With all the major concerns about proper dietary habits and fetal development during pregnancy, it can be easy to forget about the everyday health risks that can affect mothers. In addition to the typical changes that develop during pregnancy, common pains and illnesses can become increasingly severe in mothers and contribute to an overall decline in the body’s condition. Often, these issues may be ignored and build up over time, causing sufferers to reach for any medication they think will work, with potentially harmful effects to both the mother and child. While it is often necessary to take a variety of medications during pregnancy, those who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant should maintain a record of medicinal allergies and effective, safe medications that can be used to treat potential illnesses or annoyances.
Suggested Over-The-Counter Medications For Pregnant Women
The following is a list of over the counter medications that we feel are relatively safe to take during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Please make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients:
YEAST INFECTION: | Monistat 7 or Gynelotrimin |
ANTACIDS: | Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Pepcid, Zantac, Prilosec OTC |
RASH: | Benadryl (oral or topical), Calamine Lotion |
HEMORRHOIDS: | Preparation H, Tucks, Anusol |
DIARRHEA: | Pepto Bismol, Kaopectate, Imodium (for short term-use only) |
CONSTIPATION: | Colace, Extra Gentle Exlax, Metamucil, Fibercon, Benefiber |
HEAD COLD: | Sudafed (do not take if you have high blood pressure), Benadryl, Robitussin (alcohol-free), Cough drops |
PAIN RELIEVER: | Tylenol (Acetaminophen only!) (NO IBUPROFEN, ADVIL, MOTRIN, ALEVE, NAPROXEN, ASPRIN) |
SEASONAL ALLERGIES: | Claritin, Zyrtec |
