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. Anthony L. Komaroff, MD , Internal Medicine, answeredSee All 3 AnswersIn general, acetaminophen (Tylenol and generic versions) may be safely used during pregnancy. This drug is effective in treating the fever, aches and pains that can accompany colds. You should limit the amount of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period to no more than 3,000 milligrams per day. Women with liver problems should not use acetaminophen until they have checked with their doctors.
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil and generic versions) and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are generally avoided in pregnancy. They may have an effect on the fetal heart and kidneys. These effects are most concerning late in pregnancy. Brief use of ibuprofen early in pregnancy probably has very low risk.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl and generic versions) can be useful in treating some of the congestion that comes along with a cold. It is safe to take during pregnancy.
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed and generic versions) is a common decongestant but recent information shows it should be avoided, especially in the first trimester. It may effect maternal and fetal blood vessels. Perhaps because of this, it has been associated with an increased risk of certain birth defects.
Later in pregnancy — after organs are more fully formed — there is probably much lower risk from pseudoephedrine as along as a mother's blood pressure is normal (pseudoephedrine can cause a rise in blood pressure). The absolute risk of problems from medications, even those not recommended, is low, however. If you have taken things without knowing of risks or before recognizing you were pregnant, you should not panic. Probably all is well.
And of course the remedies your mother would recommend — chicken soup and rest — are fine as well in pregnancy. -
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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.
