Over the counter medications that are safe during pregnancy

Cold Medications/Allergy/Sinus:

Sudafed (unless there is a history of high blood pressure); Actifed; Tylenol Cold, Sinus, Allergy/Sinus; Dimetapp, Robitussin Cough Syrup (PE, DM, CF, Reg); Sucrets, cough drop lozenges; Nasal Saline Mist Spray; Claritin, Claritin D

Nausea/Vomiting:

Ginger Ale, Lemonade; Ginger 250mg 2-4 X/day; Unisom 25mg 1/2 tablet 3-4X/day; Zantac 75mg 1 tablet 3X/day; B-natal vitamin B6 lozenge or TheraPop (good in combo with Unisom)

Try eating dry crackers before getting out of bed in the morning.  Eat every two to three hours throughout the day.  Avoid smells that trigger nausea, highly seasoned or fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, and cigarette smoke.  Sometimes peppermints or ginger tea can help reduce nausea.  Do not take prenatal vitamins on an empty stomach.

Laxitive/Stool Softener:

Doxidan Laxitive; Colace/Surfax Stool Saftener; Metamucil Sunrise Smooth; Citracil; Glycerin Suppositories; Miralax

Try to avoid constipation by staying well-hydrated (drink plenty of fluids), eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and exercising.

Indigestion/Gas/Heartburn:

Mylanta II; Pepcid 20mg; Zantac 75mg Cat. B; Tagamet; Maalox; TUMS; Rolaids; Mylicon

If you have persistent problems with indigestion, there are some things you can do:  eat small, frequent meals, avoid carbonated beverages and spicy foods, do not drink through a straw, and do not lie down after eating.  If you have nausea and vomiting or severe abdominal pain, contact your physician.

Hemorrhoids:

Preparation H (pads, wipes or ointment); Nupercaine; Anusol - HC Cream

To prevent hemorrhoids (piles), eat a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, dring plenty of liquids, exercise regularly, use a stool softener (if needed), and avoid standing or sitting in the same position for prolonged periods.  If you develop hemorrhoids, you can soak your rectal area in tepid water for 10-20 minutes several times a day in the bathtub or using a sitz bath ( a small basin

Vaginal Irritation/Yeast Infection:

Monistat 7; Gyne-Lotrimin Cream

Minor Discomfort/Headache:

Tylenol (regular or extra strength)  DO NOT USE ASPIRIN

If pain persists, or if headaches are accompanied by blurred vision, pain in the upper right abdomen, or swelling of the face and/or hands, call the office.

Diarrhea:

Immodium AD

If you have diarrhea, you should stick to a bland or clear liquid diet until the diarrhea subsides.  It is safe to take Immondium to treat diarrhea after 12 weeks of pregnancy.  If diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours or is accompanied by weakness and fatigue, nausea and vomiting, right upper abdominal or epigastric pain, headache, blurred vision, bleeding from the gums or from minor trauma, jaundice or yellowing of the skin, or pain in the shoulder or neck, call the office immediately.

Leg Cramps:

Calcet; Forfree

Avoid standing or sitting with your legs creossed for long periods and stay well-hydrated.  Eat a balanced and calcium-rich diet.  Get regular exercise and stretch your calf and thigh muscles by stretching them three times a day and before you go to bed (see below).  Lie down on your left side to improve circulation to your legs.  Try taking a warm bath before going to bed to help relax your muscles.  Increase your calcium intake by taking Calcet or Forfree.

If you do get a leg cramp, immediately stretch your calf muscles by straightening your leg - press down on your heel first and gently flex your toes back toward your shins.  It might hurt at first, but it will ease the spasm and the pain will gradually go away.  Walking around for a few minutes after the cramp subsides may be helpful also.