Unfortunately, we do get sick when we are pregnant. The first question you ask yourself might be: what kind of medication should I take? My advice to you is DO NOT TAKE over-the-counter medication casually. If you read the labels on medications, they will usually tell you it is not safe to take them if you are pregnant. So, do consult your doctors, and let your doctors know that you are pregnant (if it is not that visible), he or she will take good care of you.

Some of you may be hesitant to take the medications that your doctors prescribed. Please be assured that your doctors will only prescribe medications that are considered safe to you and your babies. And my doctor used to tell me that the risk of not taking the medication on my baby was actually greater than taking the medication. If my sickness continued and if I did not get better, it would hurt my baby much further. My advice? Take the prescribed medication, take LOTS of REST and drink PLENTY of WATER! That’s the key to a speedy recovery.

Some of you may still want to avoid medication completely. If so, you may try the following to relieve your symptoms.

Common Cold

• Drink plenty of water
• Get lots of rest
• Orange juice or juices with vitamin C
• Fruits and vegetables with well balanced vitamins
• Gargle warm salt water to relieve the scratchy throat
• Salt water (saline) nasal spray to clear the nasal passage. The non-medicated ones are safe to use and you can use as often as you wish.
• If you have a humidifier (warm or cool mist are both fine), use one. Moistening the room air is always good for your cold.
• If you cough, have some lemon – hot water. Add a few pieces of lemon into a cup of hot water. Drink it slowly. It will help relieve your cough.

Fever

• Again, water will perform the magical touch. Have plenty of it!
• Dress accordingly. You do not want to get over-heated.
• Aspirin is not recommended as it is considered unsafe to the unborn babies. So, if you are to take medication, ibuprofen and acetaminophen are your safe bet. Ibuprofen is only recommended up to the end of the second trimester, while acetaminophen is considered safe throughout the whole term. And the same old advice, DO NOT take any medication without doctor’s consultation. And if symptoms persist, also let your doctors know.

Heartburn

There are a few Over-The-Counter antacids, such as Tums, Mylanta, Maalox, or Rolaids, are safer than others to take during pregnancy. If you are not sure what to take, again, consult your doctors.

Allergy

Allergens are all around – dusts, animal hair, cigarette smokes, polluted air…the list can go on. Unfortunately, almost all medications (except antihistiamines) that treat allergies are not safe to the mother nor the babies. Even the medicines you have been taking before your got pregnant might not be safe. Due to the tricky medication issue, the best thing to do is to AVOID allergens. Make sure your immediate is free from allergens; stay away from strong household chemicals; avoid being around smokers. If you nasal passage is blocked, the recommended way of clearing it is by spraying salt water (saline) nasal spray.

Among Chinese, there is a saying that pregnant women won’t get sick. It is actually NOT true. So, please take good care of yourself and avoid getting sick.

* Warning! Every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy of information provided. However, I shall not be responsible for any harm that you or any person may suffer as a result of using the information of this site.

Obviously, all women have to stay fit whenever. It is also important to stay fit when you are pregnant. Before we move on, please keep in mind of the following:
1. Avoid exercises that may cause you to fall from heights, e.g. ice-skating, skiing, riding on a real bike (stationary bikes are fine). This is because as you grow bigger, it is harder to keep yourself balanced. And obviously, falls are to be avoided.
2. Do not do exercises on your back (whether it is weight lifting or yoga), it would hurt yourself and your baby.
3. There are women who would go scuba diving. Although considered safe, there has not been conclusive studies on the effect of water pressure onto the moms-to-be and the babies. Therefore, think twice before you dive.

There are many exercises that you can do, try consider the following:
1. Low-impact aerobic exercises that would not strain your back are perfectly okay.
2. Some of you enjoy yoga and it is a great way to keep fit and strengthen your muscles. If possible, try to enroll in prenatal classes since they will know best what poses you should practice and avoid. Avoid hot yoga since you do not need to be overheated. Getting overheated is not good for pregnant women.
3. Weight lifting – sure, no problem. But please stay with lighter weights. Remember, do not weight lift on your back, it is not good for you nor the baby.
4. Cycling - stationary bikes are fine. Please ensure you are well supported when getting on and off in order not to fall. And if you grow too big and you do not feel comfortable cycling anymore, STOP! Also, do not attempt a real bike since you are less apt to react should accidents happen.
5. Jogging - consult your doctor before you start jogging
6. Walking - do lots of it. It helps you to relax and give you ample exercises at the same time.
7. It is actually not recommended to swim. There are concerns that you might get vaginal infection from the pool water or sea water, and it will in turn affect the baby. On the other hand, swimming can take a lot of the pressure off your back, especially in the second and third trimester. So, check with you OB before you go.

If you feel uncomfortable whenever you are exercising, slow down, and then stop. If you are ever in doubt, consult your doctor.