The most common specific prescription components included progestins from oral contraceptives, amoxicillin, progesterone, albuterol, promethazine and estrogenic compounds; over-the-counter components included acetaminophen, ibuprofen, docusate, pseudoephedrine, aspirin, and naproxen.
Ideally, start taking folic acid tablets before becoming pregnant. The common advice is to start from the time you start to plan to become pregnant. If the pregnancy is unplanned then start taking folic acid tablets as soon as you know that you are pregnant.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the preferred OTC pain reliever to use during pregnancy. It's considered safe and effective for pain relief in all trimesters. Studies suggest that about 65% of pregnant women take acetaminophen during pregnancy.
Paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you're pregnant. It is commonly taken during pregnancy and does not harm your baby.
Can I take paracetamol if I'm pregnant? Paracetamol is considered the first choice of painkiller if you are pregnant since it has been taken by large numbers of pregnant women without any adverse effect on the mother or baby.
not smoking during pregnancy. not drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs during pregnancy. eating a healthy, balanced diet with at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. making attempts to avoid certain infections during pregnancy, such as rubella.
Beyond checking for folic acid and iron, look for a prenatal vitamin that contains calcium and vitamin D. They help promote the development of the baby's teeth and bones. It also might be beneficial to look for a prenatal vitamin that contains vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc and iodine.
Folic acid: Since it's a water-soluble vitamin, take it with a glass of water on an empty stomach. Prenatal vitamins: Take these with water and a meal for optimal absorption. It's best to take them with breakfast or lunch, which lowers the chance of an upset stomach and acid reflux.
Kiwis. Kiwis contain a high level of folic acid and are delicious besides. Folic acid actively helps prevent fetal growth defects. In addition, kiwi helps expectant mothers absorb iron more efficiently, and this can prove essential for ensuring that a mother's blood carries enough oxygen to her baby.
If you do start having cravings, it'll probably be in your first trimester (it could be as early as 5 weeks into pregnancy). They'll get stronger in your second trimester, and then eventually stop in your third trimester. Cravings come in all shapes and sizes. Some women crave fatty foods like chips.
It has been suggested that some women who miscarry may not make enough progesterone in the early part of pregnancy. Supplementing these women with medications that act like progesterone (these are called progestogens) has been suggested as a possible way to prevent recurrent miscarriage.
Try to eat well and drink plenty of fluids, especially if you are prone to morning sickness. Reduce your stress level. Try a massage or cold pack to help with tension headaches. If your headache is a migraine, rest in a cool, dark room with no noise, and try using warm or cold compresses or an ice pack.
You should not take Nurofen if you are trying to become pregnant or during the first 6 months of your pregnancy, except if advised to do so by your doctor. Do not take Nurofen at all during the last 3 months of your pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time when special care needs to be taken with medicines.
Ibuprofen is not usually recommended in pregnancy, unless it's prescribed by a doctor, especially if you're more than 30 weeks pregnant. This is because ibuprofen can affect your baby's circulation and kidneys. There may also be a link between taking ibuprofen in early pregnancy and miscarriage.
Most pregnant women can take acetaminophen if their doctor gives them the thumbs-up. It's the most common pain reliever that doctors allow pregnant women to take. Some studies have found that about two-thirds of pregnant women in the U.S. take acetaminophen sometime during their nine-month stretch.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin should be avoided during pregnancy. You can use paracetamol to help mild to moderate pain during pregnancy.