Medications in Pregnancy

Having a cold can be miserable….even worse if you are pregnant! So what can you do to help? Generally speaking, it is preferable to avoid taking medications during pregnancy, especially during the first 13 weeks. Alas, general other measures can be taken that actually help the symptoms even more than actual medications. However, when necessary, some of the following medications have not been shown to be harmful, and may be used sparingly.

Find out recommendations for: Common Cold | Cough | Sore Throat | Alergies | Runny Nose | and more below…

The list below is a general guide and is not designed to be a substitute for medical advice. Please discuss with your provider prior to starting. Please follow dosage instructions on the label and call if symptoms persist, if you have any questions or are unsure please ask us! Also, please notify us at your appointment if you are taking any of these medications.

Common Cold:

Try First: Humidifier, Hot Tea, Lots of fluids, Lots of Water, Sleep, Rest, Sunshine, Tylenol

Cough:

Try First: Any Cough drops, ie Halls or Vicks

Sore Throat:

Try First: Any throat lozenges, gargle with warm salt water, Tylenol, Cepacol spray and lozenges

Allergies/Runny Nose:

Try First: Nasal saline rinse, Ocean nose spray, Chlorpheniramine

Other Options: Claritin (Loratadine), Zyrtec (Cetirizine), Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

Nasal Congestion:

Try First: Saline nasal spray, Ocean nasal mist, nasal irrigation, humidifier, hot tea, lots of fluids, hot shower

Constipation:

Try First: Increasing amount of fiber and water in diet

Mild Headaches:

Try First: Make sure you are well hydrated by drinking water, Neck massage, warm bath or shower, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) (do not exceed 4000 mg in 24 hours)

OTC Medications to Avoid:

-Don’t take medications in the first trimester without discussing with provider

-Don’t take the following medications without talking to your provider:

-Pseudoephedrine and Sudafed

-Aspirin and Aspirin products

-Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs