Mfm-medical-reference

The fol owing is a list of common symptoms that may occur during your pregnancy, as wel as some non-prescription treatment options that are safe to try. Please remember our nurses are available to discuss any concerns you may have related to these symptoms. Headache: Tylenol, 2 regular-strength or 2 extra-strength every 6 hours. Headaches are frequently a result of dehydration in pregnancy, so be sure to increase your fluid intake. • If your headache does not resolve with Tylenol or fluids, and is associated with any visual changes, this can be a concern, so please cal the office. • If you have been diagnosed with migraines previously, please cal the office before taking any prescribed migraine medications especial y ones • Increase fluid intake • Add or increase dietary fiber (green leafy vegetables, bran) • Try fiber supplements, such as Benefiber • Metamucil as directed on the bottle • Colace 200mg, twice per day if needed • Exercise • BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) • Maintain hydration, try fluids that wil help replenish your electrolytes, such Remember that maintaining hydration is very important in pregnancy, so if you are unable to tolerate fluids, please cal . Nausea/Vomiting: Nausea is a very common symptom in pregnancy, especial y early pregnancy, as a result of hormonal changes happening in your body. • Try smal , frequent meals, eating every few hours (having an empty • Try to incorporate a sugar/carbohydrate and protein in each serving of food (example: crackers with cheese or peanut butter) • Clear liquids such as Gatorade, 7-Up, Sprite, or gingerale; avoid soda that is dark in color as these contain phosphoric acid which can contribute to nausea • Vitamin B6 50-100 mg, two to three times a day • Try taking your prenatal vitamins at night instead of first thing in the • If your nausea persists despite trying these treatment options, please cal the office to discuss if prescription medication is needed. If you are unable to tolerate fluids for 12 hours (or for any length of time if you are a diabetic), please cal the office. Heartburn/Upset Stomach: • Maalox, Mylanta, tums or Rolaids • Over-the-counter Zantac 75-150mg up to twice per day ½ hour before • Prescription strength options are available if these do not control • Try medicated wipes instead of plain toilet tissue (such as Tucks wipes) • Sitz baths (2 tablespoons of baking soda per inch of water, soak in If these don’t work, there are prescription medications you can try, so please cal the office to discuss with our nurses. Leg Cramps: Often times leg cramps in pregnancy are associated with a defecit in potassium or calcium intake: • Increase dietary potassium (the easiest trick is to eat a banana a day, oranges also contain a significant amount of potassium) • Maintain calcium intake (4 servings per day) • Leg stretches before bedtime • Benadryl 25-50 mg at night • Try using a pil ow under your back at night to relieve pressure • Warm or moist heat as needed • Pelvic rocking • Tylenol, 2 regular strength or 1 extra strength every 4-6 hours as needed • Consider prenatal exercise (such as yoga) or prenatal massage • Chloroseptic spray • Tylenol, 2 regular strength every 4 hoursor 2 extra strength every6 hours • Cough drops as needed • Gargle with salt and warm water • For head congestion: Ocean Mist or Afrin nasal spray, Sudafed (after the first trimester of pregnancy and avoid if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure), Benadryl (may cause drowsiness) • For cough/chest congestion: Robitussin (plain or DM formulas), cough Also try a cool mist vaporizer, and maintain your fluid intake as hydration is very important in helping you feel better. Generalized Itching: • Sarna cream • Benadryl (in pil or cream form) If you notice any specific areas of rash or welts, please cal the office to discuss with our nurses Stretch Mark Prevention: • Bel a Bee Tummy Honey (available at Babies R Us, Walmart or Target) • Cocoa butter lotion Dental Care: Dental care is very important in pregnancy, as studies show that a woman who suffers from periodontal disease in pregnancy has a seven times greater risk of delivering prematurely than a woman without periodontal disease. If you need dental work while pregnant: • Dental x-rays can be done only if absolutely necessary; be sure your dentist is aware that you are pregnant and that your abdomen is shielded • Commonly used antibiotics such as penicil in, erythromycin, amoxicil in, augmentin and keflex are fine to use during pregnancy as long as you are not al ergic; if your dentist is recommending something else, please cal to discuss with our nurses. • Novacaine is fine to use during pregnancy *If you are considering taking any medications that are not on this list, please cal to discuss with one of our nurses first to protect your health and the health of your developing baby. Please check with us prior to taking any prescription medications as wel .

Source: http://www.bostonmfm.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/MFM-Medical-Reference.pdf