Most medications and toxins cross the placenta.  Exercise caution before taking any medications.  Always try to use natural remedies such as fluids, high fiber diets, bed rest, etc. especially during the first 12 weeks. 

If you smoke, drink alcohol or ingest caffeine, please discontinue their use during your pregnancy.  Nutrasweet (Equal, Aspartame) is allowed occasionally but Saccharin (Sweet N Low, Sugar Twin) is not recommended.  Avoid exposure to X-rays or other toxins such as petroleum products.

Prenatal vitamins should be taken as directed.  Iron supplementation will be recommended if you are anemic.  Add Citrucel or Metamucil to help with the constipation frequently found with iron supplementation.  Add a stool softener such as Colace if additional help is needed. 

Fish/Shellfish Consumption

• www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/admehg3b.html
• www.otispregnancy.org/pdf/methylmercury.pdf
• www.ajc.com/health/content/shared-auto/healthnews/govt/516856.html

Medications that are Safe During Pregnancy

The following may be used for minor maladies:

• Allergy symptoms: Benadryl (diphenhydramin) or Claritin (loratadine)
• Constipation: Citrucel or Metamucil
• Cough: Robitussin DM
• Diarrhea: Kaopectate
• Headache/Body aches: Tylenol
• Heartburn, persistent: Pepcid, Zantac or Tagamet
• Indigestion: Maalox, Rolaids, Tums
• Nasal Congestion: Sudafed (only after the 1st trimester) in limited amounts, Afrin
• Nausea: Relief bands or “seabands”, Vitamin B6 (50 mg twice daily) or Unisom (1/2 to1 tablet at bedtime)

Environmental/Work Hazards

Please avoid contact during pregnancy with oil based paint, petroleum distillates such as paint thiner, and toxic chemicals.  Climbing tall ladders, heavy lifting over forty pounds, and working over forty hours per week is not recommended. 

Physical & Emotional Abuse

Physical and emotional abuse are concerns that can occur before, during or after pregnancy.  The increased stress of pregnancy and parenting can, for some people, increase the chances of incidence of domestic violence and emotional abuse.  There are options available to you for support and protection.  Please let us know if you have any concerns for your safety or for the safety of your baby or other children.  Call 9-1-1 if the concern is urgent.