The OB NP

The Great Outdoors?

If you are anything like me, you might suffer from seasonal allergies which is not fun on a normal basis. When you are pregnant, you do not have to suffer. You can take Claritin or Zyrtec as well as Flonase for your allergies.

Natural Remedies

Pollen is sneaky and it likes to stick to the hairs on our bodies, including our nose hairs. I recommend showering at night and nasal saline spray to flush out pollen. You can use a Neti pot if you prefer, but the easier thing to do is to spray 1-2 sprays in each nostril and then blow your nose. Lastly, if you are experiencing congestion, using a humidifier is also recommended. No humidifier? Turn your shower up to the hottest temperature and sit on the toilet for 10-15 minutes. Let the steam from the shower help to reduce your congestion.

Got Pain?

Unfortunately, ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) and Aleve are not recommended during pregnancy, especially before 20 weeks. In some instances, it may be recommended depending on your circumstance. Why? There is a risk of miscarriage, kidney issues for the fetus, and low fluid around the baby. The medication with the lowest risk to your pregnancy is acetaminophen (Tylenol). Tylenol is not the best help for muscular pain, however if you have headache pain, this would be your go to. I highly recommend Tylenol if you have tried increasing your hydration, electrolytes, and rest for a headache. A headache that does not go away with these interventions, including medication is one of the signs of preeclampsia, so knowing that you have tried it all helps to drive your care and what type of investigation your provider needs to do.

I know there is a lot of buzz around acetaminophen and its safety or that it causes autism or ADHD. Autism and ADHD are genetic disorders and to be clear, genetic disorders are not causes by something you are putting into your body. Additionally, there are plenty of studies showing that acetaminophen does not cause these disorders. I welcome you to do your research and look at scholarly articles. 

Natural Remedies

It all depends on the type of pain. If you are having back pain with the pregnancy, low back pain stretches for pregnancy (there are great videos on YouTube, by trimester); wearing a maternity support belt, and warm baths with Epsom salt are helpful. Worst case scenario you can do physical therapy during pregnancy.

For a headache, plenty of water (you should be drinking 5-6 16 oz water bottles daily at the very least); electrolytes; and a little caffeine. Another cause of headaches can be a lack of sleep or pregnancy insomnia, so getting good rest is helpful too.

Pregnancy and Colds

Being pregnant with a cold and no fun, but there are some medications that you can take.

• If you have a cough—Mucinex (plain, usually the white and blue box) for a wet cough; Robitussin (plain) for a dry cough
• If you have sore throat—chloraseptic spray or lozenges are safe to use
• If you have a fever, you need to do something. As we discussed last week, what you experience, the fetus experiences. You have a fever, that increases your heart rate which then increases the fetus’ heart rate. Acetaminophen is also a fever reducer, if your temperature is in the 100s I recommend you taking acetaminophen along with natural remedies to reduce your fever.
• If you are congested—you can use allergy nasal spray such as Flonase
• Flu or flu-like symptoms- you can use the medications above, but you can also try TheraFlu as long as it is not the one with the nasal decongestant. Although it is not over the counter, it is safe to have a prescription for Tamiflu for the flu as well.

Natural Remedies

• If you have a cough—literally eating a spoonful of honey; cough drops; humidifier or steam from the shower
• If you have a sore throat—gargle salt water; cold drinks; tea especially ginger tea; popsicles
• If you have a fever—hydration; cool shower or bath; thin clothing to naturally reduce your temperature
• If you are congested—nasal saline spray; humidifier or steam from the shower

Vaginal Infection

When you are pregnant, your immune system is depressed, and it can be easier to pick up infections that maybe you were not prone to in the past. If you are experiencing vaginal itching, white or yellow clumpy discharge, and odor you may have a yeast infection (if possible, try to be tested at the GYN first). You can try Monistat over the counter. Try the seven-day treatment. Without pregnancy the 1- and 3-day treatments don’t work as well and you may notice the symptoms reoccurring. Vaginal infections in pregnancy most definitely should be treated as going untreated can lead to vaginal bleeding and contractions.

Natural Remedies

Although it does not prevent a yeast infection, eating yogurt a few times a week can help to improve your vaginal flora.

Burning Heart & Indigestion

Heartburn/acid reflux in pregnancy can be common and can present in each person and each pregnancy differently. For some the symptoms are nausea and vomiting when the stomach is empty or too full. Burning sensation in the chest after eating or when lying down. Excessive burping, bloating, or a dry cough. You can use Tums to start with but if you need all day relief it is safe to use Zantac or Prilosec.

Natural Remedies

Although with medication or without medication, the biggest thing you can do for yourself is eat smaller meals more frequently (every 2-3 hours). That way you are not overly hungry or full. Additionally, sit up for at least one hour after eating meals during the day and after dinner sit up at least two hours. You can also try sleeping with a rolled sheet or towel under the mattress so that you aren’t lying flat.

All Day Sickness

There should be some vitamin B6 in your prenatal vitamin, but sometimes it is not enough, you can supplement with extra vitamin B6, three times a day. If this is not helpful you can add Unisom at bedtime as well. Unisom helps you to sleep but also helps with morning nausea.

Natural Remedies

Just like with heartburn, eating too much or not eating enough can worsen nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. It is so hard to eat when you aren’t feeling well, try to stick to foods that you can tolerate. You can also try a few saline crackers in the morning BEFORE you sit up and start moving around for the day. Weight gain for the fetus doesn’t really start until about 28 weeks so do what you can. 

Constipation

Your digestion system just isn’t the same with pregnancy. Some people have no problem, while others will suffer from constipation. You can use the laxative MiraLAX, however this is not something you want to use daily. Eventually your body gets used to going with the medication and it may be hard to go on your own. Colace, this is a stool softener, it will not work as quickly as a laxative (it may require a couple of doses), but it is still a helpful medication. You can increase your fiber by using Metamucil daily.

Natural Remedies

• Increase your daily water intake.
• Drink warm ½ cup apple juice with ½ cup prune juice
• Eat fiber rich foods: such as an apple with the skin, green vegetables
• Movement!

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Remember for any illness you want to be sure to see your PCP, you still go to your PCP for things you normally would when you are pregnant. You don’t have to wait for your next prenatal appointment to feel relief!