by Over-the-Counter Drug Committee of the Coalition for the Medical Rights of Women
1997, 24 pages, booklet HF9825

If you know of a pregnant woman who is used to easing her discomfort with over-the-counter medications and then becomes pregnant, this booklet is for her. Fourteen common pregnancy discomforts are listed: nausea, vomiting, constipation, hemorrhoids, backache, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, leg cramps, swelling, varicose veins, headaches, heartburn, colds and allergies. The general advice to ease the discomfort is given, along with several lesser-known remedies such as cucumbers, cantaloupe and watermelon for swelling, smelling or tasting a lemon for nausea, and giving yourself a head massage for a headache.

Bold print on each page clarify ongoing themes, which are "Here are some things to try," "See what works for you," and "Check with your care provider before using any medications." Exercise and/or eight glasses of water per day is listed as an aid to each discomfort. The multiracial illustrations are clear and effective. The general ideas are communicated with ease, using limited words. This booklet also mentions the negative effects of alcohol, drug and tobacco use in pregnancy.

This booklet would be very useful for those pregnant friends and clients who need a clear message that over-the-counter medications should be avoided and practical advice to help ease their discomforts without medications.

Reviewed by Dana Shibley, ICCE, Estacada, Oregon USA