Acetaminophen - Headaches and minor pain Antacids – Heartburn Calcium – Decalcification and Preeclampsia Iron tablets – Anemia Hemorrhoid medication Prenatal vitamins with folic acid - Spina Bifida (birth defects) How to obtain relief from pregnancy's distresses is seldom farther than a pharmacy away. We've gathered a pharmacy shopping list so you can ease your aches and pains while keeping your baby safe. Acetaminophen - Headaches and minor pain Acetaminophen relieves headaches and other minor aches and pains. Don’t use Aspirin rather use Tylenol (acetaminophen). Aspirin can cross the placental membrane, and in large doses it can possibly cause heart problems for your baby. Avoid naproxen sodium and ibuprofen as well. Those pain relievers--if they're taken in large doses--can also be dangerous for the fetus. Antacids - Heartburn Antacids relieve heartburn, which tends to intensify with expectant mothers. The muscle that keeps the stomach and esophagus separated relaxes due to pregnancy hormones. As a result, stomach acid escapes to the esophagus. Heartburn normally increases in the later months when your baby is bigger and puts pressure on your internal organs, especially when you lie down. It is recommended that you use liquid antacids because they coat the esophagus on the way down. But some tablets can also be a good source of calcium. Calcium – Decalcification and Preeclampsia Calcium tablets (as well as calcium-rich foods) help keep your body's supply of the mineral from dropping too low. In order to build your baby's bones, your body will actually "steal" calcium from your own bones if you're not ingesting enough. According to some studies, a gram of calcium a day may help prevent Preeclampsia (the narrowing of the small arteries of pregnant women, resulting in high blood pressure). You are advised not to swallow calcium and iron supplements together or your body won't absorb either. Iron tablets - Anemia Iron tablets help you maintain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen through your blood so you don't become anemic. Iron is vital for your energy and strength and for your growing baby. It becomes increasingly important as your blood volume grows (and you'll be pumping 40 percent more blood through your body during late pregnancy), so iron is especially necessary as you enter your final trimester. Hemorrhoid medication Hemorrhoid medication soothes and reduces pain and swelling. Hemorrhoids, which are varicose veins in the rectum, are common in pregnant women because the uterus puts pressure on the veins leading to the pelvic area, causing blood to pool in the legs, vulva, and rectum. Placing medicated pads directly on the swollen areas will assist in relief. (Tucks pads contain witch hazel, which is soothing.) Or try other over-the-counter remedies. Stool softeners or fiber supplements can help prevent the constipation that can worsen hemorrhoids. Prenatal vitamins with folic acid - Spina Bifida (birth defects) Prenatal vitamins with folic acid taken daily bolster nutrition and can prevent birth defects. The average South African diet doesn't provide adequate amounts of vitamins A, C, D, or B, or iron and folic acid. Folic acid is especially important for preventing birth defects such as Spina Bifida, as well as premature birth. Even if your diet includes plenty of folate-rich vegetables--such as spinach, broccoli, and peas, as well as orange juice, your body may not be able to absorb folate as well as it can absorb the synthetic version (folic acid) found in prenatal vitamins.

The information on this website is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.