Safe Medicine
There are a lot of medicines that are used in pregnancy, and your doctor or healthcare provider knows which medicines are safe to prescribe. Medicines in the United States are tested for safety and classified according to the results. Medicine that is safe to use in pregnancy is categorized as "B" class and they include a very wide variety. If you are unsure about a medicine that has been prescribed for you, you are always within your rights as a medical consumer to question your provider. You may also go to the Internet and search for that drug. It is a common misconception that all drugs are ill advised in pregnancy, but that is not always the case. Medicines for blood pressure and antibiotics, asthma and many other medical conditions are commonly used during pregnancy.
There is still controversy over the use of anti-depressants during pregnancy. There are many excellent long-term studies that show no adverse effects to a developing fetus, and yet these medicines may not be considered category "B" drugs. Your prescribing provider can point you to many good pieces of literature to help you decide if they are necessary for you to consider. As with any medicine, your provider can give you the best advice.
There are many over-the-counter medicines that are commonly used by pregnant women. Some of them are so commonly used that you don't have to call and check on them. Buy them and use them with confidence. Tylenol, extra-strength if necessary, and Tylenol PM are safe to use for pain, headache or fever. Call your doctor if the temperature is over 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't use Advil (ibuprofen) or aspirin if you are pregnant.
You may use Zyrtec and Benadryl. If you have seasonal allergies, you may use Sudafed or Chlortrimeton, as well. If you have a cough, you may use Robitussin. Cough drops and throat lozenges are safe, too.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, all pregnant women should receive a flu shot. The flu is much more dangerous than the vaccine. Flu season generally runs November through March, and every year there is a different strain of potentially dangerous flu.
It is safe to go to the dentist and have dental procedures accomplished during your pregnancy. If you should need dental x-rays to diagnose a problem, the dentist will offer you a lead apron to wear over your abdomen, which will shield any radiation. Many dentists now use digital x-ray, which is considered completely safe. The pain pills that you may be prescribed are fine to use for a short time. Dental anesthesia may be Novocain without epinephrine. Your dentist knows this, and your medical provider will also be happy to supply your dentist with any additional information regarding any medicines or anesthetics that might be used. It is safe to use prophylaxis in the form of antibiotics if your dentist prescribes them for certain conditions you may have.
The question of herbal supplements and remedies is one that is very difficult to answer. The Food and Drug Administration does not test and categorize these substances like they do medicines and drugs. Thus, it is probably best not to use them, even if the clerk at the health food store says it's okay because it's natural. Obviously, we use lots of herbs to cook with and spice up the foods we eat. Rosemary, sage, thyme, mint, ginger and oregano are all herbs. A good rule of thumb is: if it is sold to treat a medical condition, don't use it without consulting your healthcare provider. If it is packaged and sold as a seasoning, it is probably just fine.
In breastfeeding, the rule of thumb is: if it's safe for a developing fetus, it's fine for the baby afterwards, while breastfeeding. The pediatrician should be consulted about any medicine that the nursing mom may be using.
Always contact your healthcare provider if you are unsure what may be contained as an active ingredient in a medicine. There is no reason to hesitate asking someone who is current on usage for expert advise. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Eat well, exercise, hydrate, rest and stay away from people who you know have communicable diseases. Be well and have a happy pregnancy.