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Step 1
Take Tylenol (acetaminophen) for minor aches and pains. Avoid aspirin and Advil (ibuprofen), as these can cause harm to your developing fetus. In general, try massage, warm (not hot) baths or other natural remedies before using any medicine when pregnant.
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Step 2
Use Maalox, Tums or Gelusil for heartburn. Avoid using Pepto Bismol or baking soda. Some pregnant women find drinking a large glass of cold milk and sleeping in an upright position helps their heartburn.
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Step 3
Try Robitussin or Robitussin DM for cough symptoms. For hay fever and allergies, use Chlor-Trimeton, Benadryl or regular Claritin (antihistamines) or Sudafed or Actifed (decongestants). Note that most OB/GYNs suggest avoiding drugs containing psuedoephedrine during the first trimester of pregnancy.
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Step 4
Check out Colace, Metamucil, Citrucel, Ducolax or Milk of Magnesia for constipation. Avoid swallowing mineral oil. For diarrhea, use Imodium A-D. For excess gas try Gas-X, Mylicon or Phazyme. Be warned, however, that flatulence is a natural part of being pregnant and is not necessarily preventable.
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Step 5
Visit a site such as Safe Fetus (see Resources below) or Kelly Mom (see Resources below) to input the specific name of the medicine you are considering taking. These sites tell you the risk factors for that particular medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
