what medications can I take for sinus headache during first trimester of pregnancy?
Thursday, August 12th, 2010 at
7:50 pm
Tagged with: during • first • headache • Medications • Pregnancy • sinus • take • trimester
Filed under: Pregnancy Headache
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Tylenol
my ob said that the tylenol liquid cold medicine is fine to take. she said she recommends taking it every 8 instead of every 4
Until you talk to your doctor, use Tylenol. I take aspirin and spend time with a towel over my head over a pot of hot water or take a hot shower (for the steam). If that doesn’t help, then I’m supposed to call because he wants me to take something else, not sure what. I took prescription Actifed during my first pregnancy, but that was some years ago.
I have a history of sinus infection, so doc would prefer not to give me antibiotics. The goal is to prevent the congestion from getting too far. Tylenol isn’t particularly effective.
You can take Tylenol. My doctor told me to take plain Sudafed for sinus pressure. I would ask your OB though.
Call your Dr. I have migraines and my Dr told me to avoid ALL medications for the first 12 weeks. After 12 weeks I could then use Acetaminophen (tylenol), Claritin, Sudafed, Tums with calcium. Anything else I need to contact them.
They said NOT to take excedrin, Ibpropren, NOT to take ANYTHING with aspirin in it and here is why:
Studies have linked aspirin to various pregnancy complications. A few studies show that taking aspirin around the time of conception and in early pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. And some researchers believe that taking aspirin at adult doses during pregnancy might affect the baby’s growth and may slightly increase the risk of a placental abruption.
so unless your Dr prescribes aspirin then I would not take it.
Needless to say I can’t take anything that actually helps a headache. I have been just dealing with the ones I get by going into a dark room laying a cool washcloth over my eyes.
There are some natural remedies in here, too… Feel free to research any of these for how they can be of use to you! Hope there’s something that can help!
NAUSEA:
*Sip room temp ginger ale. Nibble some ginger snaps. If you can get powdered ginger into your guts, that’s the most effective natural remedy. I sometimes put it in capsules & swallow it, or I mix some in with applesauce. It doesn’t taste great, but it works. You know you’ve had enough when you burp & taste ginger.
*Room temp, FLAT cola. Or coke syrup. Emetrol is the same type of stuff if they don’t have coke syrup at the store. I have even gone to the McDonald’s drive-thru in a pinch & asked for coke syrup. They gave me some!
*When I’m desperate & I have nothing else at home & do NOT feel up to running out to the store, I take a Dramamine (meclazine). It will help you sleep a few hours & take away your dizziness & nausea for a while.
*Clear liquids for now. Tea & juice at room temp, not cold. Cold will further shock & upset your stomach. Drink only 1 or 2 ounces at a time.
*FOOD: only if you can: eat light carbohydrates in small amounts- toast or crackers. As your tummy de-nauseates, graduate to light protein, like chicken breast or fish. Fatty foods are the last thing to add to your diet.
*ACUPRESSURE POINTS: Apply pressure to the webbing between your thumb & index finger on either hand. Use firm, deep pressure & a rapid massaging movement for several minutes. I don’t mean caress it. Using the same kind of motion & pressure, rub with your thumb or thumbnail on the top of your foot between the tendons of the second & third toes.
*The last option is to go ahead & allow yourself to vomit. This does not mean MAKE yourself vomit. That is not recommended.
SINUSES, NOSE, THROAT, AND LUNGS:
Boil some salty water in a pot on the stove. Turn off the burner. Blow your nose & cough out some phlegm. Make a steam hood by draping a small-to-medium-sized towel over your head & the pot. Breathe the salty steam in your nose, out your mouth several times. Breathe some in your mouth & out your nose a few times as well. Blow your nose often. Keep this up until the steam stops. You can do this trick a few times throughout the day until you feel better. Salt is great.
OVER THE COUNTER MEDS TO TRY:
**Sinus decongestant: Phenylephrine 5mg. You don’t necessarily need all the extras it’s often mixed with.
**Expectorant: Guaifenisen (Mucinex is the brand name, but it’s way cheaper at dollar stores. Always read ingredients!!) liquefies your mucus so it’s much easier to expel. But you have to drink TONS of water or it won’t work, & you must be near a bathroom because it makes you pee a lot. (yet causes constipation… another reason to stay hydrated!)
**Pain, inflammation, body aches, headache, fever: Ibuprofen (Advil) should be alternated with Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
IMPORTANT! IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT:
-Stay home. (even one day can make a difference. plus, you’ll keep your germs to yourself.)
-Sleep!!
-Drink plenty of water. (8 8oz servings a day=bare minimum!! pee out those germs & flush ‘em away!!)
-Take vitamin C, zinc, and echinacea.
-Eat garlic. (sorry, but it really is great for your health! and it will give you a good reason to stay home. hehe)
-Wash hands well & often. Moisturize skin to keep from cracking your hands to bits.
-Avoid milk & chocolate, which thicken your mucus and make your fight that much harder.
-Moderate exercise helps too!
NOTE: the meds and garlic are harsh, so don’t take them on an empty or upset stomach.
COUGHING FITS:
>DAY: Mucinex and water. (generic is fine, and cheap!) Cough it out while you’re awake.
>NIGHT: Delsym (cough suppressant, DEXTROMETHORPHAN). Get some restful, coughless sleep.
HOMEMADE EXPECTORANTS: Mix very hot water, cayenne pepper, white vinegar, and honey. >GARGLE & SPIT OUT!!!!!!!<
Or drink hot water with lemon and honey.
NOTE: I am not a doctor or nurse. Consult a medical professional to tailor any of the above suggestions to your particular circumstances, especially taking into consideration your weight, age, health, whether you’re pregnant or nursing. FEEL BETTER SOON!!