Blood thinner

Enoxaparin/ Dalteparin

You may be prescribed one of these anticoagulant injections.

These medicines are used to ‘thin the blood’ and prevent blood clot formation, which may occur in people with certain risk factors.

Administration:

Wash hands before use, inject into the skin at a 90oC angle by pinching a skinfold of your stomach, this is known as a subcutaneous injection. Do not inject within 5cm of your belly button or around existing scars or bruises. Rotate
the injection site every day.

Side-effects:

Injection site reaction (redness, soreness, bleeding), bruising, blood collecting under the skin.

Pain killers

Ibuprofen

This is an anti-inflammatory medicine for pain and inflammation. Also known as Nurofen.

Administration:

Take with or after food.

Usually taken 3 to 4 times a day depending on your doctor’s instructions. Swallow whole with water.

Side-effects:

Mostly well tolerated but can cause abdominal discomfort, nausea and diarrhoea.

Diclofenac

This is an anti-inflammatory medicine for pain and inflammation, similar to Ibuprofen. Therefore the two medicines should not be taken together.

Administration:

Take with or after food.
Taken 2 to 3 times a day depending on which preparation you are given. Swallow whole with water.

Side-effects:

Mostly well tolerated but can cause abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, wind and indigestion. Also can cause headaches and dizziness.

Paracetamol

This is a common simple painkiller for mild to moderate pain.

Administration:

No more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.
Do not take more than 2 tablets at a time. Do not take any other paracetamol containing medicines at the same time. Usually taken 4 times a day.

Side-effects:

Mostly well tolerated. Side effects are rare and include skin reaction and tiredness.

Co-dydramol

This is a combination painkiller for mild to moderate pain containing Paracetamol and Dihydrocodeine.

Administration:

make you sleepy. If this happen, do not drive or use tools /machines. Do not drink alcohol whilst taking these tablets.

Drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, constipation and sweating.

Iron

Ferrous sulfate

Oral iron used for iron deficiency anaemia, this will be given to you if your iron levels are below a certain level after having
the baby.

Administration:

Do not take with tea, milk or eggs as they will reduce the absorption.

Side-effects:

Stomach pain, sickness, constipation or diarrhoea, and will make stools dark in colour.

Laxative

Lactulose

A gentle laxative that makes stools softer and easier to pass by drawing water into the bowel.

Administration:

Take with water, fruit juice or meals to reduce the side effect of nausea. Drink plenty of fluids (2 litres a day).

Side-effects:

Nausea, vomiting, flatulence, cramps and abdominal discomfort.

No more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. Do not take more than 2 tablets at a time. Do not take any other Paracetamol or Dihydrocodeine containing medicines at the same time. Usually taken 4 times a day. Avoid alcohol.

Side-effects:

Dizziness, blurred vision, abdominal pain.

Tramadol

A strong painkiller used for the relief of moderate to severe pain.

Administration:

Do not drink alcohol with this drug. It can make you sleepy. If this happens, do not drive or use tools/machines.

Usually taken up to 4 times a day. Only take if necessary due to side effects and breast feeding information, see page 7.

Side-effects:

Drowsiness, sickness, constipation, sweating, hallucinations and dry mouth.

Dihydrocodeine

A strong painkiller used for the relief of moderate to severe pain.

Administration/side-effects:

Take according to directions on label and do not exceed the stated dose. It can

Antibiotics

Metronidazole

An antibiotic used to treat infection.

Administration:

Take with or after food. Do not drink alcohol. Take at regular intervals and finish the prescribed course. Swallow whole; do not chew or crush. Take with a full glass
of water.

Side-effects:

Nausea, vomiting, taste disturbances, headaches, drowsiness and dizziness.

Cefalexin

An antibiotic used to treat infection.

Administration:

Take regularly. Swallow whole with a glass of water. Finish the course.

Side-effects:

Antibiotic associated colitis. Diarrhoea, nausea.

Co-amoxiclav (Augmentin)

Penicillin based antibiotic containing Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid used for treating an infection.

Administration:

Take every eight hours regularly. Swallow whole with a glass of water, but can be broken along score line to make them easier to swallow.

Side-effects:

Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and thrush.

Managing high blood pressure

Severely high blood pressure induced by pregnancy or which is pre-existing will require management with medications to lower the blood pressure.

These medications are known as anti- hypertensives. The most commonly prescribed anti-hypertensives are Labetalol and Nifedipine.

Follow your doctor’s instructions and do not stop taking them unless told to do so by your doctor.

Breastfeeding

The medicines listed in this leaflet are compatible with breastfeeding.

However, please be aware that although it is safe to take the painkillers listed in this leaflet whilst breastfeeding, it is strongly recommended to monitor the baby for side effects as a precaution.

The painkillers that are used for severe pain (Tramadol and Dihydrocodeine) pass into your milk and can make you drowsy. It is therefore sensible to monitor the baby for similar side-effects such as excessive sleep and not waking up for feeds.

Please note that the manufacturer’s Patient Information Leaflet for the anticoagulant injection states that it is not safe in breastfeeding. Research from reputable sources indicates it is safe in breastfeeding.