I am 12.5 weeks pregnant w/baby #2, and having HORRIBLE sinus problems. Prior to getting pregnant I had a CT scan of my sinuses, as I've been having issues for my whole life, but primarily the last year. I haven't gotten the results back, as whatever is wrong I probably can't do anything about until after the baby is born anyway. I am planning on going in in a week or 2 anyway to find out, just to know. I have had 2 awful sinus infections since finding out I was preg., put on amoxicillin for both. Now that the infection is gone, my sinuses are still draining down my throat and my throat has been killing me for over 2 weeks. I know it must be an allergy issue, I just don't know what to do about it, since I don't like taking meds while preg. and not even sure what is safe to deal with this particular problem. I am wondering if anyone else has dealt with this issue while they were pregnant? I was completely healthy with my son, so this is new to me, and its so hard to work, take care of him, and enjoy this pregnancy when I constantly feel sick!
I spend most of being pregnant having a lot of problems breathing and sinus drainage due to allergies. I found Nasonex works the best for me but I think it's a category C drug. Rhinocort (which just happened not to work for me) is category B, tested and considered safe for pregnancy. I have found the nasal sprays work better than the Claritin D pills I took for many years.
try a tablespoon of raw honey with a sprinkle of raw cinnamon i have tried this before and it realy seams to work. take it every 2 or 4 hours until you feel better and if that works just take it once every day you can get the honey at the flint farmers market for a good price hope this helps
Hi R.---I know you'll be needing something for short term relief, but has anyone ever suggested you use your diet to help your body resist and fight infection? An optimal diet will also help to balance your immune system so that these seasonal allergies won't bother you so much. Having said that, being pregnant does have an impact on all of the body.
I am taking a series of wellness classes taught by a naturopath who has her PhD in Nutrition. I can help you learn strategies that will most likely eliminate the need for prescription or even otc meds, using food as medicine. A couple of tips: your diet should consist primarily of fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Minimize the amount of animal protein that you eat, using it as a flavoring or condiment, like on a salad, soups or casseroles and stews. And I would eliminate cows milk, especially with mucous problems. Cows milk is formulated to make baby cows grow to big cows quickly. The proteins in cows milk are often allergenic in humans, and subtle, so it is difficult to diagnose. Go to www.strongbones.org to learn more.
Lots and lots of fruits and veggies will help you tremendously. If you have trouble eating the recommended 7 to 13 servings every day, I have a solution to share with you. Feel free to call me with any questions you might have. I am honored to share what I am learning with others. Our healthcare system is not set up for prevention. And there is much misinformation about what constitutes optimal health. If you are also interested in prevention...from colds to cancer or heart disease, give me a call. Good luck and I hope to talk with you soon. D. ###-###-####
R. ~
I'm an OB nurse, and we often tell patients that they can take sudafed for sinus problems. It's over-the-counter, but you have to sign for it at the pharmacy counter...get the generic, it's cheaper. Double-check with your OB that it's ok at your gestation, but I'm pretty sure it is.
The other writer is right in suggesting lots of water.
Also, have you thought about seeing a chiropractor? Maybe you're out of alignment. Or perhaps some accupressure would help.
good luck!
D.
Confirm with your doctor first but Benedryl should be just fine to take while pregnant. I took it while pregnant and while nursing when needed for sinus drainage and allergy issues.
Hope this hleps - S.
I was able to take some of my allergy meds during pregnancy......I think I was on Zyrtec at the time but NasalCort was not allowed.....check with an allergist and see if you can get some comfort.
Hi R.,
I've always had sinus issues, and they were terrible when I was pregnant with my daughter. It wasn't until she was almost 4 that my doctor told me about the Neti Pot. This thing is amazing! The first winter that I use it, I did not have ONE sinus infection! The following spring, summer and fall, I was able to stop taking my allergy meds. This is with being severely allergic to dogs and cats, and I have 2 of each of them. I sleep better, and have even had life long ear issues clear up due to the use of this Neti Pot.
You can pick one up at CVS for about $10.00.
Good Luck!
I had a similar problem with my last pregnancy. sudafed and antibiotics did not work, so I was allowed to take claritin D and tylenol. Check with your OB first, though!
Hi R.. I had the same problem in the 1st/2nd trimester. I was actually going to have surgery on my sinuses prior to getting pregnant, but the baby decided to trump the surgery. I could not breath through my nose, eating was difficult, and the drainage was terrible. The one thing that actually worked was Zyrtec. My OB gave me the clearance to use it once I hit the 2nd trimester. Within a couple weeks I was able to breath better. Zyrtec never worked when I wasn't pregnant so I was surprised.
I also did a sinus rinse 3 times a day that helped with clearing out the mucus from my sinuses that I couldn't get out otherwise.
Good luck!
Go online and type in Nature's Sunshine. You should be able to find a distributor in your area. What you want is HistaBlock.
I would also get hold of some colloidal silver spray. Either at Whole Foods, Better Health, or online at Homecure.com. The latter has a wide variety of naturopathic remedies. And one that I really like is the throat lozenges, the SilvaSolution throat lozenges. But silver colloidal helps with sore throats, and I believe they also have a nasal spray product in that line.
I would definitely consult with your OB. I had this problem with my first pregnancy and now again with this one (I'm 11 weeks). My wonderful Doc told me about Tylenol SEVERE Allergy and Tylenol SEVERE Congestion. They are the best of the products that are approved during pregnancy. Your doc may know of something even better for you; but these brought me much relief during a miserable time! Hope this helps
It's really important to make sure you're drinking a lot of water. It will help thin the mucus out and make you more comfortable.
One of the best non-medicine things that you can do is to do a sinus rinse every day. They sell either the Neti pot or just a large squirt bottle at most pharmacies. You use a saltwater rinse to clear out your sinus cavities.I have heard of a lot of success with this system. This is better than taking all the meds anyway even if you weren't pregnant. My husband has had a lot of problems with impacted sinuses and such, they found his problem was narrowed sinuses. You might want to ask them about this.Hope you feel better!!
This is really not answering your question, but I have severe sinus problems too and have had them all my life. I used to get several sinus infections a year with at least one of them turning into bronchitis. Until I discovered Sinu-cleanse. It's a neti pot that you mix a saline mix in and use to rinse out your sinuses. It's a little unpleasant at first (kind of like you got water up your nose while swimming) but after a few times, it's no big deal. Now, when I feel even a hint of my sinuses starting to act up, I go do the sinu-cleanse. I have been sinus infection free for over 2 years now. (And, no, I don't work for the company. I actually heard about it on Oprah. She's a fan too.-Although, they should pay me to be there spokesperson!)
L.
What if I told you that I know of a natural solution that could make a huge benefit? Would you want to know more? I don't think it would be an issue for the baby either, but I could check if you want me to. I have struggled with sinus problems for years and it seams to be helping me.
S.
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Hello R.,
Congrats on your pregnancy. Here is something you can try:
1. stop milk products for a few days and see how that makes a difference
2. twice a day - spray your nose with saline solution (just plain saline solution, not a decongestant one)
3. get peppermint oil and put 5 drops on a tissue and put it next to your bed at night (on a small glass plate so it doesn't ruin any furniture)
4. get a neti pot and use it daily
5. have you ever been to a chiropractor?
do you know if you have any allergies? for example I'm allergic to ragweeds and that sends my sinuses into a spin!
Good luck and I hope you feel better soon! ~Carmen~
have you tried a chiropractor? i know they can help a lot with allergies and things like that. i love mine (for neck/back problems) it has made this pregnancy so much more bearable! anyhow, it wouldn't hurt to call and see if they can help.....and it's much less invasive (physically & financially) than possible surgery or other medical procedures.
hope you feel better soon!
Chiropractic care can definitely help with sinus trouble! When the top vertebre in your neck is out it can cause problems with the tub that drains your ears and sinuses. It can also interfere with the nerves that go to the sinuses and prevent them from functioning properly. A chiropractor can also recommend several NATURAL approaches along with adjustments to dealing with sinus issues instead of drugs or surgery!
