Below is a list of common symptoms and ways to alleviate them during pregnancy. It is very important to take into consideration how far along you are in your pregnancy. Any herbal remedies or nutritional supplements must be cleared by your doctor before taking.
| Symptom | Throughout Pregnancy | After 12 weeks | Comments |
| Nausea & Vomiting | 1 tablet vitamin B6 and ½ tablet Unisom before each meal and at bedtime, B-natal Therapops/lozenges, Dramamine, Bonine |
1 tablet vitamin B6 and ½ tablet Unisom before each meal and at bedtime, B-natal Therapops/lozenges | Increased protein, ginger products, small frequent meals, crackers, dry toast, pre-natal vitamins before bedtime and Sea-Bands acupressure devices all decrease incidence of nausea and vomiting. Get fresh air. Do not stay in bed or at home for prolonged periods. |
| Diarrhea | Imodium AD, Pedialyte, Gatorade | Imodium AD, Pedialyte, Gatorade | Increase fluid intake. Avoid spicy food. Eat only bananas, rice, apples and tea for 24 hours, then slowly add other foods. |
| Constipation | Colace, Metamucil, Dulcolax, Miralax | Colace, Metamucil, Dulcolax, Miralax | Increase fluids and fiber in diet (whole grains, fruits, vegetables). Eat prunes or figs. Be more active. Call 304-691-1400 if stool is bloody or constipation lasts longer than 3 days. |
| Heartburn/Indigestion | Mylanta, Mylanta II, Tums, Rolaids, Zantac, Pepcid AC | Mylanta, Mylanta II, Tums, Rolaids, Zantac, Pepcid AC | Do not take Pepto-Bismol or anything containing aspirin. Eat smaller but more frequent meals. Avoid foods that bother you. Typical problem foods are greasy, fatty and fried. Caffeine, spicy or acidic foods can also be a problem. Chew gum. Don’t lie flat after eating. Try elevating your bed 4-6 inches. |
| Fever above 101°F | Call your doctor | Extra-Strength Tylenol Call your doctor if fever lasts longer than 24 hours |
If you experience a temperature over 101°F that doesn’t respond to Extra-Strength Tylenol and lasts longer than 24 hours call the office. |
| Allergies, Cold & Sinus |
Increase rest and fluids Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra Cough drops, saline nasal spray or neti pot |
Robitussin, Cough drops, Saline nasal spray | None of the following should be used anytime during pregnancy: Motrin, Advil, Excedrin, Aleve, Ibuprofen. If you experience elevated blood pressure, do not use decongestants unless ordered by your doctor. No medicated nasal spray should be used without a doctor’s order. |
| Sore Throat | Cloraseptic spray, Cepacol lozenges | Extra-Strength Tylenol, Cloraseptic spray, Warm water salt gargle |
If you experience a temperature over 101°F, call 304-691-1400. |
| Headaches & Minor Pains | Regular Strength Tylenol (no more than 4 per day) | Regular Strength Tylenol | If you experience pain that is not relieved by this treatment, call the office. |
| Itching |
Calamine lotion, Caladryl Anti-Itch Lotion, If not effective, take Benedryl If in one small area, use 1% cortico-steriod cream |
Calamine lotion, Caladryl Anti-Itch Lotion, If not effective, take Benedryl If in one small area, use 1% cortico-steriod cream |
Take a warm bath. Some women find oatmeal in the bath to be soothing. Look for a rash. Contact the office if you are in the last three months of pregnancy and the palms of your hands and feet are itching. |
| Hemorrhoids | Witch hazel, Tucks | Witch hazel, Tucks | Preventing constipation can help prevent hemorrhoids. |
For fatigue and insomnia, get as much rest as you can including naps. Warm baths, massages or a cup of hot non-caffeinated tea or milk before bed may also help.
This is most noticeable during your first three months. A good support bra is helpful.
This is most noticeable during the first three months and toward the end of pregnancy due to hormones and the pressure on the bladder as your uterus grows. Be sure to still drink lots of fluids even if you do have to go to the bathroom more. As long as you do not have pain or burning while urinating, going more often is normal.
Women experience leg cramps most often at night. While in bed, stretch with your heels point, not the toes. Also try increasing magnesium and potassium.
We encourage all obstetrical patients to look into prenatal classes at Cabell Huntington Hospital. Childbirth classes are available as well as classes on breastfeeding, infant CPR, new baby care, and sibling classes. For information or to register, please call 304-526-BABY.