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Childbirth/Medications During Pregnancy

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Expert: - 5/8/2008


Question
I am currently 17 weeks pregnant and sick for the second time. The first time was awful as I had strep throat and lost my voice. I was unable to take any medications since I was only in the beginning of my first trimester. Now I am getting cold symptoms and a sore throat. Is there any medications that would be safe for me to take now?

Answer
Holly,

Regular Sudafed is usually fine to take. Since I'm not aware of your medical history and potential allergies, etc, be sure to check with your doctor on your individual situation. However, home remedies may be just as effective as medications with no adverse side effects.

Try tea with honey and lemon for a sore throat, chicken noodle soup, and vitamin C to help you recover sooner  You can also gargle with warm salt water.  Remember to stay hydrated and get as much rest as possible.

Medications like Sudafed will not help you recover sooner and can cause other complications like high blood pressure.  Try to only take them if your symptoms are truly severe.


Best,
Catherine  

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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