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Medications in Pregnancy

Lone Tree - Obstetrics - Medications in Pregnancy - Colorado

Pregnancy is a unique journey for every mom, sometimes special care and attention is needed in the form of medications. Whether it be for nausea, high blood pressure or anxiety we want to keep you and your baby safe, and free of complications.

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Pregnancy

In general, we prefer pregnant women to avoid most medications during gestation. However, some medications have a long history of safe use, and we are okay with you taking them.

If you are on prescribed or regular medicine, please discuss it with your midwife or physician. There are a few medications that are dangerous in pregnancy, so be sure all your health care providers–including your dentist, know you are pregnant.

We recommend you try and avoid all medications in the first trimester (the first 3 months) of pregnancy, unless absolutely needed.

Safe Medications in Pregnancy

Pregnancy requires care and caution, especially when it comes to taking medicine, that’s why knowing which medications are safe and which not is crucial to take care of both you and your baby’s health.

Here is a list of medications which we feel are safe in pregnancy.

Allergies

  • Claritin (loratadine), or Zyrtec (cetirizine).

Do not use preparations with “D” in the name. Avoid pseudoephedrine in the first trimester of pregnancy (first three months) and when breastfeeding.

Alternative measures include avoiding irritants, saline nasal sprays, nasal flushes, and humidifiers.

Back Pain and Headache

  • Tylenol (acetaminophen) – May take two regular strength every 4 hours or two extra-strength every 6 hours as needed.

Constipation

  • Magnesium 250 mg supplement every day or Mag O7 brand.
  • Fiber source such as Metamucil or Citricel, or another source of added fiber.
  • Stool softener such as Colace (docusate).
  • Glycerine suppository, Milk of Magnesia, or Senekot.

Diarrhea

  • Imodium AD (loperamide) – use sparingly.

Recommendation: remain upright for up to one hour after eating meals.

Hemorrhoids

  • Tucks medicated pads, Witch hazel compresses, Anusol, or Preparation H creams.
  • Essential oils.
  • Try daily sitz baths (warm water to bottom).
  • Be sure to keep your stools soft with plenty of fiber and water in your diet.

We can also prescribe a cream if these do not help.

Insomnia

Do not take these nightly, only a maximum of 3 nights per week: 

  • Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Tylenol PM (Tylenol and Benadryl) or Unisom (doxylamine).

Alternative measures include:

  • Warm baths.
  • Passion flower tea.
  • Essential oil (lavender).
  • Daily exercise.
  • Magnesium (calm powder).
  • Practice good sleep hygiene.
  • And avoid caffeine.

Leg Cramps

  • Calcium 1000mg at bedtime, Magnesium lactate or citrate 100mg in AM and 100mg in PM
  • Increase fluids and dietary potassium such as bananas

Morning Sickness

  • Vitamin B6 (25mg three times a day), works best when also taken with Unisom (1/2 tablet once or twice a day).
  • Ginger 250mg 4 times per day.
  • Unisom (doxyalmine) every 6 hours as needed.

Nausea, Upset Stomach, or Gas

  • Emetrol, Unisom (doxylamine), Mylanta (aluminum hydroxide), or Gas X (simethicone).

Rashes or Skin Conditions

  • Benadryl cream or ointment, Calamine lotion, Hydrocortisone cream 1%.
  • Aveeno oatmeal baths.
  • Neosporin as first aid ointment.

Yeast Infection

  • Miconazole, clotrimazole, or tioconazole over-the-counter creams.

Upper Respiratory Illnesses

Cold

  • Nasal saline spray.
  • Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • Actifed (chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine).
  • Afrin Nasal Spray (oxymetazoline hydrochloride).
  • Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride).
  • Sudafed (pseudoephedrine).
  • Tylenol Cold and Sinus (acetaminophen and pseudoephedrine).

Cough

  • Halls cough drops or other cough drops such as Ricola.
  • Robitussin DM (dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine).
  • Dimetapp (brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine).

Sore throat

  • Tylenol (acetaminophen).
  • Luden’s throat drops.
  • Warm saltwater gargles.

Recommendations

Cold syrups that contain alcohol, or combination cold preparations which contain Advil, or Aspirin in them are not recommended. Avoid pseudoephedrine in the first trimester of pregnancy (first three months) and when breastfeeding. Do not take pseudoephedrine if you have high blood pressure.

Avoid Taking These Medications in Pregnancy

  • ZNyquil
  • ZIbuprofen (Motrin or Advil)
  • ZNaproxen (Aleve)
  • ZPepto Bismol
  • ZNyquil

Your Obstetrics Team in Lone Tree and Castle Rock, CO

Go through a smooth pregnancy with our experienced team of obstetrics, where every step of your journey would be supported, and cared-for by the most exceptional team. At Lone Tree OB/GYN & Midwives we combine cutting-edge medical expertise with personalized attention, to ensure that both you and your baby are safe and healthy in every stage of your pregnancy.

You can find us at Lone Tree or Castle Rock, Colorado, and schedule your appointment or contact us to start your pregnancy journey with a team who cares about you, your baby and the safety of both.

Book Appointment(303) 799-7903