What You Need To Know About Your Pregnancy
What medicines can I take during my pregnancy? 
Safe Medications for Pregnancy |
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Backache OTC Meds/ Remedy
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Decrease lifting
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Get plenty of rest
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Maternity support hose (85 Denier strength)
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Tylenol (as directed on label)
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Use proper body mechanics
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Wear low-healed shoes
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Cold/Sinus
OTC Meds
Use as directed on
label:
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Actifed
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Benadryl
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Dimetapp
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Normal saline drops
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Sudafed
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Claritin
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Zyrtec
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Cough OTC
Meds (as directed on label)
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Chloraseptic Throat
Spray
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Cough drops
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Robitussin DM or plan
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Constipaton
(as directed on label)
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Colace
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Dulcolax Suppositories
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Increase fiber & fluids (especially water)
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Milk of magnesia
- Miralax
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Diarrhea
(as directed on label)
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Kaopectate
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Imodium
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Avoid dairy, sweets, & fatty foods
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Edema
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Decrease sodium in diet (salt)
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Increase water in diet
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Maternity support hose( 85 Denier strength)
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Rest on left or right full lateral positions
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Heartburn
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Avoid caffeinated beverages
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Avoid fatty foods
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Avoid lying down after eating
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Eat small, frequent meals daily
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Low sodium antacids
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Pepcid
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Tums or Rolaids
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Hemorrhoids
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Anusol HC Cream
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Preparation-H Ointment
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Tucks pads
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Avoid straining with bowel movements, may need stool
softner
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Leg
Cramps-Meds/Remedy
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Apply heat to muscles (heating pad or soak in warm
bath)
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Increase calcium in diet (milk, Tums, etc.)
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Increase potassium in diet (bananas)
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Calf stretching exercises before bed
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Nausea/Antiemetic-Meds/
Remedy
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Avoid fatty foods
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Avoid lying down after eating
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Eat small, frequent meals
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Chilled beverages (sips at a time)
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Emetrol
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Dramamine tablets
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Unisom, ½ tablet and vitamin B6, 25 mg/tab
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Nosebleeds
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Apply nasal pressure
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Check Hgb
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Pain
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Regular strength Tylenol
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Extra strength Tylenol
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Yeast Infections
-Monistat Topical
Cream- < 12 wks gestation - Mycelex-7 Cream
-Monistat Vaginal
Applicators-> 12 wks gestation
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Is it safe to eat tuna?
Most varieties of fish are a safe and healthy choice for a pregnant woman's diet. Some fish, such as tuna, can have high levels of contaminants that can cross the placenta and possibly harm the baby if consumed in large amounts. Eat only 1 to 2 cans of tuna per week (6 oz. can).
Can I highlight, dye, or perm my hair?
The effects of chemicals in a developing fetus are unknown. Avoid during the first trimester. Avoid closed in room / fumes; stay in well ventilated rooms. However, hair may not take the perm solution during pregnancy.
What can I do to help with morning sickness?
Stay away from strong smells and foods that make you queasy. Open windows or use an exhaust fan.
- Eat 5-6 small meals a day
- Eat a light snack prior to getting out of bed in the morning (crackers, dry cereal, toast)
- Avoid greasy and fried foods, gas forming foods, or spicy foods
Can I take Motrin (Ibuprofen) while pregnant?
Meds such as Motrin (Ibuprofen) and ASA are not recommended while pregnant. Tylenol (Acetaminophen) can be used as directed for headaches, aches and pains while pregnant.
What can I do for leg cramps?
For some women, rubbing lotion on their legs and then propping them up with pillows works well. Swimming can be a great pain reliever for back and legs. Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes and taking frequent breaks, if standing for long periods, will also help.
What are good snacks to eat while pregnant?
Muffins, popcorn, trail mix, fresh fruit, string cheese, yogurt, vegetables, low fat dips.
Can I still have caffeine while pregnant?
Caffeine passes quickly to the baby. It is recommended that you do not drink or eat foods with caffeine while pregnant or at least limit your intake to 300mg per day (2-3 servings). There is about 65-135 mg of caffeine in a cup of brewed coffee.
Since finding out I am pregnant I feel very tired, how long will this last?
Tiredness / fatigue are very common during the first trimester. If this continues, check with the doctor, as this could be a sign of anemia. Be sure and take a prenatal vitamin daily and eat a well balanced diet. In the third trimester, at the end of pregnancy, women tend to be more tired due to being uncomfortable with the growing belly and not resting well at night.
How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?
Always eat a well balanced diet; never skip meals. Most women will gain 25-35 pounds.
When should I call the doctor?
You should feel free to call us with any questions or concerns and should call immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Bleeding from vagina
- Severe lasting abdominal pain
- Severe headache
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Pain or burning with urination
- Swelling of hands or face
- Fever greater than 100 F
- Water breaking or a gush from vagina
- Regular contractions
Is it safe to have sex while pregnant?
Yes, as long as there are no serious complications of pregnancy, such as bleeding, premature labor, or ruptured membranes.
Can I change the cat litter box while pregnant?
Pregnant women should not handle kitty litter, change or scoop the litter box. Avoid gardening in areas where cats use as a litter box.
What You Need to Know About Women's Health
Do you have any tips for trying to get pregnant?
- Healthy diet: foods high in protein, calcium, and zinc will help promote fertility. Avoid too much sugar, carbs and caffeine.
- Exercise regularly: work out at least 3 times per week. Walking is a great way to reduce stress and stay fit.
- Monitor your cycle: keep up with first day of cycle each month. If you are not regular, consult with the doctor for further evaluation of irregular periods.
- Time sexual intercourse: typically a woman will ovulate around cycle days 12-16. Plan / schedule intercourse during that time.
- Positive attitude: Do not stress over becoming pregnant. Stress can throw off your menstrual cycle.
How often should I have a pap, mammogram, and bone density?
- Pap - yearly for normal paps but more often for abnormal paps, recommended by Gynecologist
- Mammogram - Baseline at 35 years of age then yearly after 40. Earlier if self-exam indicates a problem. See Gynecologist for evaluation and recommendations.
- Bone Density - every 2 years, starting at 50 years of age.
I am having spotting and break-through bleeding while taking birth control pills. What should I do?
Do not stop taking meds unless the doctor recommends it. If taking antibiotics for other problems, may cause birth control to lose effectiveness. It is recommended that you use back up protection, i.e. condoms, until you start new pack. Call for questions. Take your pill at the same time everyday. Skipping pills or taking the pills at different times during the day can increase your chances of spotting and getting pregnant.
I just had a laparoscopic surgery done and I hurt in my shoulders, what can I do?
- Avoid laying flat after surgery
- Move around, as much as possible, to help eliminate gas
- Wrap upper body tightly with blanket warmed in dryer or use heating pad in shoulder area.
Do Birth Control pills cause blood clots?
All birth control pills have risks. Talk to the doctor regarding your individual health status and risk factors that may apply. Never smoke while taking birth control pills as this is known to increase health risks.
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