What Medicines Can I Take When I'm Pregnant?

What if I get sick while I'm pregnant?

 

When you find out that you’re pregnant it’s a wonderful feeling, but it can also be a very confusing time.

 

All of a sudden there are a whole lot of do’s and don’ts and it can be hard to keep up with what is best for your developing baby.

 

If you get sick, it can be difficult to know what to do and which medicines you can take without putting your little one at risk.

 

Today we’re going to look at some of the most common illnesses you might have and how you can treat them during pregnancy.

 

 

Which cold medicines can I take when I’m pregnant?

 

When you’re pregnant, every medication you take will pass through the placenta and to your baby.

 

This is why all unnecessary medications are discouraged during pregnancy, including medicines for colds.

 

If you do get a cold, then the best thing to do is to speak to your GP, midwife, or Chemist 4 U pharmacist to see if the benefits of any medication would outweigh the potential risk to your baby.

 

Never take anything without discussing it with a healthcare professional first, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

 

Are there any home remedies for colds I can use during pregnancy?

 

As you should avoid medications during pregnancy, you might be wondering if there are any home remedies you can try when you’re suffering with a cold.

 

Well, you’ll be glad to know that some traditional home remedies for colds will also help you to feel better when you’re pregnant.

 

For starters, you should remember drink a lot of fluids when you have a cold, as avoiding dehydration is very important.

 

Get as much rest and sleep as you can and try to keep warm, getting proper rest will help you to recover.

 

Although these methods can help anyone struggling with a cold, you should always speak to your healthcare worker if you get sick during pregnancy, as your own personal circumstances could have an affect on the treatments that would be suitable for you.

 

 

What sore throat medications can I take during pregnancy?

 

Again, if you’re pregnant you should avoid taking unnecessary medications, so if you find that your sore throat is manageable without medication, you should avoid taking anything that hasn’t been discussed with your doctor or healthcare professional.

 

If you’re looking for simple ways to relieve a sore throat during pregnancy, try gargling with warm salty water and drink plenty of fluids.

 

Try sucking on ice cubes, ice lollies, or hard sweets, but avoid throat lozenges unless recommended by your doctor, midwife, or Chemist 4 U pharmacist.

 

Some lozenges could be harmful to your little one, so speak to a healthcare professional before trying any throat lozenges or any other kind of medication.

 

Which cough medicines can I take during pregnancy?

 

Cough medicines are the same as any other medications during pregnancy and should be avoided unless advised by a healthcare professional.

 

However, if your cough is becoming really irritating, you could try using a simple home remedy that can be used to treat sore throats in little ones – honey and lemon.

 

A hot honey and lemon drink can soothe a sore throat, having a similar effect to many cough medicines, but as ever, you should always check with a healthcare professional before taking any medication or making any lifestyle choices which could affect your unborn baby.

 

 

What can I do if morning sickness is overwhelming?

 

Although many women suffer with morning sickness, doctors will normally only recommend anti-sickness medication as a last resort for severe vomiting and you should only take this kind of medicine under their supervision.

 

Although morning sickness is different for everyone, there are a few things you can do to help to relieve your nausea.

 

For example, you might want to avoid foods or smells that make your morning sickness worse and make sure you get plenty of rest.

 

Some people may also feel the benefits of acupressure, using products like the Sea Band Mama! Morning sickness wrist band to help to relieve their nausea through their body’s natural pressure points.

Can I take pain relief medicines during pregnancy?

 

The most common kinds of pain relief medications that people take for headaches and other mild aches and pains are paracetamol and ibuprofen.

 

Paracetamol usually safe to take during pregnancy, however you should always check with your doctor, pharmacist, or midwife before taking any kinds of medication during pregnancy.

 

If you do choose to take paracetamol during pregnancy, avoid taking medicines that combine paracetamol with caffeine, as high levels of caffeine can result in your baby having a low birth weight.

 

Although paracetamol is generally fine to take during pregnancy, ibuprofen is a different story.

 

You should avoid taking ibuprofen for the first 30 weeks of your pregnancy and should not take it at all after 30 weeks.

 

Ibuprofen has been linked to an increase risk of complications during pregnancy and can lead to miscarriage.

 

After 30 weeks, ibuprofen could lead to your baby developing a heart problem and could cause a reduce in the amount of amniotic fluid protecting your baby.

 

So, avoid ibuprofen, and if you need a pain killer for that annoying headache, reach paracetamol instead.

Can I take decongestants during pregnancy?

 

Decongestants are not advised as safe to take during pregnancy, and you should always speak to a healthcare professional before taking decongestants if you are pregnant.

 

Some decongestants, such as certain types of Sudafed, contain ibuprofen, which we know can be harmful to your baby.

 

Always read the patient information leaflet carefully before you take any kind of medication, just to be sure that what you’re taking is safe for you and your unborn child, and never take anything that hasn’t been thoroughly discussed with your doctor, midwife, or Chemist 4 U pharmacist.

 

Which allergy medications can I take when I’m pregnant?

 

If you suffer with hay fever or other allergies, you might wonder what you could possibly do to avoid allergy symptoms during your pregnancy.

 

Naturally, you should always speak to your doctor before taking any medication, but there are some things that they might suggest to tackle hay fever or allergies.

 

Your doctor will probably recommend that you try a nasal spray or eye drops as the easiest and safest way to manage hay fever symptoms during your pregnancy.

 

If they don’t work for you, then your doctor might recommend that you take a non-drowsy antihistamine tablet instead but remember this is something that you should only do when you have discussed it properly with your doctor.

 

Never take any nasal spray, eye drops, tablets, or any other kind of medication without speaking to a healthcare professional first, they’ll help you and your baby to be safe while you manage your allergies.

Can I take constipation medication during pregnancy?

 

Constipation is common during pregnancy, with many women experiencing while pregnant and for up to 6 weeks after giving birth.

 

As with all medications, very few laxatives that treat constipation are safe to take during pregnancy, so you should avoid them unless specifically advised by your doctor, midwife of Chemist 4 U pharmacist.

 

If you’re struggling with constipation, you might want to change your diet, increasing the amount of fibre you eat and drinking more fluids to be sure that you’re properly hydrated.

 

You could also benefit from getting more exercise, although you should always be sure that your level of exercise is right for your pregnancy.

 

Always speak to a healthcare professional before making any lifestyle changes that could affect your pregnancy.

 

 

Well, we’ve covered lots of different problems that you might suffer with during pregnancy and what the best thing is for you to do.

 

Remember, if you’re pregnant you should always check with a healthcare professional, such as your doctor, midwife, or Chemist 4 U pharmacist, before taking any kinds of medication.

 

They will help you to make the right choices, so you can be sure that both you and your unborn child will stay safe and healthy throughout your pregnancy.

 
Laura Henderson - Medical Content Writer
James O'Loan - CEO & Superintendent Pharmacist
James O'Loan , CEO & Superintendent Pharmacist on 22 September 2021
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