When you are pregnant or breastfeeding it can be a time when you need more information and advice on how to manage your health and in particular, the products you can take to help you ease your symptoms.
Health on Female First
Whether it's preventing or treating a cold, tackling the effects of heartburn or helping to manage your pain, there are options available to help you feel at your best when you're expecting or as a new mum.
During pregnancy, it is recommended that all medicines are best avoided if possible as some may affect your unborn baby, so you should always make sure you speak to a pharmacist or GP before you take any medication.
Coughs and colds
Changes to your immune system during pregnancy may mean you are more susceptible to the germs that can cause coughs and colds, but there are options available if you need a helping hand to stay well, especially during the winter months.
At the first sign of a cold, you could consider a Nasal Spray, like the one below, which can help reduce the severity and duration of a cold and is suitable to use during pregnancy and when breastfeeding.
Angela Chalmers, Boots nutritionist, offers these top tips on how to help you ease your symptoms if you come down with a cold when you are pregnant:
- Try steam inhalation to release your airways - pour a bowl full of warm water and inhale the steam slowly
- To soothe a sore throat, you could also consider cough medicine containing glycerine or honey
- When pregnant, paracetamol can be taken to ease mild or moderate pain - but try to take the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time and always speak to a pharmacist or GP before you take any medication
Hayfever and allergies
If you take medication or anti-histamines for allergies, it may be that you need to seek an alternative option whilst pregnant or when breastfeeding. Reducing contact with the trigger for your allergy is one to ease symptoms.
Angela Chalmers explains: "Should you suffer from hayfever or general allergies there is a nasal spray available for use during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. They line the inside of the nose to prevent pollen getting into your system and causing an allergic reaction, to help relieve symptoms.
Indigestion and heartburn
Indigestion and heartburn are not uncommon during pregnancy, especially in your third trimester when the size of your baby can start to press on your stomach. Both conditions may occur in pregnant women due to changes in the body such as an increase in certain hormones that can often cause scid reflux, the most common cause of indigestion.
The good news is that it can be eased through simple changes to your lifestyle, such as tweaks to your diet.
Vicky Pennington, Boots nutritionist, says: "Indigestion is one of the most common conditions experienced by pregnant women and small changes your diet can play a role in reducing the symptoms. Try eating smaller meals, avoid spicy foods and eat slowly. Indigestion can be brought on by lying down after eating so try no to eating too late and if you have to, keep your upper body elevated."
If you find you need some additional help, there are several effective heartburn relief products available over the counters that are suitable for women who are pregnant and breastfeeding. Speak to your pharmacist to identify suitable products of you.
Constipation and piles
Sometimes pregnant women can experience constipation or piles, especially in the late stages of pregnancy when the digestive system can get sluggish and heightened levels of certain hormones may increase the likelihood of developing the conditions. To help maintain good digestive health during pregnancy, it is important to ensure you eat enough fibre. Increasing your fibre intake will help pass food through your bowels so consider eating foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains and remember to drink plenty of fluids.
Vicky Pennington recommends:
- Make sure you’re well hydrated – drink lots of fluids, especially water
- Gentle exercise may help encourage bowl movements – try a brisk walk or a gentle yoga session
- Ensure you’re able to spend time in the toilet to avoid straining and respond to your natural bowel movements as much as possible.
Teeth and gums
Changes in hormones can mean your gums and teeth are more susceptible to a build-up of plaque, which can ultimately result in inflamed gums, which may also bleed. Continuing your dental routine and visiting your dentist regularly can help keep problems at bay.
Angela Chalmers explains: “Managing your usual dental routine, including frequent flossing and brushing twice a day will help reduce the build-up of plaque and reduce the likelihood of developing dental problems during your pregnancy.”
Pain relief
Should you require pain relief during pregnancy to ease aches and pains, or relieve a headache, there are several pain relief options available. You could consider investing in a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulations (TENS) machine, which are commonly used to provide pain relief associated with muscle and joint pain, such as back pain.
Small doses of pain relief may be taken at certain times during pregnancy, although it is advised that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen should not be taken during pregnancy.
Angela explains: “For common pains such as headaches, there are natural alternatives that may help relieve the symptoms. One of the key causes of headaches is dehydration so drink plenty of fluids and get lots of fresh air. A good eight hours sleep will help keep pains at bay too.
“If you experience back ache you could consider direct to skin heat patched which will help to relieve relief of muscular aches, pain and backache, or a hot water bottle or flannel will do the trick.”
Ensure that you and your baby have healthy and enjoyable nine months possible with this advice.
Tagged in Pregnancy Women's Health Pregnancy Health