Pregnancy and medications

[txmomof3beautifulboys]

I *think* exlax is a no-no, right? SO what about senekot, or the like? Also, I cant sleep worth a darn....can I take unisom?

[maidentomother]

Exlax and senokot both contain senna, which is category C. Try colace, fiber supplements, and a whole avocado daily (fat + fiber work beautifully for constipation).

Unisom & Benadryl are both okay for insomnia. If they don't cut it, you can ask your dr about prescribing Ambien - it's considered borderline safe in pregnancy, and the strongest possible sleep aid that's reasonably safe. Research it and see how you feel about taking it, if necessary.

[bunnywabbit]

I used Fybogel, just make sure you keep up your fluid intake or it could cause problems :oops:

[maidentomother]

Oh, yes, lots of water helps with constipation too, but you probably know that. :) Miralax is category C but some drs advise it for pregnancy and it IS very effective; I'd recommend you discuss it with your dr as a last resort.

Strangely enough I find small amounts of caffeine early in the am help me crash at night. So you could try that,, if you're comfortable with low dose caffeine while pregnant. A turkey sandwich bedtime snack can give you the tryptophan thanksgiving sedative effect.

[txmomof3beautifulboys]

Thank you, ladies! Appreciate your help!

[atomic sagebrush]

Agree with other suggestions and also want to mention "Alo" aloe drinks. Don't go overboard but a 1/4 to 1/3 of a cup of that stuff works wonders.

STraight Aloe juice is not advised during pg because it can cause cramping, but I used the Alo with both #4 and #5 and never had any cramps or ill effects and I totally think it's the most effective but gentlest remedy for that particular issue!

[txmomof3beautifulboys]

I will give the aloe a shot. Prune juice usually does it...but YUCK! Also...can I take a biotin supplement? I stopped during my sway, but prior it was really helping my hair growth/quality. I seem to lose a lot of hair (in my opinion) and it helped. Also, what is a good amount of folic acid? I'm not sure my prenatal gummies have enough... (just read the bottle...they have 800mcg folic)

[maidentomother]

The extra biotin is safe (I used to take 5mg daily for my hair) and 800mcg folic is enough. Though if you want to be really vigilant you could get some folate and take that as well.

[atomic sagebrush]

WSS!!

The alo drink is SOOO much tastier than prune juice. I learned the hard way not to drink too much of it though o.O

[maidentomother]

Yep, prune juice is just nasty. And I actually like prunes!

[Christi]

I highly recommend the book "medication and mothers milk" by Thomas hale. It is the treatise on all the various medications during pregnancy and during breastfeeding. The lactation consultant at the hospital uses it all the time because in her experience most doctors aren't tat knowledgable about prescribing meds to patients who are pregnant or nursing. I bring it to every doctors appointment and my doctors have always appreciated having a detailed explanation of any medication they have prescribed to me, or a reference to check the different options they would have if I wasn't pregnant or nursing. It also has many OTC medications and vitamins.... It was about $36 on amazon and, in my opinion, worth every penny.


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[atomic sagebrush]

:agree: I have seen tons of doctors give people medications they shouldn't have and also tons of times they wouldn't prescribe something that is perfectly safe.