Women’s Health Care Resources

Knowing what medications are safe to take in pregnancy can be overwhelming. It is very common to experience nausea, heartburn, and constipation in pregnancy just to name a few. There are lifestyle changes as well as over-the-counter medications that can be taken safely to help alleviate these common symptoms.

Please follow the directions on the package for dosing and use of over-the-counter medications unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you have any questions about what is safe to take during pregnancy, please call our office.

Nausea

Opt for foods with a dry consistency and neutral taste. Avoid spicy or strong-smelling foods.

Small frequent meals throughout the day are helpful.

Liquids are best if noncarbonated, non-acidic, and at room temperature.

Sip liquids slowly throughout the day. Rapid ingestion of high volume of fluids can worsen nausea.

Ginger (such as ginger ale, ginger tea) may help with nausea.

Hard candies such as lifesavers, peppermint, lemon, butterscotch, or sweet candies can be used throughout the day to keep your blood sugar up.

Nausea Medications
• Ginger tablets 250mg (up to three times daily)
• Vitamin B6 25mg three times daily (max 200mg/day)
• Unisom (doxylamine) 25mg at bedtime
• Benadryl 25 mg (liquid or soft gels) can be used every 4-6 hours.
• Dramamine tablets can be used every 4-6 hours.
• Anti-nausea wristbands can be purchased without a prescription.
• If you are not getting relief from OTC options, please let our office know.

**To avoid dehydration, try to drink fluids as much and as often as tolerated. Fluid intake is far more important that food intake. Severe dehydration may require a brief hospitalization for IV fluid replenishment and medication for nausea.

Pain

Regular or extra-strength acetaminophen, such as Tylenol (do NOT exceed 4,000mg/day)
DO NOT USE:  IBUPROFEN, ADVIL, OR ALEVE

Constipation

Increase water intake, eat more fiber (apples, bananas, lentils, raspberries, split peas, and whole wheat pasta)

Constipation Medications
• Fibercon, Metamucil, or Citrucel. Can also use Miralax, Dulcolax, Milk of Magnesia, or Colace stool softener
DO NOT USE: ANYTHING THAT IS A STIMULANT LAXATIVE

Common Cold

Increase rest and fluid intake. A humidifier can help with coughing/congestion.

Common Cold Medications
• Topical decongestants and saline nose drops can be helpful. In general, nasal decongestant sprays (Afrin) are safe but should not be used longer than 3 days.

• Cough medications: Plain Robitussin, Mucinex (guaifenesin), Sudafed, Sudafed-Plus, Actifed, Emergen-C original, throat lozenges such as Cepacol
DO NOT USE: EPINEPHRINE OR PHENYLEPHRINE

Allergies

Benadryl, Zyrtec/Claritin (plain, without decongestant), Flonase, or a Neti-Pot
DO NOT USE: EPINEPHRINE OR PHENYLEPHRINE

Hemorrhoids

Keep bowel movements soft and regular with extra fluids and fiber.

Hemorrhoids Medications
• Preparation-H, Anusol, Dermoplast Spray, or Tucks/witch hazel pads.

Please call our office before taking any medications not listed or if prescribed by another physician. Be sure to inform other providers you see that you are pregnant.