The following is a list of common medical problems that you may encounter during your pregnancy. While we cannot guarantee the safety of the medications listed in pregnancy, most of these listed have withstood the test of time, and taken in the lowest recommended doses for the shortest period of time, are very unlikely to create any problems for your unborn baby. In general, the first trimester of pregnancy is considered to be the most vulnerable time for a fetus, so whenever possible, use these medications only when absolutely necessary during that time (up to 12–16 weeks). Do not stop taking your prescription medications until you have discussed them with the doctor. Always let your physician know you are pregnant before starting a new prescription.
COLD/SINUS CONGESTION
Sudafed or pseudoephedrine (up to 3 days)
Day-Quil
Afrin or Neosynephrine nasal spray (up to 3 days)
Benedryl, aka diphenhydramine
Claritin or Zyrtec
COUGH
Robitussin or Triaminic syrup
Cough drops
HEADACHES/ACHES AND PAINS/FEVER
Tylenol, Xtra-strength Tylenol, Acetaminophen
(Do NOT use aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen products)
CONSTIPATION
Increase fluids and high-fiber foods first
Colace, Docusate sodium stool softeners
Dialose
Senokot/Fibercon/Metamucil, etc.
Citrucel
Milk of Magnesia or Miralax (if nothing else works)
Fleets enema
DIARRHEA
Kaopectate (NOT Pepto-Bismol)
Immodium AD
INDIGESTION/HEARTBURN
Tums or Tums EX
Maalox or Mylanta
Mylicon or Gaviscon
Rolaids
Zantac or Pepcid after the first trimester if above ineffective
HEMORRHOIDS
Preparation H or Anusol
Stool softeners
SORE THROAT
Chloraseptic spray or lozenges
Cepacol
Cough/Sore throat drops
Acetaminophen
ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES
Claritin
Zyrtec