We’ve highlighted key information from several reputable websites to help expectant mothers feel informed and confident throughout their pregnancy. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medications or changing your routine.
Can I Take Medications During Pregnancy?
In general, it is best to avoid unnecessary medications during pregnancy. Minor discomforts such as headaches, mild nausea, or indigestion can often be managed with rest, diet adjustments, or hydration. However, if you need medication, some options are considered safe with discretion.
✔ Sinus/Allergy Symptoms:
- Sudafed
- Claritin D
- Claritin (only if less than 12 weeks pregnant)
✔ Sore Throat:
- Saline gargles
- Chloraseptic spray
- Cepastat lozenges
✔ Headaches & Pain Relief:
- Regular Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
- Extra Strength Tylenol
- Tylenol PM
🚫 Avoid: Aspirin and Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) unless specifically directed by your doctor.
✔ Heartburn & Indigestion Relief:
- Mylanta
- Maalox
- Gaviscon
- Zantac
- Tums Extra Strength
📌 Reference: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines on medication safety in pregnancy www.acog.org
Common Pregnancy Discomforts and How to Manage Them
1. Headaches, Fevers, Aches & Pains
✔ Stay hydrated and rest often.
✔ Take Tylenol if needed (avoid aspirin and ibuprofen).
✔ Stress, fatigue, and hormonal changes can contribute to headaches—ensure you get enough sleep and eat regularly.
2. Indigestion & Heartburn
✔ Identify triggers: Do symptoms occur before meals, after eating, or in the evening?
✔ Eat small, frequent meals to prevent discomfort.
✔ Avoid spicy, greasy, or acidic foods.
✔ Safe remedies: Mylanta, Maalox, Gaviscon, Zantac, or Tums Extra Strength.
3. Morning Sickness & Nausea
✔ Eat small, frequent meals and never skip meals.
✔ Try eating a cracker or toast before getting out of bed in the morning.
✔ Ginger can help: Ginger ale, ginger tea, ginger snaps, or fresh ginger root.
✔ Lemon drops may help reduce nausea.
🚨 Call your doctor if you cannot keep fluids down for more than 24 hours.
4. Constipation
✔ Increase fiber intake: Bran cereal, whole wheat crackers, leafy greens, fresh and dried fruit.
✔ Drink plenty of water.
✔ If needed, try Metamucil, FiberCon, or Milk of Magnesia (safe for occasional use).
🚨 If constipation becomes persistent, contact your doctor.
5. Cold & Flu Symptoms
✔ Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
✔ Safe medications: Co-Tylenol, Sudafed, Actifed, Ocean Nasal Mist, plain Vick’s Formula 44 cough syrup.
✔ Throat lozenges are fine to take.
🚨 Call your doctor if symptoms persist or if your temperature exceeds 101°F.
6. Hemorrhoids
✔ Keep bowel movements soft with fiber and hydration.
✔ Sitz baths (soaking in warm water) 3 times daily can reduce discomfort.
✔ Use Witch Hazel, Tucks wipes, or Preparation H for relief.
🚨 Notify your doctor if you experience rectal bleeding.
📌 Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Managing Common Pregnancy Symptoms www.cdc.gov
Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
Certain foods can pose risks to you and your baby. Avoid the following foods to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, mercury exposure, and other complications.
🚫 High Mercury Fish
- Avoid completely: Swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, shark.
- Limit to 12 oz per week: Tuna, salmon, shrimp (cooked).
🚫 Foods That May Contain Listeria
- Avoid: Deli meats, lox, and unpasteurized cheeses (such as brie, feta, queso fresco).
🚫 Raw or Undercooked Foods
- Avoid: Raw meat, eggs, sushi, and unpasteurized dairy.
🚫 Toxoplasmosis Risks
- Ensure all meat is cooked thoroughly (hot dogs must be fully heated).
- Do not clean cat litter boxes or handle raw soil to avoid infection.
🚫 Alcohol & Artificial Sweeteners
- Avoid alcohol entirely during pregnancy.
- Artificial sweeteners: Splenda and Equal are safe in moderation. Avoid saccharin.
📌 Reference: U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) – Safe Food Guidelines for Pregnancy www.fda.gov
When to Go to the Hospital
Emergency Room (If You Are Less Than 20 Weeks Pregnant)
🚨 Call your doctor or go to the ER if you experience:
✔ Heavy bleeding or spotting.
✔ Severe cramps.
✔ Persistent nausea/vomiting where you can’t keep fluids down.
✔ Weakness or inability to eat.
Labor & Delivery (If You Are Over 20 Weeks Pregnant)
🚨 Go to the hospital immediately if you experience:
✔ Heavy bleeding or spotting.
✔ Contractions that are regular, increasing in intensity, and occurring every 5 minutes.
✔ Decreased fetal movement.
✔ Your water breaks (even if contractions haven’t started).
✔ Fever over 100.3°F or higher.
📌 Reference: American Pregnancy Association – When to Go to the Hospital www.americanpregnancy.org
Final Thoughts: When in Doubt, Call Your Doctor!
Every pregnancy is unique, and while this guide provides general recommendations, it’s always best to consult with your doctor before taking any medications or making health-related decisions.
References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2023). Medication Safety During Pregnancy. www.acog.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Managing Common Pregnancy Symptoms. www.cdc.gov
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). (2023). Safe Food Guidelines for Pregnancy. www.fda.gov
- American Pregnancy Association. (2023). When to Go to the Hospital. www.americanpregnancy.org
