Prescription Medications Youre Already Taking
Before pregnancy, you may already be taking prescription medications for thyroid issues, high blood pressure, or other conditions. Speak with your doctor about continuing these medications, especially if youre already pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the near future.
In many cases, you may safely take your medication during pregnancy. Sometimes you may need to either adjust dosages or switch to another medication thats considered safer for you and baby.
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From Cold And Cough To Hemorrhoid And Nausea We Break Down Safe Otc Medications To Take While Pregnant
Its the dead of winter and you cant sleep, because youre 7 months pregnant and your baby has decided to be nocturnal. You know you need sleep, because lack of good rest inhibits your immune system. This stresses you out, because your spouse has a nasty cold, and youd rather avoid it.
Your spouse is resting peacefully in the guest room because he has a plethora of over-the-counter medications at his disposal.
But not you. Youre pregnant, and your OTC medicine choices are extremely limited. So, you hope to stay healthy amid the stress and discomfort of pregnancy. Not to mention its cold and flu season.
Then, you realize. Your nose is running. Your sinuses feel clogged. Youre getting sick.
Your first instinct is to want to grab those great medications your spouse is taking. But you know you have to be careful.
In no time, youre miserable with symptoms of the common cold. Youre desperate for relief, but you know the safety of your baby is paramount.
Advanced Womens Healthcare is here to help with a comprehensive list of safe over-the-counter medications to take during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor for the best personalized choices for you.
Pregnant women: Dont forget to get your flu shot at AWH Dallas!
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Tylenol Pm During Pregnancy
Tylenol PM is actually a combination of two drugs: acetaminophen and diphenhydramine . Both drugs are considered safe for short-term, occasional, provider-approved use while pregnant. The suggested dosage for adults is two caplets at bedtime, with no more than two caplets in a 24-hour period. Long term use is not recommended for anyone.
If youre having a lot of trouble sleeping or experiencing frequent insomnia, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider to find ways of helping you get the rest you need.
Can I Take Tylenol While Pregnant
Acetaminophen has long been considered one of the few drugs safe to take during pregnancy, but a 2016 study in the International Journal of Epidemiology found a link between acetaminophen and autism. While studies like this are scary, it doesnt mean women shouldnt take Tylenol. Its not a warning that women should stay completely clear of acetaminophen, says David Olson, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and physiology at the University of Alberta. As with all medications during pregnancy, women should take the lowest dose possible of for the shortest period of time.
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When To See Your Doctor
A sinus infection can resolve itself with home treatment. But there are times when you should see a doctor.
Make an appointment with your doctor if your symptoms dont improve with OTC medications or home remedies, or if your symptoms worsen.
Contact your doctor if you have a fever higher than 101°F , or if you start coughing up green or yellow mucus. Also see your doctor if you have recurrent sinus infections.
Leaving a severe sinus infection untreated increases the risk of complications, such as meningitis. Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes in the brain or spinal cord.
An untreated infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, eyes, and skin. It can also affect your sense of smell.
Is There Any Cold Medicine I Can Take While Pregnant
The best option is always to talk to your doctor before taking any medication during your pregnancy, but here are some medications that have been found to be generally safe for pregnant women: Acetaminophen Diphenhydramine Pseudoephedrine
Hereof, can I take Tylenol Cold and flu while pregnant?
For example, while Tylenol pain reliever is relatively safe for occasional use during pregnancy, Tylenol Sinus Congestion and Pain and Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom liquid contain the decongestant phenylephrine, which is not. Read labels. For example, Vick’s Nyquil Cold& Flu Liquid contains alcohol.
Also Know, can you take sinus medicine while pregnant? Medication: How to Alleviate Sinus Infections While Pregnant: Medications used to treat acute sinus infections include cefprozil and amoxicillin-clavulanate. Acetaminophen is also regarded as safe to use during pregnancy for pain relief and/or headaches.
In this way, is DayQuil safe during pregnancy?
Most practitioners say to stay clear of decongestants such as Claritin-D, Sudafed or DayQuil.
How do you fight a cold when pregnant?
These include:
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Sinus Infection While Pregnant: Medication And Natural Remedies
Sinus pressure, a stuffy nose, and a sore throat? Welcome to a sinus infection during pregnancy. Sinus infections while pregnant at the same time makes being sick even worse.Sinusitis occurs when there is an infection in the lining of one of the four nasal cavities, which can cause inflammation and a nasal obstruction inhibiting the proper drainage of mucus. This can result in symptoms such as a stuffy nose and painful pressure around your cheeks and eyes. Such infections may be caused by a bacteria, virus, or fungus, although the cold is the most common contributing factor of sinus infections. Learn more about dealing with a cold during pregnancy.If you have a sinus infection during pregnancy, you may be tempted to take some medication for a quick fix. However, while certain medications are safe to use during pregnancy, other commonly used medications may not be safe to take while pregnant. You may also find that some home remedies may be just as effective in alleviating your symptoms and helping you recover.
How Does Acetaminophen Affect A Fetus
For many years, acetaminophen and brand-name versions like Tylenol were considered almost completely safe for use during pregnancy. However, new reports have created a different perspective. For example, there was a study released in 2016 which linked the use of acetaminophen while pregnant to future behavior problems in children. Acetaminophen became looked at as one of the many medications that when used during pregnancy may be linked to delayed language skills, autism symptoms, ADHD and asthma. This study looked at the use of acetaminophen while pregnant at 18 and 32 weeks, and then looked at the children when they were five years old. The children whose mothers used acetaminophen during pregnancy were around 1.4 times more likely to have behavioral problems. They were 1.3 times more likely to be hyperactive.
Its important to note the most recent studies dont show acetaminophen or paracetamol cause these problems but only that there may be a link. A 2014 study looked at 871 children and linked acetaminophen to ADHD symptoms in children aged seven and 11. Some animal studies have shown a link between acetaminophen-based medications and abnormalities in brain development. There was a study in Norway of 53,000 children that showed a possible link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and childhood asthma.
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Can I Take Cold And Flu Meds While Pregnant
Pregnant women need to be very careful with cold and flu medications because many contain pseudoephedrine: It can affect maternal blood flow, which can have an adverse effect on the baby, says MacQuarrie. Koren recommends treating symptoms topically with medicated nose drops. These have much lower concentrations of the chemicals that constrict the blood vessels in the nose, and thats much safer, he says. Very little of the medication is getting into your system, or the babys. Read the box or ask a pharmacist if youre not sure if a product contains pseudoephedrine.
Cold Medicine And Pregnancy
Coming down with the common cold is always unpleasant, let alone if you’re pregnant. While many medications are off-limits during pregnancy, there are some remedies to relieve your symptoms.
Common Cold Medicine and Pregnancy: Go Natural
Before you consider taking drugstore medicines for the common cold, you might want to consider some good old-fashioned home remedies, says Elisa Ross, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist on staff with the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
The reason: No over-the-counter medicines are really treating the cold or helping you get better, they just control symptoms.
Dr. Ross suggests:
- Chicken soup
Common Cold Medicine and Pregnancy: Whats Safe?
If you can’t get enough relief from those home remedies, its possible to use common cold medicines with a few precautions. First, guidelines say its best to avoid all medication during the first trimester.
“In the first 12 weeks the baby is making its organs, and so in general, if people don’t need to take something during that time it would be great if they didnt,” says Dr. Ross. more serious consequences at the beginning of the pregnancy.”
Next, Ross says the safest bet is to look for medications with the fewest ingredients possible.
There are also specific medicines to avoid during pregnancy:
Common Cold Medicine and Pregnancy: The Safe List
- Zinc lozenges
- Chloraseptic spray
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Can I Use Vicks While Pregnant
usepregnancyVicks VapoRub during pregnancycan
Common Cold Medicine and Pregnancy: The Safe List
- Acetaminophen
A Word About Antibiotics
So many patients call asking for antibiotics for a cold,usually when theyve had symptoms for several days. There are a few times whenantibiotics are appropriate, for instance, strep throat or sinus infectionscaused by bacteria. But antibiotics simply dont work against viruses thatcause the common cold. Overprescribing antibiotics for viral illnesses leads toantibiotic resistance, which means the bacteria grow stronger over time andbecome tougher to beat with antibiotics.If a doctor prescribes an antibiotic for cold symptoms, its usually a short,three-day round of drugs. The patient often feels better after finishing themedication but probably would have recovered in that timeframe anyway withoutthe drug.
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What Can I Take For A Cold
Most of the over-the-counter cold medications are safe to use, but its important to take medications that only target specific symptoms and avoid combining medications that could be potentially dangerous.
Theraflu and Robitussin are both good options for helping to relieve cold symptoms. You can also use Vicks or Halls cough drops and vapor rubs to relieve a cough or congestion.
Can You Take Antidepressants And Anti
There is mixed research about the safety of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications for pregnant women. Some risks have been identified. For example, benzodiazepines are not recommended because they may cause problems like orofacial clefts, hypotonia, apnea, and feeding difficulties. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors have been linked to birth defects in some studies, but not others. Tricyclic Antidepressants may cause preterm births and other complications.
However, there are also risks to leaving a psychiatric disorder untreated. Women with depression are at increased risk of certain medical conditions, and they may not properly care for themselves during or after pregnancy. Its important for pregnant women to tend to their mental health so that they can properly care for the baby.
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How Much Tylenol Is Safe During Pregnancy
If you are taking Tylenol Extra Strength, your recommended dose will be 2 caplets every 6 hours while the symptom lasts. Pregnant women can take a maximum of 3,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours, which is the same as any non-pregnant adult.
Historically, the daily maximum dose of acetaminophen was 4000 mg in 24 hours for adults. In 2012, FDA suggested a daily dose of 3,000 mg but did not mandate it. If you think, you might need more than the recommended dose of Tylenol during pregnancy, consult your OB-GYN first.
If you are taking Tylenol PM, which contains diphenhydramine along with acetaminophen, the suggested dosage is 2 caplets at bedtime with not more than 2 caplets in 24 hours.
It is crucial to keep in mind that acetaminophen is also present in other over-the-counter drugs like the medications for cough, cold, and flu. So, if you are taking multiple medicines, you must consider the total dose of acetaminophen per day and not only how much Tylenol you are taking.
About 65% of women have used acetaminophen at some point during their pregnancy and it is generally considered safe in proper dosage compared to other pain-relieving drugs like Aspirin and Ibuprofen, which have been linked to birth defects.
Skin Rashes Cuts Scrapes
Rashes and itchy skin can be treated with OTC hydrocortisone cream during pregnancy. But mention these symptoms to your doctor to rule out conditions like pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy . You doctor may prescribe steroidal creams for certain conditions.
For cuts and scrapes, clean the area well with soap and water. You may then apply an OTC antibiotic ointment, like Neosporin, for added protection.
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Home Remedies: How To Alleviate A Congestion Naturally
There are many safe home remedies you can use to alleviate your symptoms and recover from a sinus infection:
- Drink plenty of fluids such as water, broth, and citrus juice. Staying hydrated is important for helping you fight infection and for clearing a stuffy nose.
- Use saline nasal irrigation or saline nose drops. You can make your own saline drops by combining 1 cup of warm water with 1/8 tsp salt and a tiny pinch of baking soda.
- Use a humidifier at night. This will help clear nasal passages. You may also lean over a pan of boiling water taken off the stove, place a towel over your head, and breathe in the steam. This helps open your nasal passages and loosens mucus in your chest.
- Elevating your head with a couple of pillows while lying down may make breathing easier. Using nasal strips also helps open nasal passages.
- For a sore throat, gargle salt water , drink a warm liquid or suck on ice. Honey and lemon may also soothe a sore throat.
- Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep as this will help your immune system fight the infection.
- During pregnancy, it is common to lose your appetite, and feeling sick may not help. However, even if you dont have an appetite, it is important to eat well. If you lose your appetite, it may help to eat smaller meals throughout the day. Make sure you are eating nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables. Soup may also be a soothing option.
For headaches:
When To Contact Your Doctor:
- If you are coughing up green or yellow mucus
- If you have a fever above 101° F
- If you cannot eat or sleep
If your infection is not improving, your doctor may prescribe medication. Your doctor will determine the best medication to take that is safe for you and your baby. While sinus infections are not fun, there are ways you can take care of yourself either through medication or home remedies to alleviate your symptoms and promote your recovery.
Want to Know More?
- Keep track of your medication by downloading the Fetal Life App for Apple and Android endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association. It features medicine tracking, meal recommendations, kicks counter, blood glucose tracking, and much more.
Compiled using information from the following sources:
1. Harms, R. W. . . Mayo Clinic guide to a healthy pregnancy . New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers Inc.
2. Jordan, R. G., Engstrom, J. L., Marfell, J. A., & Farley, C. L. . . Prenatal and postnatal care: A woman-centered approach. Ames, IA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
3. Larson, D. E. . . Mayo Clinic family health book: The ultimate illustrated home medical reference. New York, NY: William Morrow and Company, Inc.
4. Simkin, P., Whalley, J., & Keppler, A. . Pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn: The complete guide. Gorham, K. . Deephaven, MN: Meadowbrook Press.
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Prenatal Yoga And Meditation
Prenatal yoga is a great way to relieve all types of body pains and headaches during pregnancy. It helps to stretch the muscles and relaxes the mind. Different breathing practices of yoga may help to alleviate headaches.
Meditation, on the other hand, helps to reduce anxiety, calms the body, and promotes overall wellbeing. Yoga and meditation also support better sleep, which can be quite helpful to minimize the different bodily pains and aches. However, you should do prenatal yoga only under proper guidance
Tylenol While Pregnant: Risks & Concerns
While acetaminophen is largely considered the safest pain reliever to take while pregnant, its not without some risks. Emerging research suggests a possible association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and a small increase in the likelihood of asthma, ADHD and autism in children. More recently, a concensus among a group of scientists was published, claiming that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen may alter fetal development.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphasizing the lack of evidence that proves a direct relationship between the use of acetaminophen during any trimester and fetal developmental issues. Dr. Yamaguchi agrees with the recommendations offered by ACOG and encourages pregnant people to consult their healthcare providers should they have concerns regarding acetaminophen usage.
The cited studies in the concensus arent considered strong scientific evidence since many were done in animals and often at much higher doses than typical, or through self-reports by women who took Tylenol during pregnancy . Much of the criticim of these studies are that they have imperfect controlswhich makes it really hard to separate what factors actually drive the results.
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