Colds:

Drink a lot of fluids and rest.

Sore Throat:  Sucrets or Chloraseptic or lozenges, Cepacol throat spray

Cough:  Robitussin plain or DM. Cough drops

Pain or Fever: Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol (no aspirin or NSAIDS, such as Ibuprofen or Aleve).

Runny Nose:  All over the counter antihistamines are safe during pregnancy.  Sedating antihistamines (ie: Benadryl, Tylenol Cold, Tavist D, Comtrex) are needed for colds and severe attacks of seasonal allergies.  Non-sedating antihistamines (Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec) are good for PREVENTING seasonal allergies. Claritin and Zyrtec are available over the counter in name-brand and generic forms.  (The generics are loratadine and cetirizine.)

Congestion:  Steam, Ocean Nasal spray, Sudafed, Tavist D, Dimetapp, Vicks vapor rub, Mucinex.  As a last resort:  Afrin Nasal spray twice daily, NOT to exceed more than four days. DO NOT take decongestants (Sudafed*) if you have high blood pressure.

Indigestion:

Eat smaller, more frequent meals.  Keep body upright for approximately 30 minutes after eating.  Elevate the head of your mattress by placing a rolled up blanket or “pool noodle” between the mattress and box springs.  Try sleeping in a semi-reclined position, such as a recline-able chair.

Avoid: caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, fatty or spicy foods, and cigarettes. 

Upset stomach: Mylanta, Maalox, Tums (liquid or chewable tablets), Zantac, Pepcid OTC. 

Heartburn:  Prilosec OTC, Zantac, Pepcid.

Nausea / Vomiting:

Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Try hot tea, crackers, or the “BRATT” diet (bread, rice, applesauce, toast, tea). Encourage liquids, especially Sprite or 7-Up (let them go flat prior to drinking them), Gatorade, or PowerAde (may be tolerated best if diluted with water).

Avoid: fatty or spicy foods.

Extreme Nausea / Vomiting:

Call our office at (928) 367-1444 if extreme nausea / vomiting persist for more than 36 hours.  You may need rehydration treatment.

Constipation:

Increase fluids (6 to 8 glasses of water per day.)  Eat high roughage foods (fresh fruit, vegetables, salads, bran, oatmeal.) Include bananas or grape, prune, or apple juice in your diet.

TRY:  Milk of Magnesia, Doss, Surfak, or Colace from one to three times daily for soft bowel movements.  If desired, add Metamucil, Per Diem, or Fibercon one to three times daily for fiber and bulk.

Headaches:

Headaches are common during pregnancy and are usually the result of inadequate fluid intake.  Increase fluid intake, especially with electrolyte fluids such as Gatorade or Powerade.  Try cold compresses to the eyes or the back of the neck. Try a caffeinated beverage, especially if you have cut back on caffeine. 

Avoid: Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, or aspirin. 

TRY: Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol (acetaminophen). 

Swelling:

Decrease salt from diet (chips, processed meats such as luncheon meats or SPAM, pork, Mexican food, canned soup/vegetables, soda, fast food.) 

Decrease sugar intake. 

Increase water intake to 6 to 8 glasses per day. 

Elevate feet or rest on left side with feet elevated above heart level.

Backache:

Pelvic tilt exercises, apply heat, rest, or massage therapy. 

TRY: Tylenol, Ben Gay, Icy Hot, Myoflex muscle cream. 

Heating pads are fine, but avoid use with Ben Gay or muscle cream, as it may burn your skin.

Hemorrhoids:

Sit in a tub of warm water frequently.  Prevent constipation (see above.) 

TRY: Tucks medicated pads, Anusol, Nupercainal Ointment.

Diarrhea:

Encourage liquids, especially Sprite, Gatorade, or PowerAde (may be tolerated best if diluted with water).

Avoid:  dairy products

TRY: Kaopectate, Pepto Bismol, Immodium AD. 

Ligament Pain:

Experienced as sharp, intermittent pains in sides or groin areas. Worse with twisting, position changes, or after exertion.  Do pelvic tilt exercise, sit with legs elevated, apply warm moist heat, or take a warm tub bath.  Lie on left side and draw knees up to chest. 

Avoid: sudden movements. 

TRY: Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol, if needed.

Insomnia:

Use pillows for support (between the knees, behind the back, under the belly). Try a hot bath for relaxation.

Practice good sleep hygiene: avoid caffeine, watching TV or reading in bed, exercise before bed.

TRY: Benadryl 25 mg, Tylenol PM, or Unisom.

Leg Cramps:

Alternate rest / activity.  Try support hose, do dorsiflex exercises (stretching your toes toward your head to flex your foot).

Avoid: standing for long periods

Increase calcium intake: 3 to 4 glasses of milk daily, Oscal, Citacel, or Tums EX supplements 2 to 3 times daily.

Increase potassium: bananas or potassium salt substitutes (salt food to taste).