| Problem | Over the Counter Medications | Alternative Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Allergies Colds Nasal Congestion | Benadry l (Diphenhydramine), Claritin, Claritin-D or Z yrtec ( cetirizine) Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) = DO NOT USE DURING FIRST 12 WEEKS OF PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING | A void aggravating factors, Ocean Spray (Saline), Vicks (Metholatum), Vaporizer/Humidifier, |
| Back Pain | Tylenol (Acetaminophen) | Heat or Cold, massage, acupuncture, Chiropractor, maternity belt for back support, shoes with arch support, limits on lifting, sleep on side with pillow between legs, back stretches |
| Bloating Gas | Gas-X (Simethicone) | Avoid gas causing foods |
| Constipation | Stool Softener such as Colace (Docusate) Fiber: Senokot, Dulcolax, Metamucil, Fibercon, Citrucel, Konsyl Milk of Magnesia Fleets Enema Glycerin suppository | Increase fluid intake (64 to 96 oz per day), Prunes or prune juice daily, Increase diet fiber (fruits & Veggies), Regular exercise |
| Cough | Robitussin DM, Vicks 44 (Dextromethorpan) | |
| Diarrhea | Imodium AD, Kaopectate **NO PEPTO-BISMOL** | Usually best to let it run its course, clear liquid diet for 24 to 48 hrs, Gatorade, BRAT Diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) |
| Fever 100.4*F | Tylenol (Acetaminophen) | Cool Compresses, increase fluid intake |
| Gas Pains: | Gas-X – Chew 1-2 tablets after meals and at bedtime or as needed. Maximum 6 in 24 hours. Mylicon-80 – 1 tablet after meals and at bedtime or as needed. Maximum 6 in 24 hours. | |
| Headache | Tylenol (Acetaminophen) | Increase fluids, Rest, Stress reduction, massage, acupuncture, Chiropractor, Wann compress with lavender oil |
| Heartburn Indigestion | Rolaids – Chew 1-2 tablets every hour. Maximum of 24 tablets in 24 hours. Tums – Chew 1-2 tablets every hour. Maximum of 16 tablets in 24 hours. Maalox – 2-4 teaspoons 4 times per day. Best taken 20 minutes to 1 hour after meals and at bedtime. Zantac and Pepcid AC– Can be taken twice daily as needed | Frequent small meals, decrease fat intake, Wait to lie down after eating at least 30 min. Pineapple (fresh or frozen), Raw almonds, Papaya tablets, 1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar with a chaser of one glass water |
| Hemorrhoids | Preparation H, Anusol HC, Tucks Pads Stool softeners (Docusate (Colace)) Mothers Love (Rhoid Balm) | A void constipation and staining, Increase Fiber & Fluids, Sitz baths, Ice packs, |
| Insomnia | Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Tylenol PM (Acetaminophen & Diphenhydramine) Unisom (Doxylamine Succinate) | Warm baths, passion flower (tea), essential oil (Lavender), deep breathing, daily exercise and avoid caffeine |
| Leg Cramps | Calcium 1000mg at bedtime, Magnesium lactate or Citrate 5mmol in AM & mmol in PM | Avoid pointing toes, t1ex foot and elevate when cramping, increase fluids, hot shower or warm bath |
| Ligament pain | Tylenol (acetaminophen) | Maternity belt |
| Nausea & Vomiting | Unisom (Doxylamine Succinate) - Yi tab in AM and 1 tab in PM, Vitamin B6 50mg 3 times a day Tums Rolaids | Peppermint or Ginger tea or candy, sip ginger ale, Sea Bands (acupressure), Acupuncture, Toast or crackers before getting out of bed |
| Nosebleeds: | Saline Nasal Spray – Squeeze twice in each nostril as needed | |
| Sore Throat | Tylenol (Acetaminophen), throat lozenges | Warm saline gargles, increase fluid |
| Swelling | Vitamin B6 50-100 mg per day | Lemon juice, watermelon, strawberries, cucumber, increase water intake, swimming Decrease salt intake, compression stockings |
| Yeast Infection: | Monistat 7, Mycelex 7, or Gyne-Lotrimin – 1 applicatorful in the vagina at bedtime. You can also spread some on the outside if needed. **DO NOT USE THESE MEDICATIONS BEFORE 13 WEEKS.** |