One experiences several complaints during pregnancy.

Falling ill while you are pregnant can be worrisome, as it is difficult for you to decide whether to take medicines and if they can harm your baby. However, sometimes taking medication may be absolutely necessary because of your health concern.

Which are the common complaints during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a majority of the women suffer from some or the other health issue because of the dramatic physical and hormonal changes that occur in the body. Some of these ailments subside on their own or with the help of minor home remedies, but some demand medication. Below is a list of common pregnancy issues:

• Backache (back pain)
• Constipation
• Heart burns or acidity
• Faintness
• Incontinence
• Infections like cough-cold or enteritis
• Piles
• Varicose veins
• Leg aches and cramps

Some women may experience increased intensity of pre-existing medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, hypothyroidism, asthma or seizures. The doctor might change medicines to tackle these health concerns or increase dosages of existing medicines.

What medicines can you take while pregnant?

Most medicines are fairly safe to take during pregnancy, they just require alteration of the dosage. Yet here is the list of medication you can safely take when pregnant to relieve the common ailments of pregnancy.

• Pain: Acetaminophen is the safest to take during pregnancy for relieving pain.

• Constipation: Isabghol or psyllium husk fiber is one of the best medicines to relieve constipation, but if it doesn’t help, then you can also take milk of magnesia, docusate or bisacodyl.

• Heartburn and Indigestion: Ranitidine, famotidine or calcium-magnesium carbonate relieve heart burn and indigestion rapidly. If they are coupled with small and frequent meals, they can relieve heartburn for good.

• Cold-Cough: Diphenhydramine, is an anti-allergen that is safe to take during pregnancy. If you are experiencing symptoms of fever or malaise then acetaminophen can also be used.

• Infection: Penicillin is the safest to use for treating infections. Again, this can be coupled with acetaminophen to relieve fever and malaise.

• Skin rashes: Skin rashes require more of local applications. Ointments that contain hydrocortisone can be used to relieve itching and reduce rashes during pregnancy.

For management of pre-existing medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, hypothyroidism, asthma and seizures, it is better to consult your doctor first and get your prescription altered so that your pregnancy is unaffected.

Which medicines are not safe to take during pregnancy?

Some medicines are known to affect either the baby’s growth or may cause birth defects. Here is a list of medication you cannot take while pregnant unless specifically prescribed by the doctor. Also inform your doctor if you are on these medications and are planning a pregnancy.

• Isotretinoine
• ACE inhibitors like lisinopril and benazepril
• Valproic acid
• Doxycycline and tetracycline
• Methotraxate
• Warfarin
• Lithium
• Alprazolam and diazepam
• Ibuprofen and naproxen

Is it fine to take multivitamins or herbal supplements?

Currently, it is common to use multivitamins or herbal preparations over-the-counter. However, some of these can be harmful during pregnancy. It is important to talk to your doctor about any herbal supplements or multivitamins before taking. Most doctors may ask you to take multivitamins during pregnancy with high amount of folic acid to prevent some of the birth defects, as well as vitamin D and iron supplements.

Remember that it is best for the doctor to decide what you and your baby need.

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Disclaimer: The information in the article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor.

Also read: Are scans and vitamins really needed during pregnancy?

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