Dealing With Common Ailments During Pregnancy

By Beth Weinhouse for Your Baby Today

Before you were pregnant, dealing with common ailments like colds or stomachaches was a no-brainer. Got a headache? Just pop any of a variety of over-the-counter painkillers. Allergies acting up? Surely there are antihistamines in your medicine cabinet. But once you're pregnant, all that changes.

"If you can, it's better to avoid taking anything during the first trimester when the fetus is rapidly developing," says Johanna J. Abernathy, M.D., an obstetrician/gynecologist in private practice in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Even throughout your pregnancy, the best advice is, "If you don't need it, don't take it."

Many women, savvy enough to want to avoid medications during pregnancy, may turn to herbal remedies or teas for relief, assuming that these items are safe. While doctors believe that most of them are, several have been singled out for warnings. "Because these aren't viewed as medications, women may not necessarily tell their doctors about them," says Richard W. Henderson, M.D., an obstetrician/gynecologist at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware. "Some, such as raspberry and ginger teas, have been used for centuries, and are considered safe. But six that may be harmful, because they make the uterus spasm and contract, are: Black cohosh, blue cohosh, chase tree berry, feverfew, ginseng, and gold seal."

Below are some recommendations from obstetricians for handling common, minor medical problems during pregnancy. As always, ask your own doctor for advice before taking any medications or even herbal remedies.

HEADACHES -- Pregnant women should avoid the over-the-counter painkillers aspirin and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.) during pregnancy. But acetaminophen (Tylenol) is considered safe. Common tension headaches are usually caused by stress, and may improve with relaxation techniques. Other headaches often have triggers -- such as chocolate -- that can be identified and eliminated. Women who suffer from migraines or other severe headaches will have to consult a doctor for stronger, safe medication.