Gynecological Information
Medications During Pregnancy
Medications should be avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. When you do choose to take medications to relieve certain symptoms it is best to avoid the multi-symptom formulas (i.e. Tylenol Cold and Sinus) and treat only the symptoms you are experiencing. Below are a list of common discomforts and recommendations for treatment. You may call during office hours if you are uncertain what is appropriate.
Headaches:
- Regular or Extra Strength Tylenol
- No Motrin or Advil (Ibuprofen)
- No Aspirin or Aleve
Cough/Cold:
- Begin with Saline nasal mist, a humidifier and lozenges.
- Sudafed or Sudafed PE or Chlortrimaton may be used for congestion and cold like symptoms after the 12th week of pregnancy.
- Robitussin plain for congestion and Robitussin DM for cough may be used anytime during the pregnancy.
- Saline nasal mist and cough drops (i.e. Halls) may be used anytime during the pregnancy.
Allergies:
- Benadryl, Claritin and Zyrtec may be used anytime during pregnancy.
Hemorrhoids:
- Preparation H, Anusol or Tucks pads.
Heartburn:
- Rolaids, Tums, Mylanta or Zantac
Constipation:
- Metamucil, Milk of Magnesia, Senokot or Colace
Diarrhea:
- Clear liquid diet with electrolyte solutions such as Gatorade or Pedialyte. If you are unable to keep down oral intake, contact the office.
Other:
- Excessive amounts of caffeine should be avoided.
- No products with Saccharin are to be used.
- Nutrasweet (Aspartame) or Splenda in minimal amounts.
Dental Care During Pregnancy (download PDF)
Good oral hygiene during pregnancy is encouraged. The hormones in pregnancy can contribute to an increase in saliva production causing your mouth to water more. Drinking plenty of non-sugary fluids such as water can help to alleviate your thirst.
Your gums may also swell and bleed more in pregnancy. Continue to brush your teeth and gums with a soft toothbrush, floss as usual, and be seen for your routine dental care at intervals determined by your dental provider.
If your dentist finds a problem, it is not necessary to put off dental work while pregnant. Procedures can be performed safely at your dentist's discretion using the following guidelines.
- X-rays of the mouth may be performed if the abdomen is adequately shielded with a lead shield.
- Local anesthesia such as xylocaine or Novocain without epinephrine is permitted.
- Antibiotics such as penicillin, cephalosporin and erythromycin may be used to treat infections. Tetracycline or its derivatives and fluoroquinolones should be avoided.
- If pain medication is required to achieve adequate pain relief beyond extra-strength acetaminophen (Tylenol), acetaminophen with codeine or hydrocodone may be prescribed.
You may share this form with your dentist and if any additional information is needed, they may contact our office at 288-3287.
