Pregnancy

Pregnancy

Every mother wants to stay healthy during pregnancy. However, like everyone else, pregnant women can experience various illnesses and health problems. They are also more susceptible to certain conditions. As pregnancy is a period when women need to be particularly careful about self-medication, since inappropriate treatment may harm the baby, it is important to discuss potential risks and side effects with a pharmacist or doctor.

Common cold

MOUTH AND THROAT INFECTIONS

Pharmacies offer a wide range of products to relieve sore throats and treat throat infections. However, pregnant women should always consult a pharmacist about the safety of these products.

The following products may be suitable for pregnant women:

• Lozenges containing Iceland moss extract (GRANOBIL) – These lozenges also contain gum arabic and concentrated pear juice. They dissolve in the mouth, forming a protective film that helps protect the mucous membranes.
• Tablets containing calcium pantothenate (PANTHOL) – Calcium pantothenate is converted into pantothenic acid, which is then transformed into water-soluble vitamin B5, essential for the normal development and regeneration of the skin and mucous membranes.

STUFFY NOSE

A stuffy nose is another troublesome symptom of the common cold. Various over-the-counter products are available to relieve this symptom. The following may be suitable for pregnant women:

• Saline solution – a 0.9% sodium chloride solution that thins nasal mucus and makes breathing through the nose easier.
• Gel containing essential oils (BRONHO GEL).
• Various inhalers (MENTOKLAR).

Inhaling essential oils can help clear the nasal passages and make breathing easier.

COUGH

A cough is one of the most common symptoms of respiratory illness. It is a symptom whose underlying cause should be identified and treated. When you have a cold, a cough may last for several days.

There are two main types of cough:

PRODUCTIVE COUGH – a wet or moist cough accompanied by the production of sputum or phlegm. For pregnant women, the following may be recommended:

– Plantain syrup – helps promote the secretion of bronchial mucus, thins phlegm and makes it easier to cough up.

NON-PRODUCTIVE COUGH – a dry cough without phlegm. It may be caused by a dry, tickling sensation in the throat. Treatment:

– Marshmallow root syrup – marshmallow root contains mucilage, which coats the mucous membranes and provides a protective barrier against irritation.

HEADACHE AND FEVER

These may be caused by a common cold or by something else.

IMPORTANT: DURING PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING, PAIN RELIEVERS SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN FOR SELF-MEDICATION. THEY SHOULD ONLY BE USED WITH YOUR DOCTOR’S KNOWLEDGE AND APPROVAL.

Many single-ingredient and combination pain relievers are available over the counter. The following is recommended for pregnant women:

– Paracetamol (DALERON, LEKADOL, PANADOL) – side effects are rare and usually mild. They generally occur only when the recommended therapeutic doses are exceeded.

Digestive problems

DIARRHOEA

Diarrhoea is not usually a typical pregnancy complaint, but it can nevertheless occur after consuming large quantities of foods that may trigger it.

Treatment:

• Dried blueberries – contain tannins with an astringent effect. They soothe inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, reduce irritation, slow intestinal peristalsis and promote the healing of the intestinal lining.
• Rice water – is poorly absorbed and coats the mucous membranes, protecting them against irritation.
• Pectins – grated apples left to stand – act as bulking agents and absorb water as they swell.
• Activated charcoal (CARBO MEDICINALIS) – acts as an adsorbent, binding water, toxins and gases in the digestive tract. It is eliminated from the body unchanged.
• Lactic acid bacteria (LINEX capsules) – help maintain and regulate the natural balance of intestinal flora.

WARNING: IF YOUR CONDITION DOES NOT IMPROVE WITHIN 48 HOURS, YOU MUST SEE A DOCTOR OR GYNAECOLOGIST.

CONSTIPATION

Constipation is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy.

Laxatives that may be suitable for pregnant women include:

• Bulk-forming laxatives (linseed, VEROLAX-S powder) – increase stool volume by binding water and swelling.
• Osmotic laxatives (lactitol – IMPORTAL; lactulose – PROREKTAL, PORTALAK syrup) – draw water into the bowel by osmosis, increasing stool volume. This stimulates the intestinal lining mechanically and promotes peristalsis.
• Lubricants (glycerol suppositories) – soften the intestinal contents and make them easier to pass.

HEARTBURN

Digestive problems caused by excessive stomach acid production are also common during pregnancy.

Advice:

– Antacid tablets (RENNIE) – unlike other antacids available on the market, these do not contain aluminium salts. They contain calcium and magnesium carbonates, which bind stomach acid and bile acids. Excess acid is neutralised, forming poorly soluble salts that are eliminated from the body.

Problems with veins and lymphatic vessels

VARICOSE VEINS

During pregnancy, increased pressure on the pelvic veins raises the likelihood of developing varicose veins. Varicose veins are enlarged veins with swollen, twisted or winding sections.

Advice:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, hot baths and saunas.
• Keep your legs slightly elevated while sleeping.
• Finish washing with a cool shower directed over your legs.
• Wear supportive compression stockings.
• Massage with creams and gels containing horse chestnut extract (VENITAN, VAZOGEL) – horse chestnut extract, or escin, has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces the fragility of capillary walls and improves the tone of weakened veins. In this way, it helps reduce blood pooling in the legs and prevent swelling.

HAEMORRHOIDS

Haemorrhoids are the best-known example of varicose veins occurring in the body. There are numerous over-the-counter medicines available to relieve their symptoms.

Advice:

• Eat a diet rich in fibre and mucilage.
• Maintain regular hygiene.
• Ointment containing a local anaesthetic (MODOLEX) – in addition to a local anaesthetic that relieves pain, it contains calcium dobesilate, which reduces the fragility of blood vessel walls and helps reduce swelling.

Other problems

ANAEMIA

During pregnancy, anaemia often occurs due to increased blood volume and the body’s higher requirements. From a physiological point of view, this is a normal occurrence during pregnancy.

What can help:

• Eat iron-rich foods, such as red meat, liver, tuna, spinach and dried fruit.
• Take iron-containing vitamin supplements (FLORAVITAL-FLORADIX).
• Maintaining adequate iron levels in the body supports increased production of haemoglobin, an essential component of red blood cells.

VAGINAL INFECTIONS

During pregnancy, hormonal levels change, which can lead to changes in vaginal pH and make the vagina more susceptible to various fungal infections.

Advice:

– Use intimate hygiene products containing lactic acid (LACTACYD FEMINA, HYGIEA), which help maintain the naturally low pH of the vaginal mucosa.

PLEASE REMEMBER: IF YOUR SYMPTOMS PERSIST OR BECOME SEVERE, YOU MUST VISIT YOUR DOCTOR OR GYNAECOLOGIST.

Prepared by: Irena Pregelj, MSc Pharm.