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Most pregnant women will have at least one URI while pregnant.
While not dangerous for most women, they can be fairly annoying.
Left alone, they will generally resolve within the same amount of time as
if the woman were not pregnant. During this time, relief of symptoms is the
best you can do for her.
Drugs are to be avoided, but the following medications may be used to
good advantage if necessary:
Acetaminophen
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This will effectively relieve muscle aches
and fever. It is considered safe during pregnancy. (Category B drug,
the same as prenatal vitamins.) |
Guaifenesin
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This expectorant is considered safe during
pregnancy. The addition of codeine (safe) will result in significant
suppression of cough. |
Pseudoephedrine
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This sympathomimetic is a very effective
decongestant. It's use during the 1st trimester is sometimes
restricted because of indirect data suggesting a slight increased risk
of fetal malformations. Late in the third trimester, its' use is again
restricted because of its' somewhat unpredictable cardiovascular
effects.
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Triprolidine
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An effective antihistamine, it is
considered safe during pregnancy. |
Antibiotics
may be needed for those URI's complicated by bacterial sinusitis or bronchitis.
In this case, the following are safe:
Military
Obstetrics & Gynecology
© 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Medical Education Division,
Brookside Associates, Ltd.
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