 hours. Make sure to keep yourself hydrated by dramatically increasing your fluid intake. Avoid salty foods. Kaopectate, Donnagel, or Imodium AD may be used, but are not recommended unless diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours or severe dehydration occurs.

Constipation

Be sure to drink plenty of water and eat plenty of fruit. If a stool softener is needed, most over-the-counter products are safe. Colace, Senokot, and any of the fiber laxatives such as Metamucil or Citrucel are fine.

Headaches

Headaches are common during pregnancy. A frequent cause is dehydration, so be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Caffeine withdrawal is another common cause. Try drinking a Coke or cup of coffee, and see if that helps. Otherwise, Tylenol or Tylenol products may be used. If you are in your third trimester, a headache may indicate that your blood pressure is elevated. A persistent headache late in pregnancy should be reported to the office.

Heartburn/Indigestion

This is an almost universal problem during pregnancy. Pepcid, Nexium, Zantac, Prilosec, etc. will probably not help during pregnancy. Antacids are a much better choice as they will neutralize the acid from your stomach that is causing the problem. We recommend Tums, Maalox, Mylanta, Riopan, or Gaviscon. Generic Tums work just as well (that big huge container of paste wafers!) and can be taken more frequently than the directions imply. Start off with one to two tablets before and after each meal.

Hemorrhoids

Also an almost universal problem during the latter stages of pregnancy. Preparation H, Tucks pads, Anusol suppositories, and various over-the-counter creams are all safe to use during pregnancy.

At OB/GYN Associates of Alabama, our goal is to make your pregnancy as healthy and stress free as possible. Our physi­cians provide comprehensive services ranging from basic ultrasound to high-risk obstetrical care for women with diabetes and hypertension. Contact us to schedule an appointment!