Our bodies are amazing. We are growing humans. That’s pretty crazy, wonder-woman type of stuff. But while we are a powerhouse of building bodies inside us, our own bodies have a tendency to take a hit and act out in unpredictable and often unfavorable ways. My OB would often reassure me, “The babies are getting everything they need. They are fine. It’s YOU that’s going to feel the brunt of what’s going on” when I’d go in with some sort of pregnancy woe, or “Is this normal?” type of question. That made me feel better. Sort of. I mean, I’m thankful the babies are okay, but I’d like to feel okay too! What a conundrum.
If something did pop up seemingly out of the blue, I found few people with the balls or direct knowledge to clearly address it as they’d stare all shifty-eyed at me, my baby bump and the shelves stocked with remedies promising a brighter future. The pharmacist would tell me to check with my doctor because “doctors have differing opinions”, my primary care doctor would say to double check with my OB, my OB would ask what the primary care doctor recommended, my chiropractor Googled something right in front of my very eyes, and the man at the natural health food store found women coworkers to double check what they took while pregnant while handing me bottles of concoctions stating, “If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your physician.” And around the cycle we’d go.
I was sick of standing there (or sitting or laying), vulnerable and uncomfortable, asking questions only to be given the runaround. So I researched a lot. And asked a lot of questions. And yes, similar to my local neighborhood pharmacist, I will double up on saying, “Check with your doctor. Different physicians have different opinions and recommendations.” Goodness, do they ever! Different physicians within the same group practice I go to tell me different things. So here’s my cheat sheet of safe and somewhat effective (although we can all lament the days of taking good ‘ole NyQuil) over-the-counter remedies that should help you when you need it and more importantly, do no harm to your precious babies. (Quick caveat: New research is constantly being done, so with that, please double check with your physician. Also, if I’m missing something, please let me know! We need to help each other out! And whenever possible it is best to avoid ANY medications during the first 3 months of pregnancy. In addition, these meds are only considered safe when taken in recommended dosages.)
COLDS:
Efffff this. I pray you don’t get a dreaded cold while pregnant. It’s awful! It’s the worst! I just got over a 3 week upper respiratory infection, including headaches, congestion, sore throat, sinus pressure and a barking cough that would not go away. My body wouldn’t fight it like I’m used to it fighting something, so I say this in all sincerity and as much of a non-preachy vibe as I can: Use all the measures you can to prevent this! Be a germaphobe. Yes that’s right, be that person with an extreme obsession with cleanliness and aversion to germs. It’s worth it to avoid it. Because the tried-and-true remedies for these bad boys are far too sparse when pregnant. Give me the maximum strength! Give me the combination meds to get all my symptoms! Give me a sleeping pill! Nope. And nothing is more uncomfortable than being short of breath because of babies pushing up your rib cage with a sore throat, stuffy nose and cough followed by a quick pee to the pants. Trust me. Should you be inflicted, I am sorry. Girl, push through. Email me, and I’ll call you directly to help encourage you through the misery! Here you go:
Sudafed – decongestant
Benadryl – (take before bed, it could make you even more sleepy) decongestant
Tylenol – aches and fever
Tylenol Sinus – aches and fever
Robitussin – All are okay, except NO CF – coughs
Mucinex DM – some physicians recommended this; others said don’t take it
Cough drops – all are okay
Zyrtec or Claritin – antihistamines; good for cold and allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, scratchy throats
Also worth noting: I added a probiotic and an immunity booster to my regimen. I drank absurd amounts of water. And tea. Make sure your tea is decaffeinated and also safe for pregnancy. I added Manuka honey to my tea (find it at Trader Joes) and ate teaspoons of it on its own for extra antioxidants. I took Chestal (homeopathic cough remedy) for the cough when I felt like 2 bottles of Robitussin was probably enough. I slept with a humidifier right next to me. And added panty liners to my wardrobe for the cough. My primary care doctor eventually prescribed a steroid inhaler to help bring down the inflammation. And a friend made me homemade bone broth to help build immunity as well. I’m telling you, prevention is key. And if you feel symptoms coming on, start fighting it right away. I spent a mini fortune fighting this cold in an attempt to save my sanity!
NAUSEA:
This is a whole separate topic on its own. Nothing trumps the hell that is pregnant-with-twins-nausea. I’ve tried everything. In my experience, there’s a huge difference between the approximate weeks of 7-16 nausea and weeks 30+ nausea or just nausea that comes on as a tagalong to getting sick. For random nausea, Emetrol and Coca Cola Syrup are safe. For that first and second trimester terrible-very-bad-no-good nausea, OTC “remedies” include motion sickness bands around the wrists, ginger tea or gum, crackers and Sprite, consistent snacking, ensuring proper hydration but never too much water at a time, and prayer. I have some additional thoughts on nausea, and in my own experience, OTC remedies didn’t work, so I received prescriptions meds in the form of Diclegis and as-needed Zofran. It was the only way I personally could keep sufficient food and liquids down, function, work and live, and I wholeheartedly stand by this decision. For me, these are miracle drugs. Especially Zofran. But I do realize the data on Zofran is controversial and taking it depends on the comfort level of both yourself, your physician and your own level of research on the topic.
HEARTBURN and INDIGESTION:
I never really understood the commercials on TV for heartburn until I was pregnant with twins. If you’re not stocked up on Tums yet, you’ll get there, and you’ll find them everywhere – your car, purse, nightstand, and coat pockets! My primary care doctor told me she used to keep Maalox in the refrigerator and just take hits randomly off it. Ha! I loved that. She said, “Oh yeah, at nighttime, when the heartburn would get so bad you can’t get comfortable, I’d just take a swig from the bottle.” Cheers, girlfriend. Safe OTC remedies include: Maalox, Mylanta, Riopan, Rolaids and Tums, and Zantac, Pepcid, Prevacid and Prilosec. Look for the generic or store-brand equivalent for most of these meds to save some cash. And if you’re going to attempt eating pizza or anything remotely spicy in the third trimester, take a preventative. You won’t regret it.
DISCOMFORTS DOWN THERE:
What we have to endure is truly amazing. Our bodies are like, “What are you doing to me?!” and nothing screams that more blatantly than the pressure and overall discomforts down under. While we are trying to figure it all out, it seems our bodies are doing the same and often can’t quite decide which way to turn!
Constipation: Colace, Metamucil, Senokot, Prune Juice, Miralax, and lots of water! (Also note, some supplements like a prenatal or extra calcium or iron can lead to constipation, so be aware this could be an issue and add some Miralax in to your routine as a preventative.)
Diarrhea: Donnagel, Imodium, Kaopectate – remember to stay hydrated throughout the ordeal.
Hemorrhoids: Preparation H, Anusol HC, Tucks – you can also ease the pain with an ice pack, sitz bath, witch hazel pads or baking soda (dry or wet).
So there you have it. My extensive and hopefully helpful “cheat sheet” that I sincerely hope you never have to use. If you do need it, I hope you find it helpful. And if you have other go-to remedies please let me know so I can add to this list, and if nothing else, we can help a sister out!
Love & health, T I P S for T W I N S
