J.S. asks from Springfield, MO on January 28, 2008
Safe Medicines During Pregnancy
Does anyone know of any over-the-counter cold medicines that are safe to take during pregnancy, or any home remedies that work to relieve symptoms? I haven't yet been able to get ahold of my doctor to ask her, and I'm absolutely miserable right now. I'm about 16 weeks along, and I know that there are some antihystimines that are okay during the third trimester, but I'm just starting my second. I am unable to take off of work (my choice--I need to stay caught up and I need the hours), and I'm trying to keep up with 3 other kids also. I don't have time for rest until 5:30 when my husband gets home. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
More Answers
A.K. answers from St. Louis on January 29, 2008
There should have been a list of safe medicines to take in with your pregnancy package that you got from you Ob/gyn. If they didn't give you one ask for one on your next visit.
I was also a paranoid pregnant Mom and took almost nothing. Anything that would have been OK when I was pregnant is probably not OK now so I won't offer any suggestions from then.
Hot decaf tea helps with the sinuses and throat, as does hot lemon water with honey. Lots of liquids. Saline nasal spray helps also. Suck on ice if your throat's sore and you've had too much tea!
I hope you feel better soon!
H.S. answers from St. Louis on January 30, 2008
The only safe otc i could take when I was pregnant was Sudafed. This is definitely a conversation you want to have with your ob/gyn/midwife/family doctor.
A.S. answers from Kansas City on January 29, 2008
I'm pretty sure you can take Tylenol & pseudoephedrine. However, you really need to check with your doctor before taking anything. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, might want to try a netti pot (or saline solution), they really do help, use a humidifier/vaporizer, and get plenty of rest.
I was one of those who never took anything during pregnancy, I was super paranoid. Having a cold stinks, but it will pass. My doctor told me a cold is 3 days coming, 3 days here, and 3 days gone. Helps keep it in perspective a bit.
Hope you feel better soon!
C.M. answers from Kansas City on January 29, 2008
I find the following website which might be helpful to you.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_if-you-get-sick-during-pregna...
Since you are now in your second trimester, there are a lot more options for you. It is always good to talk to your doctor first but at the same time, you don't want to end up with a sinus infection or something more serious because you didn't take care of yourself. I hope this helps and feel better!
C.
M.H. answers from St. Louis on January 29, 2008
Go to either ibreastfeeding.com or breastfeeding.com (I can't remember which it is, since I haven't used it in a while) but it will tell you what meds are okay. My MIL is a lactation consultant (has been for 20 years) and she says that anything that is on there is okay to take. I hope this helps.
S.G. answers from Kansas City on January 29, 2008
As far as my ob tells me/their website states Tylenol and Sudaphed are ok. In fact I have a heinous cold right now and I've been taking Tylenol Cold and Sinus for it (Advil Cold is ok too). It's not really "curing" the cold, but it's sure taking the edge off. Good luck!
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