Medications—either prescribed or over-the-counter—during pregnancy are best kept to a minimum. While some are considered relatively safe, many are not and pose the risk of potential harm to your baby. Most doctors recommend the use of plain acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, for headaches, fever or minor aches and pains. Be sure to discuss the use of any medications with your doctor early in your pregnancy.
Health & Pregnancy
One common myth is that when you are pregnant, you should be eating for two people. The truth is that you should be eating a healthy amount of fruit, vegetables, and meat high is omega-3s. If you up your caloric intake by 300 a day, you will be eating plenty of food for both you and your baby. Along with taking prenatal vitamins, you should also continue you exercise and remain active during your pregnancy. Consult with your doctor for pregnancy approved exercising.
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Sigma Nursing answeredWhile it is generally safe for women to sleep on their backs during pregnancy, there are several reasons why side sleeping—especially left side sleeping—may be a better option. As pregnancy progresses, the uterus becomes heavy and can put pressure on the blood vessels that carry blood from the legs to the heart. This pressure may cause the legs to accumulate more fluid than normal, increasing swelling and decreasing weight gain due to excess fluids. In addition, lying on one side may relieve some of the back pain associated with pregnancy.
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During your pregnancy, you must work closely with your psychiatrist and obstetrician. This risk of injury to the fetus due to medications must be weighed against the risk of a relapse in the illness. Tough judgment calls will be required regarding these risks.
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Dr. Elizabeth N. Coronado, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of Medical City Plano
There are many beauty treatments that are safe during pregnancy, like manicures and eyelash extensions. In this video, Elizabeth Coronado, MD, an OBGYN with Medical City Plano in Plano, Texas, reveals other safe treatments and some you should avoid.
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Dr. Elizabeth A. Newell, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of Swedish Medical CenterIf you are trying to get pregnant you should avoid smoking, alcohol and illicit drugs. You should review your medication list with your doctor and let him or her know you are trying to conceive in case there are medications you should avoid.
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Amy L. Frederick, MSN , Midwifery Nursing, answered on behalf of Spotsylvania Regional Medical CenterSee All 4 AnswersAmy L. Frederick, MSN, CNM from Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center offers her advice on how to stay healthy during pregnancy. Watch this video to learn more.
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Intermountain Healthcare answeredIt's very important for asthma to be under control in pregnancy, because if the patient is not getting enough oxygen, then the baby is not getting enough oxygen as well. There are risks to babies of moms who do have asthma and who do not control their asthma well, such as growth restrictions and preterm labor. It is really important that a woman gets her asthma under control. Prior to pregnancy would be preferable. -
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Dr. Pina LoGiudice, LAc, ND , Naturopathic Medicine, answeredSee All 2 Answers
For my pregnant moms, the first step to treating a cold is rest and plenty of sleep. Then, avoid all cow's milk and dairy products to help lower inflammation and mucus, along with avoidance of sugary foods which can suppress the immune system. Adequate water intake is very important during this time as well.
My favorite go-to cold remedies include steam pots, nasal rinses, Echinacea and low dose vitamin C. Echinacea and vitamin C have been studied during pregnancy, and in proper dose are safe and helpful. A year 2000 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that Echinacea was safe to use in pregnant women. While vitamin C has also been shown as safe, megadosing vitamin C can induce excess colon movement which can spur miscarriage, so it is important to not over do the vitamin C.
Whenever possible, I prefer the above natural remedies over over-the-counter cold remedies, for these tend to have artificial colors, flavors, and chemicals that are not natural to a woman's body.
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Dr. Brian C. Josephs, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of Spotsylvania Regional Medical CenterSee All 15 AnswersBrian Josephs, MD, FACOG from Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center offers his advice on how to stay healthy during pregnancy. Watch this video to learn more.
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Dr. Brian C. Josephs, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of Spotsylvania Regional Medical CenterSee All 3 AnswersMost myths involving pregnancy surround dietary concerns. Brian Josephs, MD, FACOG from Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center dispels some of these and more myths in this video.
