What to avoid
Always check with your caregiver before taking any medical treatments. As a guide, some women have used:
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Anti-decongestant rubbed on a hanky or pillow to breathe in. |
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Paracetamol for a fever (confirm with your caregiver). |
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Prescription medications. If you are really suffering from an allergy and sinus, your doctor may prescribe a short course of antihistamines. These are generally considered to be relatively safe during pregnancy (if not taken within days of the baby's birth), but may cause drowsiness and in some cases blurred vision for the woman. |
What to avoid
Medicated nasal sprays are generally not recommended during pregnancy. Also be aware that nasal decongestants can make your nose 'dependent' on them, and the problem worse when you stop, if they are used for more than a few days at a time.
Aspirin. Unless prescribed by your doctor, aspirin is not recommended during pregnancy. This is because it can interfere with the normal blood clotting mechanisms in the body. The odd aspirin occasionally may not cause a problem, but taking them regularly can. Also, aspirin taken during the early weeks of pregnancy has been associated with birth defects.
NSAIDS.'Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs' (known as NSAIDS) are not generally recommended during pregnancy. This group of medications has been associated with possible birth defects if taken by the mother during early pregnancy and can affect the baby's heart and lungs if the mother takes them during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Common NSAIDS are 'naproxyn' (also called Naprosyn or Naprelan) and 'ibufrofen' (also called Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Rufin or Trendar).
Cough medicines and cold tablets usually contain a cocktail of medications and are best avoided during pregnancy.