Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Flashcards
When is the greatest risk for foetal exposure?
During the first 12 weeks
When do most women find out that they’re pregnant?
Not until week 6 to 10
Why should community pharmacists be careful when recommending OTC products in pregnancy?
Most OTC drugs are not licensed in pregnancy even if the product is safe. If unlicensed and recommended by the pharmacist they are liable for any problems!
When is folic acid recommended in pregnancy?
Until the end of the first trimester (12 weeks)
What dietary advice would you give to a pregnant women?
Avoid:
- Pate
- Mouldy cheese
- Unpasteurised dairy
- Raw egg products
- More than 200mg caffeine per day
What are the referral criteria for a pregnant women with nausea/vomiting
- Very dark urination or no urination for 8hrs
- Abdom pain
- Fever
- Weakness
- Blood in vomit
- Severe unstoppable vomiting
- Inability to keep fluids/ food down for 24hrs
What can you give OTC for nausea in pregnancy?
No OTC products available
- Eat a biscuit or toast before rising
- Ginger biscuits
- Small carb rich snacks often
- Drink regular small amounts of water
- Pressure point wrist bands?
- Avoid triggers
Multivitamins and pyridoxine not recommended
What can you give OTC for pain in pregnancy?
- Paracetamol first line (also for pyrexia)
- Aspirin (3rd trimester warnings)
- Avoid NSAIDS!
- Only recommend paracetamol OTC
- Minor aches and pains do not require treatment in the first trimester
What can you give OTC for heartburn in pregnancy?
First line - Lifestyle
Second line - Simple antacids/alginates
Avoid PPIs or H2 antagonists OTC!
What can you give OTC for constipation in pregnancy?
Lifestyle interventions or Laxatives (bulk forming first line?)
What can you give OTC for haemorrhoids in pregnancy?
Same as normal but avoid hydrocortisone based preparations!
What can you give OTC for vaginal thrush in pregnancy?
Refer if presentation occurs during pregnancy!!
Clotrimazole is most commonly prescribed topically or intra-vaginaly
What can you give OTC for leg cramps in pregnancy?
Nothing.
Recommend stretching exercises and massaging of the muscle
- do not recommend quinine!
What can you give OTC for coughs and colds in pregnancy?
- Paracetamol
- Menthol inhalations
- Demulcents
- Some cough and throat lozenges can be recommended
- Avoid decongestants and opioid cough suppressants!
What can you give OTC for threadworm in pregnancy?
Nothing.
- Strict hygiene must be followed to break the life cycle of the parasite
