Medications in Pregnancy

Is it safe for me to take medicines while I am pregnant?
Everything you take into your body passes from your blood to baby's blood; therefore...It is best to avoid all over-the-counter medicines especially in the first eight weeks of pregnancy (Ten weeks after your last menstrual period.) The first eight weeks are when your baby's heart, lung and brain systems are being formed.

What else can I do?
Before taking over-the-counter medicines try other ways to relieve your symptoms. For cold and cough symptoms it is recommended you rest, drink extra fluids and use a cool mist vaporizer - 18" from your face. Occasionally it may be necessary for your doctor to prescribe medicines during pregnancy. Take exactly as prescribed. If prescribed an antibiotic take all the medication. If you are unable to tolerate the medicine, call the clinic.

What if I have to take medicine?
Regardless of whether you are taking over-the-counter medicine or medicine prescribed by your doctor, remember: The healthier you are, the healthier your baby will be. Should you have any questions about specific medications or if symptoms continue, call the Obstetrics Clinic at 319-356-2294 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. At other times call Labor and Delivery at 319-356-2615 and ask to speak with a doctor.

What over-the-counter medicines are considered safe during pregnancy?
(We recommend waiting to take these until after the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.)

Cold symptoms and hay fever:
Chlortrimeton - antihistamine Sudafed - decongestant Actifed - antihistamine and decongestant

Read the label and Follow Directions for Usage and Dosage

• Chlor-Trimeton - antihistamine  (If you have high blood pressure, only take Chlor-Trimeton.)
• Sudafed - decongestant
• Actifed - antihistamine and decongestant

• Robitussin or Robitussin DM
• If sore throat persists, you should call the OB Clinic to schedule an appointment for a throat culture.

• Docusate (Colace) 100 mg twice a day
• Metamucil - 1-2 teaspoon with 8 ounces of juice or water
• Milk of Magnesia - 1-2 Tablespoons every evening
• Do not use mineral oil.

Do not take aspirin during your pregnancy unless instructed to do so by your physician.  Aspirin may interfere with blood clotting and cause problems during labor and delivery

Do not take ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) unless instructed by your physician and/or midwife.

If headache persists for more than 24 hours, call the Clinic.

Heartburn:

• Tums
• Amphogel
• Gelusil
• Maalox
• Do not use baking soda or Pepto-Bismol.  Pepto-Bismol contains aspirin.

Fever or chills

Take your temperature if you feel unusually hot or cold.  If you do not have a thermometer, try to get one so you can tell the doctor or nurse what your temperature is.  If your temperature is above 100.5°, call the Clinic.  If your temperature is less than 100.5°, take Tylenol 650 mg every 4 hours.  If your fever lasts longer than 48 hours, call the Clinic.

Peer Review Status: Internally
Peer Review Date: 2004