Getting Pregnant & Allergy Medication ...

Some chiropractors help with allergies--to where you don't have to take medication. Dr. Leedle in Hartland is one. I have a neighbor who has severe seasonal allergies and for years she had to have a shot every month. Now she only has to get one shot around Labor Day. I also know a few other people that have done this and been very happy.

Hi T.---I applaud your desire to refrain from consuming drugs while pregnant. In fact, it would be such a good thing if we didn't have to rely on RX drugs as much as we do these days.

I'm sure you are aware that allergies are a result of your immune system being overly sensitive to things that it doesn't need to be. About 5 years ago, I began a lifestyle change which uses food to get at the cause of a problem (overactive immune system) instead of just treating the symptoms of a problem. I found out about a wonderful whole food supplement, 17 fruits, veggies and grains in capsule form, that has peer-reviewed,independent research showing that it balances the immune system. Yes, fruits and vegetables can balance the immune system (and even repair and protect the DNA) and, depending on what your bady needs from extra fruits and veggies, can reduce or eliminate your allergy problems. It did for my daughter. She would have ear infections every winter, even in college. Not anymore. Besides helping your allergies, can you imagine how beneficial consuming extra fruits and veggies would be for your baby?

If you are interested in knowing more about this whole food supplement, please contact me. I am a wellness educator and I facilitate in-home workshops helping people to understand the importance of eating 9 to 13 servings of fruits and veggies every day for optimal health. I offer shopping tips, recipes and help with label reading at these events. I do these at no charge to you and your friends.

Let me know how I can help. My mission is to help everyone who wants to become healthier do so through good nutrition. I look forward to talking to you. In health, D. ###-###-####
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Allergies can be "cleared" in a natural way. Go to www.ahccenter.com and read the information about this practice. Dr. Jantz and his group believes in healing through proper nutrition by eating right and supplementing with whole food supplements. They get to the cause rather than just treating the sypmtoms. There are testimonials on the website from patients who have had incredible results. They also have a free monthly seminar that explains what they do and how they do it. It's worth a shot! They are in Grosse Pointe, about 35 minutes from Rochester. Well worth the trip!

I know you don't want to take any meds, but I took Zyrtec while I was pregnant and my babies are fine. My OB recommended Zyrtec for me at the time over Allegra. So, just take it so you can survive! Also, if you have air conditioning, make sure you get the allergen filter for your furnace and don't turn off your air conditioning until the outside allergens are over with--until it frosts....

Hello T.,

How would you like to learn about a company and it's products who have helped many of my friends? You'd love to talk to my friend Patrice and hear her experience personally!It's simple, safe and works! As a matter of fact, I took them through two pregnancies and nursing and still do with great results!!
Gotta go , my toddler is crying.
Call me at ###-###-#### with the best time to reach you!
Blessings, C.

All I can tell you is to use saline spray...you can use it many times a day to flush out your sinuses. Make sure its ONLY saline. Other than that, I would be very wary of trying 'natural' supplements since they aren't widely regulated and there is no guarantee that you are getting too much or too little of the desired ingredient. Pharmaceuticals, however, have been thoroughly tested and come with a pregnancy rating; A,B,C,D or X. Almost nothing is an A, few things are a B, and most things are a C, meaning that you have to weight the risk/benefit ratio...that's hard to do where allergies are concerned because it is only a matter of discomfort for you, not a life threatening illness that you MUST medicate for. However, as you said, you NEED to feel well. But also remember something a doctor told me...just because you don't take any medications doesn't mean that you are guaranteed nothing will go wrong with your baby. I don't mean to be pessimistic, but on the other side of that, just because you do choose a much needed medication doesn't mean that something will go wrong, either. Only you can decide.

~L.

Hi my mane is C. and my advise is do not take medicine with side effect, take the natural way, I help a lot of people with this product.
Go on www.marketamerica.com/moraru and click on the OPC 3 it is antihistaminic and allergy, I even give to my 5 years old this when she star sneezing and work amizing and olso good for kids is Might-a-minds vitamin natural the best way to stay healthy.

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I recommend you to read about OPC 3. Click on it and then click on the "i" - from information. You will get a lot of information from it (the Uniqueness - it is 20 times stronger than vit. C and 50 times stronger then vit E, etc. Also, the fact that it is ISOTONIC it will determine the suppliment to be absorbed almost 100% (95 to 100%), and 15-20 in just minutes it can be founded in the whole blood stream.

The isotonicity eliminates the necessity of digestion, so all our isotonic supplements can be absorbed by anyone, even by those patients who got their stomach stapled (bariatric hospital); that is why we work with the Bariatric Hospital in Detroit and in New York.

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I'm right there with you about medications during pregnancy. It's one of those things where it will most likely be fine but I'd just rather not chance it if I can help it. Try using the Neti Pot to relieve your sinuses. I haven't used one yet but I've heard nothing but wonderful things about them (I really want to try one but just keep forgetting to put it on my "to do" list to buy one!). It's this little pot that you use to irrigate your sinuses with salt water. It's an ancient Indian technique that is now gaining popularity in Europe and the US. Here is a link from Oprah's website about the practice:
http://www.oprah.com/health/oz/oz_20070426_350_106.jhtml

T.,

I totally understand, I was so very careful of what I took while pregnant and nursing.
My husband and I just started going to a naturopath a couple of months ago and he is helping us with some different things but my husband is getting some help for his allergies. I really really like the idea of a naturopath because everything is natural, no drugs and as he is not a miracle worker it seems as though he can help anybody out of anything including cancer (depending one what stage) diabetes, M.S, and many other less severe things.
His name is Dale Tamminga and he is just wonderful, such a kind person. Every appointment as been about 2 hours long and I say that not because it takes that long but I am such a curious person I ask a million and one questions because I love Naturopathy and want to know as much as I can, the appointment would probably only take an hour if I didn't ask any questions.
But he is so different from what you run into at a regular doctors office where they say, oh you have allergies take this drug and you are out of the office in 5 minutes. Dale really listens to you and he does different (non invasive) tests on you to figure different things out about you and what you are dealing with. You leave your clothes on you don't have to get in a gown or anything, I just wanted to make that clear since I said he does some tests.
I would highly highly recommend him. I do not know where you live so it may not be possible but we drivev about 40 minutes one way to go to him.
His practice is called "Healthy For Life" and it is located in Cascade, MI. You can look him up online just google his name and the name of the practice and it will come up.

I don't know if you ever go to Harvest health foods but he does seminars there once a month in Hudsonville and Cascade, so he's not a wacky middle eastern religion type guy he is a grounded Christian which I think is a rare find in this field expertise.

Oh and he actually helps your body cure what is wrong as opposed to just masking the symptoms like drugs usually do. You don't say oh I have chronic leg pain I will take some pain killers the rest of my life so I don't feel it, you figure out the root problem and go from there and the symptoms will eventually clear up as you take care of the problem properly.

Sorry for the long promotion, but that is how much he has helped us and how much we like him, he's great, give him a try!

B.

Good for you for trying to stay away from harmful drugs. I am a Nutritional Consultant, and I use Shaklee products to help people with using natural products instead of synthetic antibiotics/medications etc. If you would like more info., please email me at ____@____.com, or visit my website at www.shaklee.net/avwellness.

Thanks,
A.

i also love my neti pot. i've had chronic allergies since birth and got a neti pot right after i had my daughter 1 1/2 years ago. i can't rave enough about it. i haven't had any nasal allergies since. i use it twice daily during times when pollen counts are high or if its windy and i can't even believe the difference!! no more meds for me!! its awesome!! it takes some getting used to at first, the feeling is kind of uncomfortable until you figure out the right temp of the water and the angle you need to tilt your head, but if you stick it out you won't regret it! good luck and congrats on the baby!

I would recommend going to a good allergist. I love mine--Dr. Savliwala in Bloomfield Hills. It is completely safe (in fact, recommended) to take allergy shots before, during, and after pregnancy if you have severe allergies. Before you start trying, you may want to take shots for a few months. They will keep the formula at the same amounts once you get pregnant--they will not increase it. I found a great deal of relief with this, and I did not take any of my prescription allergy medications during pregnancy (or even now, during breastfeeding). Also, I found that my allergies were significantly BETTER during my pregnancy, as can often happen naturally. Good luck!

An NAET practitionner could help you get rid of your allergies. A friend of mine did it and was amazed, she could wake up and actually breathe normally in the morning which never happened before.
It's a great and easy way to treat your allergies (no shots, no drugs) ! Learn more at www.naet.com

when i was preg with me youngest i also got a yeast infection and sinus infection ...didnt use Rx foor yeast infection...yogurt works great...and dr said with allergies and sinuses try to use only the spray meds...they dont go into the bloodstream

If I remember correctly, six years ago Zyrtec was one that could be taken during pregnancy. Not sure about the -D component though. That may be the part that makes it too risky because Sudafed, which is the decongestant, is a no no.

Check with your allergist - they'll tell you for sure. I tried the saline and also irrigating my passages (always a fun endeavor - YUCK!) and I was a tiny bit more comfortable.

Rhinocort, NasalCort and all those other -Corts are steroids which are discouraged during pregnancy. If you can wean off that (because if you've been sniffing that for awhile, you're dependent) and maybe substitute the saline spray for one dose you'll get cleared out and maybe not need the meds so much.

Hi T.

Try a neti pot. They can be purchased at Walmart, etc in the pharmacy area. You use a warm saline based solution (comes with the pot) to deep rinse the sinus cavitites. The practice is as common in the daily routine as brushing teeth in many countries. I recently starting using one and I LOVE it!!!
You can Google it for more info and videos.

Good luck!
P.

Hi there!
I also have allergies and I took my singulair and rhinocort every day while trying to get pregnant. Terrible headaches happen if I don't! Once I was pregnant I couldn't take the rhinocort as often because it made me gag and all that good stuff that happens once your body starts changing! Hope this helps your decision! Good Luck!!

I had to take these drugs and singular. All of which I stayed on throughout two healthy pregnancies. The second time was with twins. The pills I took daily and the rhinocort sparingly. Good Luck!

Bioallers and NatroBio both make a really great homeopathic allergy remedy. You can find them at health food stores, Whole Foods, etc. In order for homeopathic remedies to pose any danger to you or your baby, you would have to take the mother tincture (the tincture from which the remedies are taken and then exponentially diluted.) If you get any remedy greater than a 1X or 2X potency, there is virtually zero risk. You would have to HEAVILY overdose for there to be any noticeable exaggeration of symptoms - There wouldn't be any side effects because the remedies are comprised of a mineral/plant/animal that during normal exposure would trigger the same symptoms you are attempting to treat (that's why it's called homeopathy; you are treating like with like.) I've been using homeopathy for a few years now and I used it when I was pregnant with my 2 y.o. and the entire time he has been breastfeeding. No problems of any kind. Good Luck on your quest! Oh yea, definitely try the Neti Pot. You will be so happy you did! J.

Hi,

I used to have the same problem with breathing,my nose is always conjusted and i was on Zur-tec and rhinocort before i was pregnant ,I was pregnant with twins and i stopped using the medications i used,but still had problems in breating when i contacted my physician he asked me to take Sudafed,,,And they doesn't help much but humidifier in the room did helped a bit...
Magically after delivery i don't have that problem at all...all the allergies are gone my pregancy did took care of it..hopefully you will see the same..But i would suggest you contacting your Physician before you plan for a pregnacy.
A Little about me:
I'm 27 years old and having 1 boy 6 years and twin boys just turned one year!! and Wonderful husband.

All the best to you...

Hi T.!

My husband used to take allergy meds daily. I had seasonal allergies and could take sudafed but that didn't touch his. We changed the products in our home... we are now a non toxic house! We no longer take allergy meds!

L.

T.,
There are herbal things available. Nature's Sunshine brand manufactures Hista Block. I've used it for years. I don't have major allergies, but when I feel that allergy/sinus thing starting up, I use it.

And the thing with herbals is that you don't have to worry about how ingredients will affect you. Side effects. As they're natural, it eliminates the overdosing worry.

If you'd like the number of someone who's a Nature's Sunshine distributor and you can talk to about your concerns, let me know.

I had my third almost seven months ago. I was told I could take Claritin NO D and Nasonex. I have spring/fall allergies and am miserable without meds. I did both and had a healthy baby boy. I would suggest consulting an allergist before you get pregnant if you don't want to be taking any meds.

AFRIN is a lifesaver. the pump mist is the easiest way to use it. You are clear...instantly, without waiting days with several doses of medication. and it lasts a full 12 hours.

Dear T.,

I know a few people that swear by nasal lavage (a neti cup). They tell me that it is a little gross to start with, but once you get the hang of it, it makes a huge difference in how they feel. I assume that your allergies show nasal symptoms, due to the rhinocort. Since you said that you feel like you are suffocating, if you are talking about asthma, that is a different story, and you need to work closely with your doctor on your medications. I hope you try the neti cup and if you do, let us know how it works.

Zyrtec is the only one you can take while pregnant so far that I know of. Unfortunately it does nothing for me so I am not looking forward to being 7-9 months pregnant and not being able to breathe. Mine hit august through mid to late October so I will keep up with this thread to see what answers you get.

I also have severe allergies, I was told by my allergist to take zyrtec and regular sudafed. As far as the nasal spray I cannot remember. I have a beautiful 4 1/2 year old daughter to prove that it was ok.

I'd be hesitant to assume that herbal or homeopathic options are safe in pregnancy. I do rely on many herbals and homeopathic remedies when not pregnant or breastfeeding, but am much more cautious when pregnant (or breastfeeding).

I have severe seasonal allergies which have resulted in chronic sinuitus (and a few sinus surgeries). I'm pregnant right now, and Murphy's Law, my allergies are here full force. I've found that I can cope by taking 1/2 of a unisom at bedtime. Unisom is frequently used as an anti-naseua remedy during pregnancy, but it is in fact an antihistimine. It's also a class A medication during pregnancy. Like you, I would much prefer to not take anything, but it got to the point where I had to do "something" (my face was quite swollen).

Antioxidents are natural antihystamines. I take a very powerful one that may help you! Let me know if you want info!

S.
____@____.com

I was on Zytrec prior to getting pregnant, and everything is fine with my dd. My family dr suggested switching to Claritin when I was pregnant, so I did. My ob said Zyrtec was fine to take. The D in Zyrtec D is sudaphed which is also fine to take if you are pregnant. I took both while pregnant and have a wonderfully happy and healthy 15 month old.

Dont try to suffer ask your doctor