Skip to Main Content

Pregnancy Help Guide

Common Symptoms During Pregnancy

  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Discharge
  • Spotting
  • Constipation
  • Cramping
  • Leg Cramps
  • Dizziness
  • Swelling
  • Heartburn
  • Aches and pains
  • Bloody Nose

Safe Over-the-Counter Medications and Home Remedies

The following are considered safe after 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Headache/Pain

  • Tylenol
  • Excedrin Migraine
  • Bengay cream
  • Relaxation

Congestion/Cold Symptoms/Allergies

  • Steam Shower
  • Sudafed
  • Allegra
  • Claritin
  • Afrin nasal spray (saline only)
  • Vicks vapor rub
  • Benadryl
  • Zyrtec

Bleeding Gums/Tooth Pain

  • Soft Tooth Brush
  • See dentist every 6 months

Heartburn/Acid Indigestion

  • Milk
  • Tums
  • Pepcid over the counter
  • Zantac
  • Rolaids
  • Mylanta

Constipation

  • Drink more water
  • Benefiber
  • Colace
  • Miralax
  • Metamucil
  • Milk of Magnesia
  • Increase fiber in your diet

Edema/Swelling

  • Prop feet up above the level of your heart
  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • Drink plenty of fluids and limits salt intake

Dry, Itchy Skin, Rash

  • Lotion of choice
  • Benadryl

Cough

  • Robitussin
  • Cough Drops

Nausea

  • Vitamin B6
  • Ginger Root
  • Eat 5-6 smaller meals per day
  • Eat bland foods (plain crackers, dry toast, etc)

Gas

  • Gas-X

Sleep

  • Benadryl
  • Chamomile Tea
  • Tylenol PM
  • Unisom

Acne

  • Benzoyl Peroxide
  • Salicylic Acid

Hemorrhoids

  • Preparation H
  • Tucks

Frequently Asked Questions During Pregnancy

You can continue to do what you were doing before you were pregnant as long as you are not at risk for falling or being hit in the stomach. This means no contact sports, no horseback riding or skiing. Walking for 30-45 minutes daily is recommended.

Sex is safe as long as you are not experiencing vaginal bleeding.

You may travel within the US up to 36 weeks, outside the US up to 34 weeks.   Be sure to stand up and walk every two hours to prevent blood clots.

Hair coloring and manicures/pedicures are safe in a well ventilated room.

Raw foods should be avoided due to the possibility of contamination of salmonella and/or other bacteria contaminates.

Non-pasteurized milk or cheeses are not recommended. These products increase your risk of listerosis, which can lead to miscarriage.

Avoid all alcohol during pregnancy. There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.

Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke should be avoided. Smoking can double the risk of having a low-birth weight baby. Smoking has been known to slow fetal growth and also increases the risk of preterm delivery. Premature and low-birth weight babies face and increased risk of serious health problems.

Tanning beds and spray tanning are not recommended during pregnancy.

Flu vaccine, Hepatitis B, Tdap and/or TB screening

Once you are having contractions strong enough and regular enough to change your cervix, you are considered in active labor. This usually occurs once:

  • Contractions are 6 minutes apart from start to start.
  • You cannot have conversation during your contraction.
  • This has lasted one hour.

Once your water has broken you need to come in regardless of your contractions.

  • The baby is too big for your pelvis.
  • The baby does not tolerate labor and it is safer for the baby to be born by cesarean section.
  • Your contractions are not strong enough to fully dilate your cervix.

Find a Provider


Find a primary care provider or specialist near you in our extensive network of clinics and hospitals.


To-Do Checklist for a Healthy Pregnancy


This is such a special time in your life. Here are five things to do when you find out you're pregnant.

COVID-19 Vaccine: Pregnancy and Breastfeeding


Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risks of COVID-19 infection and related complications for both you and your baby.

Maternity Education Classes


Maternity Education Classes

Learn more about the childbirth and breastfeeding classes we offer, and register today.