Health

What are safe medications?

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May 5, 2022

One of the most common doubts in pregnancy is deciding if it is okay to use or continue using any medication when you find out you are pregnant. 

Any medication that you take when you are pregnant and while breastfeeding reaches your baby. Some of the medication might harm your baby and result in certain defects. So it’s best if you confirm with your doctor or health care provider and ensure the safety before taking any medication. 

Antacids for Indigestion and heartburn

One of the major symptoms you will feel during pregnancy is heartburn. Especially during the first trimester, the morning sickness might be at the peak and unavoidable. 

The recommended safe medications for heartburn are antacids like Rolaid, Mylanta, Tums e.t.c. which can neutralize stomach acidity safely. 

Laxatives for Constipation

Another common symptom of pregnancy is constipation. The growing pressure from the uterus, change in the hormone and diet might cause inconsistent bowel movements. In which case you can use laxatives or fiber supplements like Metamucil, Fibercon, Colace, Citrucil to soften the stool. Make sure to combine it with a ton of water and a fiber-rich diet to see long-lasting results.

Treatments for Diarrhea

On the contrary if the indigestion is giving you diarrhea, you can take short term medication to relieve the symptoms. However, if you are in the first trimester make sure you are over 12 weeks and have consulted your doctor before taking Imodium, Kaopectate or Parepectolin.

Antihistamine for allergies

If you are having allergies during your pregnancy, the most common medication to relieve them are antihistamines like Benadryl or Plain Claritin. Before you confirm your allergies and resort to any pills, make sure to contact your doctor and confirm the safety of your medicines. Your doctor might also suggest a milder and safer alternative to what you had been taking during your allergies. 

Paracetamol or Acetaminophen 

You can use Tylenol also known as Paracetamol, which helps to relieve pain short term and also bring down fever. Make sure to confirm the brand names for safety with your doctor before using it.

Taking Antibiotics during pregnancy

Sometimes you might be prescribed antibiotics during pregnancy and it is commonly used to treat conditions like Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s). It is mostly safe to use antibiotics like Amoxicillin, Cefaclor and Clindamycin. Do not use antibiotics without recommendations. If you have been recommended a form of antibiotic, it is probably safe to use and important in order to cure the infection. 

Antifungal creams for Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are known to cause discomfort and irritations during pregnancy. Unless you’re feeding, rather than taking oral pills to cure these infections, get a prescription to use antifungal creams instead. They can help to cure the yeast infection without reaching your bloodstream. 

Common cold and flu

Even though you take the best care of yourself during the nine months, it is inevitable to feel a bit under the weather once in a while. 

Paracetamol or acetaminophen is considered to be a safe medicine to bring down fever and reduce cold. In order to suppress cough you can use Robitussin, nasal spray to reduce sinuses and gargle with salt water to cure sore throat. 

If you are using nasal spray, make sure you don’t use it for more than 3 days at a time and consult with your doctor before using them.

 

Taking Vitamins and supplements

It would be uncommon if your doctor already hasn’t prescribed you certain prenatal vitamins and supplements. Your body requires additional nutrients to support baby growth. It is common to get a prescription for folic acid, calcium, Iodine, Iron, Omega 3, vitamin D, vitamin C and other vitamins. 

Natural or alternative medicines

Although it might sound like natural medicines are harmless and safe to use because they contain natural substances, not all of them are safe to use during pregnancy. 

Some substances might be harmful to you or your baby so make sure to check the safety of the ingredients before you use them. 

References:

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