Health Tips for November 28

Health Tip: Medications and Pregnancy

You may take certain over-the-counter supplements and medications without thinking twice. But when you're pregnant, even drugs that you can buy without a prescription can affect the developing fetus.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these safety guidelines about medications and pregnancy:

• Don't take any medicine or herbal supplement without checking with your doctor.
• Try not to take any medicine during your first trimester of pregnancy, when your baby is most likely to be affected.
• If you are having pain, acetaminophen is usually safe for pregnant women to take for a short period. But you should first check with your doctor.
• Don't take aspirin while you're pregnant.
• Don't take an NSAID -- such as Advil, Motrin or Aleve -- while you're pregnant, particularly during your third trimester.

Health Tip: What to Eat During Morning Sickness

When you're pregnant and battling morning sickness, the last thing you may feel like doing is swallowing food. But it's important that you and your baby continue eating.

The American Pregnancy Association says these foods may help tame morning sickness:

• Foods that can be eaten cold, including cold sandwiches, raw vegetables and fruits such as lemon or ginger, or cold salad. Don't use dressings, seasonings or condiments.
• Foods that aren't too spicy or flavorful, such as plain soups and broths, or a plain baked potato.
• Crackers or pretzels.
• Jello or popsicles.
• Peppermint tea.