Due to hormonal and physiologic changes during pregnancy, many pregnant women develop problems with indigestion or heartburn, constipation, nasal congestion and acne. During later pregnancy, the growing uterus can make problems with heartburn, constipation and hemorrhoids much worse.
Many women experience nausea and vomiting during the first trimester, often referred to as “morning sickness”. While there are prescription anti-nausea medications available, first line treatment is with an over the counter regimen of Vitamin B6 and Doxylamine (Unisom). See below for details.Below is the list of medications approved to treat common ailments during pregnancy and breastfeeding. All over the counter medications should be used as directed on packaging unless specified differently below. Remember, we only recommend taking medication during pregnancy if necessary.
Nausea and vomiting: Vitamin B6, 10-25 mg 3-4 times per day + Doxylamine 12.5 mg (1/2 of a 25 mg Unisom—over the counter sleep aid–tablet) 3-4 times per day. There is no problem with taking additional Vitamin B6 along with your prenatal vitamin.
Headache: Tylenol (Acetaminophen), take as directed on bottle depending on strength, do not take more than 4000mg (4 g) in a 24-hour period.
Indigestion (Heartburn): Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Pepcid, Zantac, Tagamet, Prevacid, Prilosec
Constipation: Colace, Metamucil, Citrucel, Benefiber, Milk of Magnesia, Miralax.
Hemorrhoids: Preparation H (and HC), Anusol (and HC), Tucks Pads.
Diarrhea: Imodium A-D
Colds/Allergies: Claritin, Claritin-D, Zyrtec, Chlortrimetron, Benadryl, Tavist-D, Lozenges, Saline Nasal Spray.
May also use Sudafed*, Sudafed cough/cold*, Actifed from BEHIND the pharmacy counter. Do not use products that contain PHENYLEPHRINE. *While safe to use, there is a possibility of reduced milk supply with the use of Sudafed.
Cough: Robitussin, Robitussin-DM, Mucinex, Mucinex-DM, Cough drops.
Acne: Over the counter face washes are safe to use during pregnancy, even those that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, since they are only applied briefly and washed immediately off the skin. Do not use any skin products that contain retinoic acid.
Yeast Infection: Monistat, Gyne-lotrimin if persistent itching consistent with yeast
Vaginal Itching: Vagisil if periodic mild itching
