Ok mamasource moms, I am going nuts. I am only 5 weeks pregnant, and the last 7-8 weeks my allergies have been horrible - sneezing, itchy eyes and throat, nose congestion, and sore throat. Usually I get a milder reaction in spring for just a few weeks, but this is much worse. Oh, and it even happens at night and I can't sleep - yes it is 2am as a write this. Right before I became pregnant I talked to my family physician about what medicine I could take since Claritin didn't seem to be working. She said that Zyrtec was a "B" rated drug (active ingredient: cetirizine) for pregnancy and relatively safe. I have taken it a couple of times and it does seem to work (although it makes me very sleepy even if I take it the night before). BUT, I am really concerned about taking it while pregnant, even though she said it was OK. Has any one taken zyrtec while pregnant? I am not against medicine, I just get nervous. Has anyone done anything else that has worked? I am even thinking of acupuncture, which I have only done once before to see if that will help, except I am not sure if I can get work off for all the appointments.
I have alergies as well. When I was preganat I went off of Rhnocort because my OB said to avoid everything I could. About 3 months into the pregancy I developed Asma from my alergies. I went back on Rhynocort, and started using an inhaler. My baby came out just fine. She is happy and smart.
I was nervous about taking meds. durring pregancy too, but the bottom line is you both need you to be able to breath too!
Have a good pregancy!
I used an eye drop anthistime. My doc said it was the safest to use during pregnancy. It stings the eyes for a couple of mins. but goes away quickly. I have used it for a while because it works so fast. Mine is Vascon-A, active ingredient Antazoline phophate and Naphazoline hydrocloride. It helps all the face reactions I have almost imeadatly
I have respiratory allergies as well - and when they hit they are miserable! I was given the same info about Zyrtec with my first pregnancy (I'm pregnant with my third) and have now used it as needed throughout all three pregnancies. At times where my allergies were severe I took Zyrtec daily. My first two kids were born happy, healthy, 8 1/2 lbs, past their due dates, etc. etc. They are bright active children at 3 and 21 months, and my current pregnancy (I'm 26 weeks) is going great with another healthy little guy.
I have tried lots of other remedies but honestly none works well for me. I remember reading about what "B" rated means, and being comfortable with it at the time I made the decision. I can't remember now, but I think it had something to do with the extent of testing that had been done, or how long the testing results had been around, or something like that. But there are definitely no known or even suspected dangers with a "B" rated drug.
So that is my experience! Make the decision that feels best to you... I understand where you are coming from, I had one miscarriage before my first healthy baby was born (early, and didn't take anything with that one) so have been ultra cautious with many of the things other people take lightly, from deli meats to gardening.
And congratulations on your new pregnancy - I wish you all the best!!
I too am pregnant so I can understand your concern. I am always nervous about taking any kind of medication at this point. If you check with your doctor and the pharmacist and they say it's ok to take while you are pregnant then you should be fine. Try steaming and a netty pot as well. I hear those pots work great. I know that wont help with the eyes and all but might help all the drainage.
W.
You could try a neti pot (healthfood stores and online). It is a natural cleaning process. It has been on Oprah http://www.oprah.com/health/oz/oz_20070426_350_105.jhtml, http://www.oprah.com/health/oz/oz_20070521_350_112.jhtml, http://www.oprah.com/health/oz/oz_20070426_350_106.jhtml or http://www.jalanetipot.com/ (this site is really good, it explains alot.) Its bad enough not being able to breath and then being pregnant without the option of meds. Hopes this helps. Good Luck!
Benadyrl (?spelling). I was told to take it even if colds and stuff ebcause it is the safest thing to take for any kind of ear nose eye and throat issue while prego. I am eight months prego and Have taken it whenever i get snifflie.try www.SafeFetus.com too it has helped me decide if a drug was wroth the risk of taking while prego. I think anything class B or A is ok I think for a long hard while about class C. Congrats on the new baby and good luck through the first few months!!
