Strictly speaking, popping pills without prior consultation with your doctor is not advisable when you’re expecting. If you’re ever in need of any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, its best to check with your doctor, the pharmacist or the midwife before taking them. Some medicines can be harmful to the unborn baby and some ocommon drugs are not recommended during specific trimesters.

So What’s The Best Remedy For Common Illnesses?

Surely, during your pregnancy, you’ll encounter some niggling health problems like headaches, sniffling colds, coughs, flu, acidity etc. You would probably resort to allopathic drugs and medications which have worked for you in the past. But before that, why not try some home remedies. Home remedies can often work wonders and show quick results too.

Here Are Some Drugs That Are Safe For You

Painkillers – plain Paracetamol with no other ingredients combined is the safest painkiller that you could take when you are pregnant. Alternatively you could try a cold compress and take plenty of rest to relieve pain.

It is best to avoid aspirin and Ibuprofen as some studies suggest that it could taking these during early pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and birth defect in your baby.

Anti allergants: Very rarely are women spared of cold or allergies during their nine months of pregnancy. The safest way to battle them is to try some natural remedies like drinking plenty of fluids – especially warm ones. To get rid of stuffiness, you could use a saline spray.

If the cold is very severe and bothering you to an extent that it’s disturbing your sleep, you may be prescribed medication. Most doctors consider the antihistamine chlorpheniramine, which has been used by several pregnant women, as the safest option.

To treat coughs, doctors usually prescribe a suppressant called dextrometorphan. Medications containing iodine should be avoidd as they can cause potentially lif-threatening thyroid problems in the foetus.

Antacids – Acidity, heartburn, constipation are very common problems faced by pregnant women. Thankfully, you can solve them without resorting to drugs. One of the best ways to combat acidity and heartburn is to eat smaller frequent meals instead of a large heavy one. Sleeping on the side also helps easy distribution of the food below the oesophagus.

If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend a safe antacid, such as calcium carbonate (Tums).

The best way to prevent constipation is to drink plenty of water and include fibre rich foods in your diet. Exercising also promotes easy bowel movements. However, If the problem still persists, you doctor will suggest a suitable laxative to help the situation.