Over The Counter Medications

Constipation is a common problem throughout pregnancy. Preventive measures include: 1-keep well hydrated with 8-10 glasses of water daily; 2-increase fiber in diet with whole grains, fruits and vegetables; 3-daily exercise. If these steps are not effective, you may take:

• Metamucil or Fibercon products per the package instructions.
• Colace or Docusate products per the package instructions.
• Laxatives such as Sennakot, Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax, MiraLAX as per package instructions.

Avoid continuous use of laxatives, mineral oils and enemas. If still unable to have a bowel movement, please call the medical call number listed above.

Hemorrhoids may lead to pain, swelling or bleeding throughout pregnancy. Use the same advice for constipation to avoid these problems and avoid straining. If further treatment is required you may use:

• Preparation H or Anusol as per package instructions.
• Tucks or witch hazel pads as per package instructions.
• Stool softeners, such as Colace, twice daily.
• Ice packs applied directly to the hemorrhoids.

Avoid chronic use of laxatives. If you have severe pain unrelieved by these measures, you may have developed a blood clot in the hemorrhoid which may need to be treated by your primary care provider or gastrointestinal physician.

Burning pain in the chest and upper abdomen comes and goes throughout pregnancy. Some non-medicinal measures include: 1-eat small meals throughout the day; 2-eat slowly; 3-avoid spicy or fatty foods; 4-sit upright for 1-2 hours after each meal. If these are ineffective, you may try:

• Tums or Rolaids as per the package instructions.
• Maalox, Mylanta, Gaviscon as per package instructions.
• Zantac, Pepcid, Tagamet as per package instructions.

If these problems ever lead to vomiting that contains blood, please call the medical call number listed above.

Not a common problem in pregnancy, but can occur. If you experience diarrhea, make sure to stay well hydrated and keep a bland, soft diet until it resolves. Sports drinks and Pedialyte are also good choices to stay hydrated. Medications for relief of symptoms include:

• Immodium or Kaopectate as per package instructions.

If the diarrhea is accompanied by fever, severe abdominal pain, or lasts greater than 24 hours without improvement, please call the medical call number.

If you feel that you have the flu, please rest at home and stay well hydrated. Sometimes the flu can lead to dehydration. If this occurs, call our medical call line for further instructions. If you feel that you have a fever due to an infection unrelated to pregnancy (sinus, ear, chest), please call your primary care provider. Headaches are common throughout pregnancy, but especially so in the first trimester. Good preventive measures include: 1-get plenty of sleep; 2-reduce stress, take time to relax; 3-eat well balanced meals; 4-regular exercise. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe to take for any of the above problems during pregnancy with a maximum total amount of 2000 mg per day. Avoid any product that contains aspirin or other related medications (BC powders, Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen). If your headache does not improve with these measures or if you have visual changes, please call the medical call number.

Sinus congestion is a common occurrence in pregnancy and may not respond to treatment. However, allergy and cold symptoms do respond well to over the counter medications.

• Chlor-Trimeton, Tylenol Sinus, Sudafed, Dimetapp as per package instructions. If you have high blood pressure, please call before taking one of these.
• Saline nasal sprays. Avoid continuous use of Afrin spray.
• Claritin and other prescription antihistamines are safe to use.

You may also try a humidifier in your bedroom at night. If your symptoms are accompanied by a persistent fever, green or brown nasal drainage, please call your primary care provider for further instructions.

Helpful hints include: 1-a soft diet; 2-warm liquids; 3-use of a humidifier; 4-warm salt water gargles (dissolve 2 tsp of table salt in an 8 oz. glass of warm water). Medications to use include:

• Throat lozenges, Chloraseptic spray as per package instructions.
• Vicks vapor rub as per package instructions.
• Robitussin or Robitussin DM as per package instructions.

If your cough is unrelenting or accompanied by fever, green or brown sputum, shortness of breath or wheezing, please call your primary care provider for further instructions. If you have been exposed to strep throat and are you feel your symptoms may be from strep, please call your primary care provider for further instructions.

Over the counter Monistat 7 day treatment may be used. Please call the medical call number if no relief of symptoms with Monistat or if there is a vaginal odor (fishy) present.

Wash with soap and water several times a day or ProActive Face Wash.

Topical Hydrocortisone Cream, Benadryl Cream

Oragel is okay for use.

The TB skin test may be administered at any time during pregnancy. Please call the medical call number if the TB test is positive for further instructions.

 If your family doctor has diagnosed you with pink eye than you can use Vigamox. Natural Tears or Visine fordry/itchy eyes.

Nix may be used for treatment of head lice.

The flu vaccine (NOT flu mist) may be administered at any time during your pregnancy. TAMIFLU may be used for the treatment ofthe flu while pregnant.

Benadryl cream may be applied to rash to help with itching. Please consult your family doctor fi unsure of the type or rash or ifrash worsens.