Now that you are pregnant you need to be as careful about your intake of medicines (prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal). During the early part of your pregnancy we want you to be especially careful about medicines. From the day you miss your period until 8 weeks later (12th menstrual week) your baby is undergoing “organogenesis,” transforming from cells into a miniature human. During this period you may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed without special permission (and you should definitely take it for fever!). You also may take medicines “pre-approved” during discussions with us prior to your pregnancy. However, before taking other medicines, we’d like you to ask us for approval at your appointment, by phone, or via email.
After 12 weeks (when your baby will basically be growing and maturing) many over-the- counter medicines for minor ailments are considered safe. Brand names or “store” brands equivalent to these medicines are acceptable. Call us for further instructions if your symptoms do not improve.
Symptom
Pain or fever – Tylenol (acetaminophen)
Cold, allergy, and sinus problems:
Antihistamines such as Benadryl, Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec are fine, antihistamines with a decongestant such as Claritin-D, Allegra-D, and Zyrtec-D are fine. Combo meds such as Tylenol Cold and Sinus Daytime or Nighttime are fine.
Mucinex-DM might be the best long-acting OTC anti-cough medicine. Or you can use Robitussin and Robitussin DM for cough. Avoid products with ibuprofen.
Constipation – Miralax taken nightly can be an excellent first choice. Fiber product such as Metamucil, Citrucel, Fibercon, Perdiem are very safe. Add a stool softener such as Colace, or even a mild laxative such as Senokot as needed. Indigestion – Tums, Rolaids, and Mylanta are fine. Zantac, Pepcid, Prilosec, and Protonix are fine.
Hemorrhoids – Preparation H, Anusol
Diarrhea – Kaopectate, Immodium, or Pepto-Bismol
Insomnia – Tylenol PM or Unisom
Contact us if you have problems not relieved with over-the-counter medicines or symptoms that commonly require prescription medicines!
