Expecting mothers are generally hesitant to try regular over-the-counter medication. They are fearful that it may cause them birth defects or adversely impact the development of baby. The fact is that some medicines are safe and necessary to be consumed in pregnancy. we are providing a list of safe medicines that can be taken in pregnancy to relieve from different issues. In addition to the list, it is important to consult your doctor to ensure a safe pregnancy.
What Medications Are Safe to Take During Pregnancy?
Generally speaking, you should avoid consumption of OTC medicines. However, there are some medicines that are necessary to be consumed in pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins are one of them. Some pregnant women who are deficient of the necessary nutrition at this stage are also advised to consume vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies. Check with your doctor to prescribe you the safest supplements.
For pain relief: Regular and extra-power Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe to be consumed to get relief from pain. In addition to it, rest, hot compress / cold compress can be vital for reducing headache, and muscle pain in pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend you acetaminophen for this purpose. A few other forms of pain relievers are ibuprofen and naproxen as they can trigger a reduction in amniotic fluid levels in 3rd trimester.
For Constipation: The reason behind why a majority of women face constipation is because of an increase in the levels of progesterone hormone. Some of the best medicines that you should be taken Colace, Metamucil, Milk of Magnesia, Citracel, and Dulcolax.
In addition to the medicines, you should increase your fiber intake. Eat more of veggies, and fruits and stay adequately hydrated. Do regular pregnancy friendly exercise, with the approval of your doctor.
For Infections: If you are suffering from any kind of infection, then Penicillin is safe to be taken during pregnancy. This situation can cause you a lot of itchy discomfort. It is the best remedy to deal with your strep throat, or an UTI that requires antibiotics. If you are having a Yeast Infection, then there are two medicines as Gynelotrimin, and Monistat that are completely safe to be taken during pregnancy.
It is important to note that you should only take the medicine in prescribed limits, as over extended doses are seen to cause acute fungal infection in babies. One can even take this oral yeast infection medicine at the time of breastfeeding.
For A Cold: If you are suffering from cold and cough, then following are a few safe medicines that does no harm in your pregnancy. A few of these medicines are Benadryl, Afrin nasal spray, Sudafed, Robitussin DM, Claratin, Halls cough drops, and Vicks Formula 44. Dextromethorphan is a vital and safe cough suppressant that is present in various cough medicines. It will help in the decongestion of your stuffy nose.
In addition to these medicines, it is also needed to try non-drug remedies. It is the safest route to cure the problem. Drinking of plenty of fluids, rest, inhaling steam, and a saline nasal spray will all be useful to get relief from stuffiness. Be aware of the foods you eat. Avoid cold foods, and choose luke-warm vegetable soups, ginger tea, etc. to treat the cold naturally.
For the Flu: Flu is due to weaker immune system. If not treated at the right time, it can cause you severe diseases too like pneumonia, or even death. Also, it is dangerous for the baby as his temperature will be a degree more than yours.
So, if you are suffering from a high fever, then it can lead to birth defects at the early stages of development and pre-term labor in the later pregnancy stages. For pregnant ladies who are suffering from flu, Tamiflu is regarded as a safe medicine to treat it.
For Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: You may have an existing medical condition such as depression, seizures, asthma, acute hypertension, or diabetes, the goal is to consume minimum necessary dosage of the medicine that keeps the disease symptoms under control.
It is always advised to check with your doctor to suggest you the safest medicines that doesn’t interfere with these symptoms. Long term exposure to anti-anxiety medicines can cause addiction, and birth defects to your baby. It is needed to check with the doctor to guide you the right medicines to be taken in your situation.
For Rashes: Benadryl cream, Caladryl lotion, Hydrocortisone cream, and Oatmeal bath are considered to be 100% safe during pregnancy.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned medicines and home remedies have been known to cause no side effects in pregnancy when they are taken as per the package directions. However, at the time of meeting the doctor you need to consult with him about the safety of medicines during pregnancy and the possible alternatives for unsafe medicines. He will analyze the risks and give you the right knowledge to ensure a safe pregnancy.