FAQs for Expectant Mothers
Over-the-counter medications that are okay to use during pregnancy:
- Pain – Tylenol (acetaminophen) through the entire pregnancy, Aspirin 325mg, Ibuprofen and Aleve are okay weeks 14-32, if recommended by doctor.
- Allergy – Pseudoephedrine (if blood pressure is normal), Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec.
- Colds – Robitussin, Nyquil, Benadryl, Theraflu, Tylenol Cold & Sinus, Zicam, Mucinex.
- Heartburn/Indigestion – Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, Gaviscon, Pepcid 20mg two times per day, Zantac two times a day, or Prilosec (over the counter)
- Stool Softeners – Colace, Metamucil, Citrucel, Benafiber, Miralax
- Anti-Nausea – Ginger, Vitamin B6, Sea Bands, small frequent meals, Cinnamon
Prescription medications that should be discussed individually with your doctor:
- Diabetes – Insulin
- Antibiotics
- Anti Nausea
- Thyroid Replacement
- Anti Depressants
- Antihistamines
- Blood Pressure
- Other
Nutrition:
- Weight gain – 15-35 lbs., depending on pre-pregnancy weight.
- Calories – Approximately 2000-2500 per day, depending on pre-pregnancy weight.
- Prenatal vitamin – Daily
- Calcium – 800-1200 mg per day.
- Fish – Limit 1-2 servings per week. Avoid shark, swordfish, fresh tuna and large ocean fish.
- Caffeine – Limit 1-2 servings per day.
- Diet soda – Limit one per day.
- To prevent food poisoning, avoid all non-pasteurized dairy products and make sure you purchase fresh lunchmeat.
- Omega 3 fatty acids – 300 mg per day. This is important to help with spinal cord and brain development.
- Water – At least eight, 8 ounce glasses every day (64 ounces total per day).
Exercise:
Low-impact only – DO NOT OVERHEAT
- Walking and swimming are great exercise. Recommend walking for 45 minutes more days than not at a pace that feels like work, but allows you to carry on a conversation.
- No lifting more than 15-20 pounds after 20 weeks.
- No high-impact sports such as: aerobics, water skiing, horse back riding, snow skiing, hot yoga.
- Low-impact jogging and aerobics are okay, if currently participating in these activities.
- Avoid sports where you could get hit by a ball (such as baseball, basketball, and volleyball).
Miscellaneous:
- Hair – Yes, in a well ventilated room without using the hood.
- Tanning beds and tanning sprays – Do not use these, but tanning lotions are okay to use.
- Nail acrylic – Okay in well-ventilated salons.
- Manicure/pedicure - Yes
- Waxing – Okay
- Travel – Safe to travel until 36 weeks along, outside the US up to 34 weeks, unless otherwise discussed with your doctor. On a car trip or plane trip, be sure to get up and move around every 2 hours to prevent blood clots.
- Sexual intercourse – Yes, as long as you are not experiencing vaginal bleeding.
- Smoking – No.
- Alcohol – No. There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.
- Hot tubs, whirlpools – No.
- Physical therapy, chiropractic care and massages – Discuss with your doctor.
- Painting, staining, varnishing – Okay if in a well-ventilated area.
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