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Hero Pregnancy Care

Managing Common Discomforts

Feeling Your Best During Pregnancy

As your body changes to support your growing baby, it’s normal to feel a few new aches and discomforts along the way. Heartburn, nausea, leg cramps and trouble sleeping are some of the most common. The good news is that simple everyday changes and safe over-the-counter options can often bring relief.

This list covers the medications patients ask about most often. It is not a complete list. Always check with your provider before taking any medication, supplement or over-the-counter product during pregnancy.

Find Relief by Symptom

From small changes at home to medications our providers consider safe during pregnancy, here’s what may help you feel more comfortable.

Allergies

Safe medications

  • Loratadine (Claritin, not Claritin-D)
  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
  • Levocetirizine (Xyzal)
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • Steroid nasal sprays (Nasonex, Nasacort, Flonase)
  • Saline nasal spray, neti pot or humidifier

Colds, Runny Nose and Sore Throat

What helps

  • Use cold medications for no more than three days
  • Warm salt water gargles
  • Saline nasal spray and a humidifier

Safe medications

  • Cepacol or Sucrets lozenges and throat spray
  • Plain Robitussin or Robitussin DM (avoid syrups with alcohol)
  • Guaifenesin (Mucinex)
  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), only after the first trimester
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Tylenol Cold and Sinus, only after 14 weeks

Constipation

What helps

  • Drink at least eight glasses of water a day
  • Eat fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, high-fiber cereal and beans
  • Do not use laxatives
  • Ask your provider before taking Metamucil or other products

Safe medications

  • Stool softener (Colace)

Cough

Safe medications

  • Robitussin or Delsym (avoid syrups with alcohol)
  • Mucinex
  • Vapor rub (Vicks)
  • Cough drops with benzocaine or menthol

Diarrhea

What helps

  • Stay hydrated with water, juice and sports drinks
  • Eat bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce and toast

Safe medications

  • Imodium A-D
  • Kaopectate

Dizziness

What helps

  • Change positions slowly
  • Eat regular meals and drink plenty of water
  • Avoid long periods in the sun
  • Avoid lying flat on your back
  • Let your provider know if you feel dizzy

Gas Pain

Safe medications

  • Di-Gel
  • Mylanta
  • Simethicone
  • Mylicon

Headaches and Pain

What helps

  • Talk with your provider before taking NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen

Safe medications

  • Acetaminophen (Regular or Extra Strength Tylenol)
  • Magnesium 400 mg twice a day for headaches

Heartburn

What helps

  • Avoid fatty, fried, acidic and spicy foods
  • Eat small, frequent meals instead of large ones
  • Don’t lie down right after eating
  • Sleep with your head raised on pillows
  • Yogurt or milk may help

Safe medications

  • Tums, Maalox, Mylanta or Gaviscon (drink plenty of water with antacid tablets)
  • Pepcid
  • Prevacid (long acting)

Hemorrhoids

Safe medications

  • Preparation H
  • Tucks pads or ointment
  • Anusol-HC

Leg Cramps

What helps

  • Stretch your calf muscles
  • Wear comfortable, supportive shoes
  • Try a hot shower, warm bath, ice massage or muscle massage
  • For shooting pain down your legs, change positions: sit if you’re standing, stand if you’re sitting

Safe medications

  • Magnesium oxide supplements

Nausea

Safe medications

  • Emetrol
  • Vitamin B6, 50 mg three times a day

Trouble Sleeping

What helps

  • Don’t eat right before bed
  • Avoid screens at bedtime
  • Try warm milk, a warm bath or relaxation exercises

Safe medications

  • Tylenol PM
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), 25 to 50 mg at bedtime

Varicose Veins

What helps

  • Avoid standing for long periods
  • Wear compression stockings
  • Take breaks with your legs raised