Pregnancy is a beautiful time for a woman, but it may cause some discomfort. Below are suggestions to deal with these issues if they arise. If you have any questions, contact our office. We can schedule an appointment for you if you need to be seen for any of the below issues.

Colds

  • Increase oral fluids (Especially water) and citrus fruits and plenty of rest
  • Take Robitussin (plain) as directed every 4 hours
  • Call the office if your temperature rises above 100.4 degrees
  • Vicks VapoRub or Vicks nasal inhaler as needed
  • Tylenol/Acetaminophen (regular or extra strength) as per package instruction. No more than 4000 mg per day.

Sore Throat

  • Tylenol (regular or extra strength) as directed every 4-6 hours
  • Salt water gargle
  • Cough drops (Cepacol, Sucrets)
  • Increase fluids
  • Call if your temperature rises above 100.4 degrees

Nausea

  • Dry toast, clear liquids (avoid dairy products), six small meals rather than three large ones, ice chips, Gatorade, popsicles, ginger ale, ginger tea, Sea bands, Vitamin B6 100 mg/day. DO NOT eat or drink anything for half an hour after vomiting; report continued vomiting to our practice; discontinue any extra iron until nausea subsides; keep something in your stomach at all times.

Diarrhea

  • BRAT diet (bananas, rice or rice cereal, applesauce, toast)
  • Increase oral fluids
  • Loperamide/Imodium per package directions.
  • Call our office if diarrhea persists longer than 24 hours

Heartburn

  • Tums, Mylanta (liquid or tablets), Rolaids
  • Avoid spicy, greasy foods
  • Remain upright for at least two hours after meals
  • Elevate your head on extra pillows while sleeping
  • If symptoms are not controlled with above — take Pepcid or Prilosec OTC per package directions

Constipation

  • Increase oral fluids
  • Increase intake of fruits, vegetables, bran, oat or wheat cereals
  • Get regular exercise
  • Colace 100 mg-2 tablets at bedtime or Metamucil® twice a day until constipation is relieved. It’s okay to take daily.
  • Drink liquid upon getting out of bed
  • Probiotics such as Align®.

Headaches

  • Tylenol Extra Strength as directed every 4-6 hours (no aspirin or ibuprofen)
  • Cool packs to forehead, temples
  • Rest in quiet room, avoid sensory stimuli
  • Having a glass of Coke (not diet) or coffee (try other options to find what works for you)
  • Most headaches resolve after approximately 20 weeks

Hemorrhoids

  • Tucks (remoistened with witch hazel) available over the counter; keep refrigerated
  • Get regular exercise
  • Avoid constipation; eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, lots of dietary fiber
  • Anusol cream or Preparation H as directed
  • Ice packs

Vaginitis

  • Come into the office for a culture
  • You can use Monistat 7 (over the counter) in an emergency

Leg Cramps

  • Slow magnesium 1 tab (2 times a day) per package directions
  • Extra calcium-600 mg/twice daily- increase calcium rich foods (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream) or dietary supplements
  • Support panty hose
  • Regular exercise
  • Leg stretches
  • Increased hydration

Varicose Veins

  • Elevate legs as often as possible
  • Wear sturdy, good maternity support hose
  • Call the office immediately if the area is hot or tender to the touch or a red streak is noticed – Do not massage the area.