Medication for headaches
Many women suffer from headaches during pregnancy. In addition to simple means such as relaxation, massages, fresh air, sufficient and regular sleep and sufficient drinking quantities, various painkillers can be used if necessary. Again, you should consult your doctor about which medication and in which dosage you can take.
The drug of choice is paracetamol. This drug can be taken throughout pregnancy, but it should be taken as briefly as possible and in the appropriate dosage. Second choice remedies are ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid (ASS, Aspirin).
It is important to note that ibuprofen and aspirin may only be taken up to the 28th week of pregnancy, otherwise circulation damage may occur in the fetus. If the pain persists due to the above mentioned measures and medications, stronger painkillers can be used in individual cases. However, this should always be done after consultation with a doctor.
Medicines for colds
If a cold occurs during pregnancy, the pregnant woman should avoid classic cold remedies, as these are often combination preparations and may contain several active ingredients that may have a harmful effect on the growing child. In the case of typical symptoms such as a cold, cough and sore throat, remedies such as seawater nasal sprays, inhalations, sufficient drinking quantities, hot drinks and lozenges should be tried first. Decongestant nasal sprays (e.g.
Oxymetazoline) should be used with restraint, e.g. only if the pregnant woman cannot sleep at night due to a blocked nose. They should then only be used at night and for a short time (maximum seven days in a row). Fever should be lowered during pregnancy, especially if the temperature rises above 38 degrees and it lasts longer than 24 hours. In addition to measures such as calf wraps or lukewarm baths, the fever can be lowered medically with paracetamol and up to the 28th week of pregnancy with ibuprofen.If you have a cold during pregnancy, ask your doctor which medications and nasal sprays you can take and especially how long and in what dosage.
All articles in this series: