Safe Medications During Pregnancy

This is the 3rd part to my series on pregnancy safety information.  Click here to see general information on pregnancy.  Click here to find out more about common discomforts of pregnancy. 

found on www.babymed.com

Medications during pregnancy is a issue that is very difficult.  While there are always risks with everything you take, there are some medications that have a very high safety level.  There is always a potential for the baby to receive the medication when you take it, so it is important to avoid medications when possible.  But if you are completely miserable and need something to relieve discomforts, there are plenty of medications that are safe for your baby.  Many of these medications are commonly used during pregnancy.  Another thing to remember is as the pregnancy progresses, these medications have even less risk for the baby.  But always discuss medications with your health care provider.

Here are medications and other remedies that are considered safe to take during pregnancy.  I put them each under discomfort categories so that you can find one to take for different ailments.  I have included over-the-counter, prescription medications, and home remedies.

Common Cold:  
Sudafed (do not take if you have a history of high blood pressure and avoid Sudafed 12 hour)
Actafed
Robitussin, Robitussin DM, Robitussin PE 
Benadryl
Tylenol Sinus
Tavist D
Dimetapp (not Dimetapp Cold and Allergy)
Cholraseptic (for a sore throat)
Deconosal
Saline nasal drops or spray
Warm salt/water gargle

Heartburn/Indigestion
Tums
Maalox
Mylanta
Pepcid
Mylacon
Zantac
Tagamet
Axid
Gas X
Gaviscon

Allergies
Benadryl
Claritin
Zyrtec
*Ask your healthcare provider before taking these in the first trimester.

Asthma
Theodur
Provential
Alupent
Theophyiline

Constipation
Colace
Metamucil
Fibercon
Milk of Magnesia
Ducolax
Surfak

Pain/Headaches
Tylenol
Extra-strength Tylenol

Hemorroids
Anusol Suppositories
Preparation H cream
Preparation H ointment
Tucks pads 
  
Diarrhea
Kaopectate (liquid only)
Imodium

Nausea/Vomiting
Phenergran 
Emetrol
Vitamin B6
Ginger root 

First Aid 
Bacitracin
J&J First Aid Cream
Neosporin
Polysporin

Rashes
Benadryl cream
Caladryl lotion or cream
Hydrocortisone cream or ointment
Aveeno oatmeal bath 

Others
Monistat (for yeast infection)
Zithromax (for upper respiratory infections)
Macrobid (for urinary tract infection)
Gyne-lotrimin (for fungal/yeast infection) 
 
Thanks for stopping by!  My next post I will be sharing about my experience with pre-term labor and some guidelines for what to do if your experience it.
 

Becoming a Mother, part 2

from www.elizabethyarnell.com

When you become pregnant, you expect the big belly, the battle of the stretch marks, and the glow, but you don't always realize how many other things can come with the growing of a baby.  There are so many changes to a woman's body when they conceive that it can become a little disconcerting to have so many odd symptoms pop up.  If you are a worrier, this can be an extremely anxious time for you.  However, if you know the physiological changes going on in your body, you can then understand why certain symptoms are showing up.  I believe many women struggle with the lack of control you have of your own body when you become pregnant.  But I think it helps to understand what is happening in the background.  Here I would like to summarize a few common discomforts pregnancy can bring and give a little physiology as to why this could be a symptom you experience.

Constipation can be caused by changes in the digestive tract due to hormones slowing the movement of food through the system.  The iron in prenatal vitamins can also cause constipation.  To avoid this discomfort, drink plenty of liquids and eat fruits and vegetables with a high fiber content.  It also helps to stay active and not to sit for long periods of time.

Hemorrhoids can be caused by strained bowel movements and from the extra pressure on the veins of the intestine from the uterus which is growing heavier as the pregnancy progresses.  This can make it difficult for these veins to drain.  Do not push hard during a bowel movement as this can cause even more pressure on those veins.  It also helps to try to avoid constipation in order to prevent hemorrhoids as well.  Drink lots of water!

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms that are also caused by hormonal and metabolic changes.  The cause of these symptoms are not completely understood, but tend to come with the increase of pregnancy hormones.  Before rising in the morning, eat crackers or something bland and do not get up too quickly.  It helps to sit at the side of the bed for a bit first.  Try to eat small meals every 3 hours and eat protein-rich food about an hour before going to bed at night.  Do not lay down right after eating.  Since your sense of smell is elevated, it also helps to avoid foods that trigger your nausea and eat foods cold or room temperature since aromas are stronger when hot.

Heartburn occurs when digested food from your stomach is pushed into your esophagus.  This can happen, again, because of hormonal changes in the digestive tract or because of pressure put on your stomach from your growing uterus.  Try eating smaller quantities of food, several times a day.  Avoid spicy and greasy foods, and try not to eat right before bed.  Sometimes sleeping with your head elevated by two or three pillows will help.

Fatigue occurs because your body is doing a lot of different things while pregnant, and hormone changes can leave you feeling exhausted.  My husband says, "Well, yeah, you're tired!  You're growing a person!"  It can also be caused by your sleep being interrupted by getting up during the night to use the bathroom and from feeling uncomfortable when trying to sleep.  It helps to try to get eight hours of sleep at night and to eat a balanced diet.  Take naps if you are able.

Headaches may occur because there is more blood in your body to share with the baby.  It may take some time for your body to adjust to this increase in blood volume.  Usually headaches go away after the first trimester.  If you experience headaches, take some acetaminophen and apply a warm or cold compress to your head or neck.  Try to find out what triggers the headache.  Dehydration, certain foods, stress, fatigue, excessive heat or cold, or tobacco smoke are some common triggers.

Frequent urination occurs because of hormone changes that have your kidneys working harder to filter out things in your blood stream, and because your blood volume increases, there is more fluid for your kidneys to filter into your bladder.  It also occurs because of the extra pressure on your bladder from your growing uterus.  Continue to drink plenty of water and do not resist the urge to urinate.

Stretch marks can result when your body grows faster than your skin can keep up with, and the elastic fibers just under the skin's surface break.  In pregnancy, it can happen on the abdomen, the sides, and on the breasts.  These brightly colored marks fade after pregnancy.  Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent these marks because they tend to be genetically determined, but keeping your skin moisturized and your body hydrated are good ways to keep away the itchiness that also happens with the stretching.

Varicose veins are swollen veins that bulge near the surface of the skin and appear blue or purple.  They are produced by the pressure of the uterus on the pelvic area, which makes circulation difficult during pregnancy.  Usually, they appear in the legs, but can also occur in the vulva area.  It can be painful or uncomfortable because blood is backed up in that area.  Move frequently to improve circulation and elevate your legs when possible.  Support stockings may also help you if this becomes a big problem.

Breathing can become difficult at times during pregnancy, especially towards the end.  This can happen as the baby grows larger and takes up more space in the abdomen.  There is less space for your lungs to expand.  Breathe deeply several times a day to ease discomfort.  Sleeping propped up on pillows may help at night.

Backaches can occur as the body's weight increases and its center of gravity moves forward.  The natural curves of the spine become much more pronounced.  This can occur as early as the end of the first trimester.  To help prevent strain, wear low-heeled supportive shoes.  There are also maternity girdles and other supportive clothing that can be purchased.  Make sure that any supportive clothing used is not binding.

Swelling can occur due to retention of water in the tissues of your body.  Mild swelling is related to the normal and necessary increase in body fluids in pregnancy and the difficulty of circulation of the lower extremities.  Some swelling of the ankles and legs is considered completely normal.  Swelling of the hands and face can be signs of blood pressure issues, however.  Try to elevate your legs whenever possible and avoid binding clothing and jewelry.

That is all I have for tonight!  If you have any questions or ideas for me to write about, please comment below.  Also, stay tuned for more about safe medications during pregnancy and a word from my friend about bringing home a new baby to a family of many small children.  I'm looking forward to hearing her tips and advice for that time in life!  

Becoming a Mother, Part 1

There are so many questions around pregnancy and then there are even more questions once the baby comes.  I started thinking about this subject a few months ago when I started receiving questions from my sister, who is pregnant with her first baby.  There is so much information thrown at pregnant women these days from information given at the doctor's office to information found (or should I say stumbled upon) on the internet to unsolicited advice from seasoned mothers.  How does one sift through it all and know what is true?  

I was going through papers I came across while unpacking boxes in our new house and found some information packets given to me when I was pregnant with my second baby.  Because it was my second, and I was too busy chasing around my 2 year old and traveling around the world, I didn't actually read the information.  I had decided I would send some of it on to my sister who would appreciate good information.  But as I read it, I realized that a lot of the information was either a little off or completely wrong.  They were just information sheets the Japanese nurse had typed up to hand out to all the obstetrics patients seeing her at the Navy base clinic where I was being seen the first half of my pregnancy.  

I decided then and there that I would type up my own information based on my experience and on my research on the subject.  I typed up some basic information for the first sheet to send to my sister, and then decided that I should make up a whole packet and share it on the internet.  I am not sure if I am just adding to the problem of information overload for these women, but I want to make sure there is good information out there for those who would trust a registered nurse with two babies of her own.  This is the latest information and research I could find, and there really is ongoing research and new information coming out all the time. 

40 Weeks of Pregnancy: General Guidelines to Get Started

Normal Discomforts 

• Constipation
• Hemorrhoids
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Urinary frequency
• Stretch marks
• Varicose veins
• Strenuous breathing
• Backaches
• Swelling in lower extremities 

 Over-the-counter Medications to Avoid (unless approved by your doctor):  

• Aspirin
• Motrin/ibuprofen
• Aleve/naproxen
• Dayquil/phenylephrine
• Nyquil/doxylamine
• Pepto-Bismol/bismuth subsalicylate

Over-the-counter Medications that are Safe (unless contraindicated by your doctor):

• Tylenol/acetaminophen  
• Sudafed/pseudoephedrine
• Robitussin DM/dextromethorphan and guaifenesin
• Mylanta/aluminum and magnesium antacid 
• Tums/calcium carbinate

*If unsure, ask your doctor for approval of medications.

  

Activities:

• Try to minimize caffeine consumption to 1-2 servings a day (up to 1 cup of coffee).
• Avoid x-rays unless your doctor finds it absolutely necessary.
• Normal weight gain during pregnancy is 25-25 lbs.
• Regular exercise is recommended.  Do not lift more than 20-25 lbs.  Brisk walking, swimming, and stationary bicycling are recommended forms of exercise.  You may continue whatever form of exercise prior to pregnancy.

Contact Your Doctor If:

• You have vaginal bleeding that looks like a period.
• You have severe abdominal pain or cramping.
• You have a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit not lowered by Tylenol/acetaminophen.

*This is just the very first and basic information pregnant women should receive.  Please use this information as a reference.  Stay tuned for part 2 with more pregnancy information and some advice from a friend who has 4 children and lots of good experience.

Good Eats

I decided for both the benefit of recording some of these for myself and for sharing with others, I would post a few of our favorite recipes lately.  I have been trying lots of new things recently.  Some have worked out great, and some not so well.  But so far, no one is starving around here, so it's all okay.  This first one we made just last night, and everyone was happy with it.  I would recommend it as an appetizer or finger food for a get-together because it was difficult for me to figure out what to serve with it.  It's definitely a light meal item.  I served it as the main dish with some red beans and rice and a green veggie side.  A coleslaw would go well with this also.

Grilled Chipotle Shrimp
prep: 25 minutes
cook: 10 minutes
serves: 6-8

1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
1/4 cup adobo sauce
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
2 lbs uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce:
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp grated lime peel
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp minced fresh mint

1.  In a small saucepan, bring brown sugar, chipotles, adobo, garlic, water, lime juice, oil, and salt to a boil.  Reduce heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes longer.  Remove from heat; cool completely.
2.   Transfer mixture to a large resealable plastic bag.  Add the shrimp; seal bag and turn to coat.  Refrigerate for up to 2 hours.  (I think I let it sit in the bag for maybe 30 minutes.)
3.  Meanwhile, combine the sauce ingredients; chill until serving.
4.  Drain and discard marinade.  Thread the shrimp onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.  Moisten a paper towel with cooking oil; using long-handled tongs, lightly coat the grill rack.  (I used the broiler and just misted some cooking spray on the broil pan.)
5.  Grill shrimp, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 inches from heat for 6-8 minutes or until shrimp turn pink, turning once.  Serve with sauce.

And now for a picture break.

Last homecoming...for now.

This next recipe was a little more work, but definitely delicious.  It did not stick around for very long.

Chicken Enchiladas with Avocado Cream Sauce
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium white or yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced
2 poblano peppers, stemmed and thinly sliced
1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
8-10 flour tortillas
4 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie worked well for us)
2-3 cups Monterrey jack cheese

2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
2 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 garlic powder
1/4 tsp pepper
2 avocados, peeled and pitted
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
juice of 1 lime

1.  First make the sauce by melting the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the flour, whisking until golden and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
2.  Slowly whisk the broth into the flour mixture.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3.  Stir in the sour cream, cumin, salt, garlic powder, and pepper, whisking if necessary to remove any lumps.
4.  Remove from heat and transfer mixture to a blender or food processor.  Add avocados, cilantro, and lime juice and pulse until smooth and well-blended.  Remove lid occasionally so that heat can escape.
5.  Season with additional salt or pepper if needed.
6.  In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.  Add onion, poblano, and jalapeno, and saute for 5-6 minutes until onions are translucent.
7.  Remove from heat.
8.  To assemble enchiladas, place tortilla on a flat surface.
9.  Spread a tablespoon or two of avocado sauce down the middle of the tortilla.  Then layer some vegetable mixture, shredded chicken, and cheese.  Carefully roll the tortilla and place seam side down in a baking dish.
10.  Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
11.  Drizzle the top with about half of the remaining avocado cream sauce, then cover the dish with foil, and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until tortillas are heated through and begin to harden.
12.  Remove from the oven, then serve individual enchiladas drizzled with the remainder of the sauce.  You can also garnish with addition cilantro, cheese, and/or sour cream.

Another picture break.

Bronson racing at sports day...he's the boy in the purple hat.

And this is an old favorite from my mother-in-law.  I have made this one a lot lately.  It's great for bringing a meal over for a family with a new baby because it is easy to reheat.  Be careful with salt additions.  I have had a few batches that were super salty.

Cheese Manicotti
8-15 manicotti shells
1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage
30 oz Italian tomato sauce (or regular with your own added herbs and spices)
2 cups mozzarella, shredded
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 grated Parmesan
1 egg
1 Tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp pepper

1.  In a 13x9 inch baking dish, cover manicotti shells with boiling water.  Let stand for 5 minutes, drain, and rinse with cold water. 
2.  In a skillet, brown sausage, crumbling as it cooks.  Drain.  Stir in tomato sauce. 
3.  In a separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients.  Stuff the shells with cheese mixture.
4.  Pour half of meat sauce in baking dish.  Place stuffed manicotti on sauce.  Dot any remaining cheese mixture on top.  Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes or until shells are tender.

And now I will finish with a bowling picture.

My bowling dates...really excited!

Being in Japan

We love Japan!  The people here are amazing.  They go above and beyond when doing anything.  They are friendly, helpful, and will be your forever friend once you become friends.  It is so safe and clean here.  I do not feel weird at all walking at night by myself.  I also know that all the neighbor ladies know what's happening in our household and will watch out for anything unusual.  They have informed friends of mine when we were out of town.  I'm sure they know when Luke is deployed and when he is home.  They sweep the streets and keep everything tidy.  You don't really see much trash on the ground despite the fact that there are no public trash cans.  I have many Japanese friends who have translated all kinds of things for me.  They get text pictures of food labels and Facebook messages with school papers.  I am so thankful for the kind of community we have here.  Even our American friends rely on each other so much.

But lately I have been missing America.  I miss how easy it is to go for a drive or to shop.  I miss wide open spaces and grass and trees.  I miss English.  I miss the Food Network.  I miss Target.  I miss dishwashers and normal laundry machines.

This past weekend, Bronson's school had a Bon Odori festival.  It sounded like so much fun.  They would have dancing and games, and everyone would be dressed in their Yukatas.  Kawaii!

Bronson's teacher, whom he LOVES!

The other American kids at Ayase Kobato Yochien

Bronson's class

LOTS of people

Dancing

 

I thought it was interesting how they carried out this event.  It was SO crowded.  The school yard is not that big, and they stuck a big stage in the middle of it.  Add all the teachers, kids, and their parents and siblings, and it was quite the event.  They had games for the kids to play as well.  I was picturing the event to have an organized welcome and program (dancing) for the kids, and then they would be released to the parents to wander and play games.  No, that's not how they do things.  Everything was scheduled out, so that each class walked from station to station to quick play the game under the time limit so everyone got a turn.  Then there was a water break, and the dancing began.  Parents wandered around trying to get a glimpse and picture of their kid as they played each game and then did the dances.  It was crazy.  It was hot too.  

By the time the dancing began, Bronson was quite done with the whole thing.  He spent most of the dancing time sitting and throwing dirt in the air.  I think the crowds and lack of understanding any of the instructions was a bit overwhelming for him, as it would be for anyone.  There were a few kids who cried the whole time and ended up being held by teachers.  That was a huge thing that I thought was different than how an American preschool would do it.  If the kid was upset, they would just pull them out and let the parent deal with it instead of making the kid endure the whole thing.  So funny!

Overall, it was a fun experience.  I love seeing Bronson do and say what they trained the kids to do and say.  They always do a greeting and goodbye, and Bronson knows those well.  He also loves all of the songs that they sing.  It is reassuring to me that he enjoys it and is learning.

And you have to end with a naked baby

Fun Pictures

First chocolate chip cookie

 

Recent Books I've Read

On Becoming Babywise

by Gary Ezzo, M.A. and Robert Bucknam, M.D.

This is a book that was recommended to me by a few moms while I was pregnant with Bronson.  I didn't start using the tips in it until he was 3-4 months old, so it took him a while to get in a routine.  But once he was in a normal routine, it made a huge difference in my days and nights.  He became a very good sleeper during his pre-toddler and toddler months.  This book gives information on sleeping, eating, awake time, and other advice for newborns and young infants.  I just reread this book a couple months ago, and have been following some of the basic tips since the early weeks after James was born.  He is a much better sleeper than Bronson and has really benefited from being on a daily routine.  This book did not have step by step instructions like I had longed for in those early days with Bronson, but you can't give specific instructions to all parents when every baby and parent is different.  This book was written by the same authors that wrote "Growing Kids God's Way", which is a Christian ministry and curriculum for parents.  I have wanted to go through the GKGW series as well.  

Perelandra (Space Trilogy, Book 2)

by C.S. Lewis

This is a series Luke kept encouraging me to read.  I had a hard time getting through the first one, although I thought it was good.  This one I really enjoyed and got through it much faster.  It was more of a fantasy story than a science fiction read.  I loved the symbolism in it to represent Christ and Satan and angels.  I know that some of it was a little above my head, but I liked Lewis' perspective on how other worlds/planets with life could potentially exist.  The story is about a man from earth who goes to a new world that has just begun.  

The only other books I have read in the past few months have been nursing textbooks, which I'm sure you do not want to hear about.  The next ones I'm looking forward to pouring myself into are:

Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophesy 

by Beth Moore

There is a group of women that I am meeting with weekly to study the book of Daniel.  I am looking forward to seeing what the Lord is planning to teach me through this study.  I am hoping I'll be able to keep up with the homework.  There is also a group of guys (husbands) that are also going to do this study separately.  It will be fun to go through a study alongside Luke.

Life After Life

by Kate Atkinson

The squadron book club is reading this one this month.  It sounds like a very interesting read.  I don't think I'll be able to read it in just a couple weeks time with all of my schoolwork, but it will be fun to read it eventually.  The discussion at book club is always fun.

So what are you reading?