Cold/Sinus Congestion/Allergies
Afrin Nasal Spray (Limit 2 Days)
Chlor-Trimeton /Chlorpheniramine
Triaminic Syrup
Benadryl
Claritin/Zyrtec
Vicks Vapor Rub
Neti Pot (Sinus Rinse)
Tylenol PM
Cough
Robitussin DM
Triaminic Syrup
Nausea
Vitamin B6 25mg
Unisom (with Doxylamine) 1/2 tab three times a day
Ginger Sea-Bands
Pain, Headache, Fever
Tylenol or Extra-Strength Tylenol
Sore Throat
Salt water gargle: 1/2 tsp salt in a full glass of warm water
Cepacol or Chloraseptic lozenges or spray
Constipation
Colace or Peri Colace
Dialose or Dialose Plus
Milk of Magnesia
Surfak
Senokot
Fiber Med or Metamucil Wafers
Citrucel
Miralex
Diarrhea
Imodium
Probiotics
Indigestion/Heartburn
Maalox tablets or liquid
Mylanta tablets or liquid
Mylicon
Rolaids or Tums
Pepcid Complete
Zantac
IF YOUR SYMPTOMS ARE NOT RELIEVED BY THE USE OF THESE MEDICATIONS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE.
DO eat a healthy diet with a balance of fruits, vegetables, protein, and grains. Limit fats, simple sugars and non-nutritious snacks. We generally advise a target weight gain of 25 pounds. Overweight patients should strive to keep this weight gain to 15 pounds.
DO take a prenatal vitamin daily, and Omega 3 or DHA supplement. If you are unable to tolerate prenatal vitamins in the first trimester due to nausea, at least take a folic acid (folate) supplement of .4 mg to 1 mg. If you do not consume milk products consider a calcium supplement or Tums 2-3 times per day. Increasing fiber intake with FiberCon or soluble fiber supplements may help you avoid or reduce constipation.
DO try non-prescription therapies for morning sickness in the first trimester. Crackers, Tums, vitamin B-6 (50mg), ginger tea, and accupressure wristbands have all been used with some success. Call your physician for severe or persisting symptoms and any time you are unable to avoid dehydration with oral fluids.
DO call your doctor and present to the hospital when you think you are in labor. Labor contractions are generally regular, 6 to 8 minutes apart, and usually last for greater than 30 seconds, and do not resolve with rest or hydration.
DO call the office or the physician on-call for pre-term contractions (5 or more per hour), bleeding, leakage of fluid, or decreased fetal movement. After office hours the hospital operator (981-7000) will page the physician for you.
DO continue to use your seat belt. This is important for you and for the baby. The primary cause of fetal injury in an accident is injury to the mother. Place the lap belt below your abdomen across your pelvis and continue to use the shoulder harness.
DO exercise, but do so in moderation. Consider activities that are low impact to avoid join injuries. Swimming, walking, elliptical trainers, biking are all well-tolerated. Avoid exertion that makes you symptomatic and more demanding activities such as scuba diving, horseback riding, and skiing. If you become dizzy, nauseated, have shortness of breath, or develop chest pain, you should decrease the intensity of your exercise.
DO travel, but speak to your doctor beforehand if you have a complicated pregnancy, especially preterm labor or placenta previa. We suggest limiting travel after 34-36 weeks. Include frequent breaks and stretching exercises to avoid the risk of blood clots. Maintain your hydration, especially during air travel.
DO speak to your doctor about his or her preferences concerning hair dye and permanents. These practices have not been show to cause birth defects in several studies, but you should probably avoid any unnecessary chemical exposure. Your hair may also respond unpredictably during pregnancy.
DO perform fetal movement counts once daily after 30 weeks. Wait for a period of fetal activity. You should feel 8-10 movements in one to two hours once per day as reassurance of fetal well being.
DO NOT use alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs. Please make every effort to discontinue smoking to decrease your risk of msicarriage, poor fetal growth, placental abruption, and respiratory problems.
DO NOT use hot tubs, saunas or electric blankets. Normal baths are acceptable.
DO NOT use medications without discussing them with your physician. We can provide a list of medications generally considered safe in pregnancy.
DO NOT eat raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk, uncooked hot dogs, soft cheeses, or uncooked shellfish. Avoid aeating the following fish, Tuna, Shark, Tile fish, King Mackerel, Swordfish.
DO NOT clean a cat’s litter box due to the risk of toxoplasmosis in cat feces.
DO NOT paint unless you are in a well-ventilated room. Low VOC paints are preferred.
DO NOT use artificial sweeteners frequently (Nutrisweet/Saccarine), and limit your intake of caffeine to 1 to 2 normal cups of coffee (or equivalent) per day
DO NOT garden without wearing gloves
DO NOT hesitate to ask your doctor for help if you are in an abusive situation. The stress pregnancy places upon a relationship increases the risk of physical abuse.
