| During your pregnancy, you may find that you are suffering from
yeast or vaginal infections, cold or flu, stomach upset or other
common complaints. In order to help you take care of these problems
or alleviate these symptoms, we provide you with the following
information. It is not in any way to replace advice from your physician.
If you have any questions, please discuss them with your provider.
At Caring for Women, we feel that any medication use in pregnancy
should be avoided if at all possible. There is no guarantee that
medication is safe to take in early pregnancy. Adequate studies
cannot be done to determine the effects of medications on the
baby. Our purpose is to alleviate maternal symptoms without causing
harm to the baby. The medications mentioned below have been used
in pregnancy with limited to no known adverse effects to the
baby.
MORNING SICKNESS, NAUSEA AND VOMITING
We recommend frequent small meals. Try toast or crackers before
getting out of bed to settle the stomach. Flat ginger ale or ginger
capsules may also be used. You may also try Dramamineor Emetrol,
which are sold over the counter in the drugstore. It is best to
avoid greasy, spicy foods. Vitamin B6 100mg taken with Unisom 25mg
daily will act in combination and quiet the nausea and vomiting.
If symptoms persist or you are unable to keep any food or liquid
down, please call our office.
YEAST INFECTIONS
If you have had a yeast infection in the past, you are familiar
with the curd-like discharge, itching and redness of the vagina
and vulva. It is safe to use over the counter medications such
as Monistatduring pregnancy. Please follow the directions on
the package and use caution when inserting the applicator. We
recommend inserting the applicator only halfway. Your symptoms
should improve in several days. If the infection does not respond
to medication, it is necessary to schedule an appointment.
COMMON COLD
It is safe to take Tylenolor Tylenol Extra Strengthfor fever
or aches related to a cold. No aspirin or ibuprofen should be
taken during pregnancy. For congestion, we recommend symptomatic
relief first. This includes inhaling steam, salt water gargles,
saline nasal spray and throat lozenges. Sudafedor Actifedmay
be taken for congestion. Plain Robitussinor Triaminicwithout
alcohol may be used for cough. In the event you experience coughing
at night that keeps you from sleep, Benadryltablets or capsules
may be used. Follow package directions for any of these medications.
If you experience fever greater than 101 degrees, productive
cough or discolored sputum, shortness of breath or difficulty
catching your breath, or changes in fetal movement, please contact
your doctor for instructions.
HEARTBURN
Heartburn is a common complaint during pregnancy. Over the counter medications
such as Tums, Maalox, Zantac 75 or Tagamet HBare all safe during pregnancy.
Pepto-Bismol is not recommended because it may be metabolized to aspirin.
Avoid lying down immediately after eating. If your heartburn is accompanied
by upper abdominal pain, high pressure, swelling and headache, this may be
a sign of a pregnancy complication, and you should contact your physician
for instructions.
CONSTIPATION
Colace, Surfac,or Metamucilmay be used
according to package directions. Increasing your fluid intake and
eating high fiber products (bran) along with exercise may also
be helpful.
STOMACH FLU
If you are vomiting, it is important to avoid
anything orally until the vomiting stops. Hydration is much
more important than eating food, so clear liquids are recommended
until your stomach settles down. These include: soft drinks
without caffeine, weak tea, Gatorade, Jell-O and Popsicles.
Plain water may be nauseating to an upset stomach. As your
appetite increases, you may want to try the BRAT diet. B -
banana, R - rice, A - applesauce, T - toast. Avoid dairy products,
greasy, fatty or rich foods of any kind until you are feeling
better. It is safe to take Kaopectateor Imodiumfor diarrhea.
Again, Pepto-Bismol is not recommended. If you are unable to
keep any fluids down, are experiencing excessive thirst or
decrease in urination, please contact your physician for further
instructions.
PLEASE NOTE:
- If a problem develops, please try to call during regular
hours 602-482-2929, so your medical record is available and an
appointment may be scheduled.
- If a problem develops after hours, please call
the triage service at 877-990-7678.
- It is very important to know a 24-hour pharmacy
number nearest your home and the hospital your insurance plan
has approved.
- If you feel it is a severe
emergency, please proceed to your insurance plan's designated
emergency room for evaluation.
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