Every pregnant woman expects a safe, problem-free pregnancy. However, even pregnant women are not safe from diseases.

When a pregnant woman suffers from a condition such as asthma, heart attack, diabetes, epilepsy or other similar diseases, she usually has her own set of drugs to consume. A woman should discuss her health condition and medication options with a doctor before trying for a baby. The doctor will usually advise a certain medication program, both in terms of what drugs to take and at what doses, to ensure that the pregnancy is as safe as possible.

Some light diseases such as colds, headaches, flu or coughs often make pregnant mothers doubtful. Is it safe to consume drugs sold in the stores while pregnant?

Here are some health problems commonly found and how to take care of them.

Getting rid of a cold when pregnant

Suffering for a severe unattended cold for 24 hours can endanger your fetus, especially in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. To get rid of such colds, there are freely sold drugs at the stores— including paracetamol and aspirin.

The safe cold cure

Paracetamol—also known as acetaminophen—is generally safe to consume. What to keep in mind is the right dosage and avoiding taking an unsafe amount. Don’t take more than the maximum recommendation in one day. Paracetamol overdose can poison your and your fetus’ kidney and heart, which leads to pregnancy failure and unexpected fetus death.

The unsafe cold cure—avoid at all costs!

Aspirin should not be used by pregnant mothers, especially in the first and last trimester. Aspirin can breach the placenta—in other words, it will also affect your fetus. In addition to reducing a cold, aspirin raises the chance of bleeding when giving birth. Aspirin consumed between months seven and nine can also cause ductus arterious—that is, when one of the fetus’ blood vessels fails to shut perfectly.

(Read also: Still many questions about Zika's threat to pregnant women)

Headaches and back pain medication

During pregnancy, mothers occasionally suffer from headaches and back pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers include paracetamol and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs).

Safe medications for headaches

Paracetamol, in addition to being an anti-fever drug, is also commonly used for pain relief. Make sure to include paracetamol in your first-aid kit. In case of headaches during pregnancy.

Drugs for headache to avoid

Ibuprofen is one of the common NSAIDs.The use of NSAIDs during pregnancy should be avoided as they have been clearly linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, interruption of the closure of ductus arteosus against the fetus, fetal kidney poisoning and labor-inhibition. In a few  reported cases,  the use of NSAIDs has led to birth defects.

Treating colds during pregnancy

The immune system is lowered during pregnancy, which results in pregnant woman being more vulnerable to colds. This is caused by influenza viruses. You can expect the illness to go away on its own. Many over-the-counter medications contain a few types of drugs. During pregnancy, make sure to check the lists of ingredients and pick the right drugs for your symptoms.

Stuffy nose (nasal congestion) medication 

Decongestants are a type of medicine used to relieve nasal congestion. Common decongestants include phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine. The usage of decongestants during the first and third trimester should be avoided because they can lead to impaired formation of the fetal abnominal wall (gastroschisis).

There are two types of decongestant: oral decongestants and decongestant sprays. Decongestant sprays are considered safer for use during pregnancy since the effects of the drug spread within the nose only and can be consumed in fewer doses. Using nasal drops saline and the application of humidifier might decreased stuffy nose (nasal congestion) symptoms.

Cough medication

Dextromethorphan is in first place for “safe drugs for coughs during pregnancy". It is recommended to choose a whole dextromethorphan that is alcohol-free. Aside of taking medication, you should also increase liquid intake such as warm water, lemon water and honey to ease cough symptoms. (kes)