Pregnant with Allergies - Taylor,TX

I took Tavist (not Tavist-D) when I was pregnant. It wasn't the greatest, but it did help alleviate some symptoms.

Good luck!

I used a nasal steroid, Zyrtek, and saline nasal sprays. I read just the other day that the nasal steroids are safe b/c they are localized-saved me.

Do hope you find what works for you~blessings

My ent authorized Zyrtec for me once I was out of the first trimester. This was when it was still prescription not OTC. He said I just couldn't take the decongestant version.

I liked it because it was one a day and I also hate all the sprays and the neti pot (even though they do work) so I don't use them consistently. Also, Benadryl doesn't touch my allergies and I actually perk up on it, so that wasn't a good option for me.

I've been working with a naturopath for other issues and allergies is one that has come up. It is amazing how quickly the issue was cleared for me! You may want to check it out- totally non-invasive, no drugs to take, and I could breathe better within SECONDS!

Hey there, I was also preggers with allergies and I had asked my doc if it was okay to take zyrtec and he said yes. Try asking your doc when you get a chance, benadryl always made me sleepy too (lol) good luck!

You can take Claratin. (get the off brand, it is way cheaper. Loratadine?) I took it with both of my girls and it did not make me drowsy at all.

I second the suggestion for saline nose drops/spray! I have severe allergies and chronic sinusitis, and using the saline spray daily (which has no medication) really helps keep my sinuses clear. You may want to ask your OB about Zyrtec or Claritan or another 24 hour allergy medicine, but if they don't reccomend it you may just have to suffer through it.

Get a cool mist vaporizor. For wheezing sit in a steamy bathroom with the hot shower, or breath over some steaming water. This can help ease the tightness and clear some chest congestion and I know it helps for sudden asthma attacks.

I hope you find something that works for you, I know how it is to suffer through it. I have a monster cold but I'm allergic to sudafed and anything with pseudofedrine...which is everything lol! So I can relate!

Hang in there!

Taking over the counter things can be tricky or anythingfor that matter when your carrying a bundle of joy. I would change my cleaners as well and Laundry detergent I use Shaklee products they are really great my son seems to cough & sneeze a lot at night that is what triggered me to make a change and since I made the change I very rarely hear it anymore unless it's the flu season ( every blue moon) I would also try this product called nutiferon by shaklee as well it ia a natural immune booster but check with your doctor I'm not one of those :o) I liked these products a lot for more info go to www.shaklee.net/healthydesire GOOD LUCK

Shonda

I had this same problem during my second pregnancy. My doc recommended cleansing my nasal passages and suggested a neti pot. I tried that to no avail - kept drowning myself. The instructions make it look super easy, but I apparently wasn't doing something right and I just couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. So then I moved on to plan B - cleansing with saline solution. Just squirt a few squirts up each nostril and then blow your nose. I found this really helped.

Have you tried a neti pot? They have them at walgreens. It essentially washes saline water through your sinuses and helps you clear them. It sounds uncomfortable & gross, but you get used to it. It helped me alot when I was pregnant. Now I am nursing and still using it for my allergies so I don't have to take any meds.

Are you in Austin? Dr. Tom Smith is the best as far as allergies are concerned.

When I was pregnant and suffering from allergies they let me take sudafed. I don't know what prescriptions they would give you.

I have horrible allergies anyway, but they were much worse during my pregnancy. My ob had said that Benydryl or original Sudafed were safe to take. Benydryl knocks me out and puts me in a haze. So I took Sudafed, it's non-drowsy. It didn't totally stop the allergy problems, but it quelled them enough that I could manage.

You might try a saline mist spray, not an allergy medicine spray, just the saline. It won't hurt anything, it's just salt water. It is suppose to help dry up your runny nose. I have used it in the past with some success.

Ask your physician about nasal irrigation. I had horrible allergies during both of my pregnancies and this worked for me. I didn't love doing it but it was worth it. My doctor recommended a Water Pik with a nasal irrigation attachment that my allergist special ordered.

My husband just uses a Neti Pot that he got at Whole Foods, and I've since learned about a product from any drug store called Sinus Rinse.

The idea is that you wash irritants out of your nose and then you have fewer allergy problems.

I suffer from cedar fever and to combat my allergies, I use a number of things. Firstly, I use a nasal irrigator and make my own solution out of 1/4 tsp of kosher salt and 1/4 tsp of baking soda and flush out my nasal passages regularly.

I also take local raw honey as well as a sublingual solution made by Progena (Zone 5) that I found at Whole Foods. I'm not pregnant, but I am still breasfeeding and have found that all of these are safe to take.

Get a netti pot (available at any drug store or Whole Foods) and salt without iodine. The iodine will burn your nose. Use morning and night with warm water. My allergist gave me permission to use Mucinex and Allegra along with Rhinocordt while I was trying to get pregnant and throughout my pregnancy, but before I ever took a preganancy test I knew I was pregnant because my nose stopped up. The netti pot made it possible to breathe and helped keep me very healthy throughout my pregnancy. And when I told my allergist I was using one, his response was, "Netti pots rock!" Good luck.

Have you tried eliminating dairy/wheat and processed foods. I had bad allergies and switched to a gluten free diet and my allergies have dissapeared! If cedar is really bad outside and I do get the sniffs, I use a homeopathic (all natural)nasal spray -works wonders.

I had sever allergies to so I unserstand. My doctor recommended Essentials by Usana and it has helped tremendously. It is also an outstanding prenatal as well. You can order it on their company website: www.healthrep.usana.com and become a preferred customer (cheaper that way). Noticed a big difference in three days, so hope it helps you! Good luck!

M.

If none of the preceding suggestions work, you may want to see an allergist. I can recommend Dr. Louise Bethea. She has offices in the Woodlands and Spring and her website is www.aaicc.medem.com. Good luck.

Magnesium is a good supplement to take for those things...so ask your doctor if that's ok for you to take the supplement...you can search the web on the benefits of magnesium.. I hope this helps..

I have heard that a lot of people are finding relieve by using local honey.

Hi L., If you want to go the medicine free route, get yourself a NeilMed sinus rinse system. Use it religiously 2x a day. It will help tremendously. It will wash all of the pollen out of your sinuses. They are only $10 at Target right now in the pharmacy dept. If you have itchy eyes, ask your doctor for a Patanol prescription. I think it's in the C category but my allergist and OB both said you use it in such small quantities that it most likely won't even make it to the baby. I know there are some allergy pills that are supposed to be safe if you need something more.

My midwife had me using Nasal Crom, because it doesn't enter the bloodstream and it helps without hurting the baby. Are you using an OB...if so you should probably stick with this type of doctor for any med suggestions (unless they send you back to the primary physician.) I hate sinus problems during pregnancy!

I know how that is. When I was pregnant I could take zyrtec and affrin. You can also use saline drops in your nose to help with the congestion.

I agree with some of the other posts about the netti pot. My husband uses it regularly & says that it helps quite a bit.

While I was pregnant, my doctor said it was ok for me to take my normal allergy medicine which is Chlorpheniramine (a generic of Chlor-trimeton)& Nasonex (a nasal spray). During cedar season I switched to Zyrtec instead of the Chlorpheniramine.

Chlorpheniramine is an over-the-counter med & you can find it on the shelves of any store for about $5-7 for a pack of 24. But I get mine from the HEB Pharmacy. They usually keep on hand a bottle of 100 for around $4.

I hope you get some relief!
S. S.

http://www.lifesvigor.com/96229.html

have you heard of this or something similar? it says if pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your dr. first. my mom has used something similar to this and said it works great

I hope they pass. I have horrible allergies and issues too but am dead set against taking anything unless I'm having a major allergic reaction to something I eat. Hope you feel better soon, I don't have any advice just wanted to offer some support

Hi L.,,
Have you thought about going to a Ear Nose Thoart specialist and have allergy test done ,,then they give you weekly shots they are safe ,Give it some thought ,,i took them with my pregnacy's all was great
Good luck L.

Our whole house has allergies, and with the cedar expected to spike in the next couple of weeks, you can bet we're all looking forward to it in a big way...

I'm preggo right now, too, and my doctor has okayed Benadryl (though I don't have the same sleepiness problem you do!), and Cepacol (benzocaine) spray for the raw throat that comes with sinus drainage. It's essentially a topical anasthetic for your throat. It wears off after about a half hour to an hour or so, but that is usually long enough for me to fall asleep w/out the discomfort of a sore throat.

Other things that have been greatly helpful: wash your hair every single day, if you don't already. Hair picks up a lot of allergens, and then you carry them around with you! Vacuum at least once/week. Check your ac/furnace filter - it should be changed every four weeks unless rated highter. But check it more than that - just because it's rated 4 weeks or 2 months or whatever doesn't mean it hasn't been a particularly bad season and the filter got gross faster than the manufacturer assumed it would.

BTW, there are several websites where you can check out the allergen count for the day. My husband finds it helpful. weatherchannel.com is one, but I think there are others, too.

Hope you get to feeling better.

I had the same problem at your age & pregnant, and the only thing that helped somewhat was "sudafed" I had never had allergies until I was pregnant with my second child. Oh, do I feel for you. Later after my daughter was born she grew to have allergies. I later tried everything that was out there besides treatment, and what it balls down to is that you have to investigate what it could be that triggers your allergies. You know your body better than anyone. I was told I was allergic to dust. Now how can you possibly get away from that? 20 years later I am allergie free! Prayer was a + for me. I had them the worst! I couldnt taste my foods, runny nose, snoring, I had a hard time breathing you name it I had it. Good Luck!

The suggestions on saline solution and a neti pot are good. They may help. When I was pregnant, my asthma got worse, and I had to take albuterol most days. The doctor explained that if I wasn't getting enough oxygen, it wasn't good for the baby either. Taking the inhaler was the lesser of the 2 evils.

Sorry to hear about your allergies. I went through this with 4th preg. Some natural things you can try include a "neti pot". You irrigate your sinuses with it. My husband used it and he says it definitely helps. You can get it at any drugstore. You can ask your dr if you can take local honey. Many holistic practitioners say a tsp of local honey (not just any honey, but that this is specifically from your area. The pollens are supposed to help build immunity. ). My son got an air purifier for his bedroom, and that helped a lot. They are pricey if you get a good one, but worth it to stop the misery. Good luck & God Bless!!

Hi L., I so empathise with you about the allergies. I have severe allergies to most all things outside...right now it's cedar, and also mold, dust, etc. I have been on injections at various times, have to take medication daily and then still have bad symptoms like burning, runny, itchy eyes, sneezing, swollen eyes and face, etc.
I have recently found a product that has gotten me off all medication and I have absolutely no symptoms anymore. It's juice...19 fruits, the main one being the ACAI Berry from the Amazon. It is so good for your overall health. God intended us to consume fruits and vegetables daily and most of us don't or don't consume enough. It is delicious and you drink 1 to 2 ounces twice a day. There is nothing foreign or chemical in it so it can't harm you or interfere with other medications.
You can look at the website: monavie.com
If you are interested in more information, please let me know, and congratulations on the upcoming addition to your family.
Sincerely, L.

They have a nasal allergy blocker for children now. It is with the children's medication and supposed to be a substitute for the meds that doctors don't want children to take anymore. This might help without introducing anything into your system.
I have always used eucalyptus oil. It is pure and all natural; I would still ask a doctor to be certain though. You can spray it on a cloth and then inhale the cloth, so you are only breathing in natural oils.

When I was pregnant with both mine I took Zyrtec (you can use the generic brand). My doc told me in 2001, the first time I was pregnant, that in the body Zyrtec breaks down into one of the meds they give you for morning sickness. You may still have problems, so use your albuterol inhaler! I would use it before I would use anything else because we know it is safe.

Good luck and congratulations!

Hi! I am sorry you have allergy issues right now. I know how you feel with not wanting to take stuff, but you have to take care of YOU too and your other daughter. I have horrible allergy and sinus problems where I live and when I was pregnant my docter said i could keep taking my Zyrtec and Singular. The Zyrtec works so good for me and of cousre now that I am breastfeeding, it is not safe to take! Maybe ask your docter about it. Also! It made me really sleepy, so I took it at night (it works 24 hours). Good luck and I hope you feel better!

At night try vicks on your the tip of you nose (it will sting for a second because your nose is raw) and then a heating pad on low over your face or a warm wash cloth.

I got really sick with a head cold my 5 month of pregnancy and this helped me rest better at night.

I feel you pain ;)

I have allergies and they have been really bad lately, too.

Buy a HEPA air purifier and put one in your bedroom and living room. You will notice a HUGE difference within a few hours.

Don't open your windows - that let's all the pollen in.

Try sleeping with a humidifier - if you have really bad mold allergies than that may not be a good idea (I am moderately allergic to mold) but it makes a huge difference with my allergies/asthma whenever it gets bad in the winter. Especially when the heat is on.

HTH

When I was pregnant both times my doctor gave me Allegra-D. I never had one problem. I also agree with the Claritin off brand (Walmart). It works the same. I remember being pregnant with allergies and it was bad till I started taking the Allegra. Good Luck!

I feel your pain. I have severe allergies and asthma and when not pregnant take up to 4 medications to combat them. Thankfully, Zyrtec works for asthma and allergies and is safe to take pregnant per my OBGYN. I took it the whole time I was pregnant with my last one who is now 7 months old. It works for asthma and allergies and depending on what you need it for you either take it in the morning (allergies) or at night (asthma)

I would try a more natural attempt. I too suffer with allergies/cedar fever & have found great relief without drugs. You see your body can & will fight off allergies if it's better equipped too. What I mean is, if you boost your body's immune sytstem, it will work for you. This is what happened in my case. I started getting regular chiropractic adjustments for sciata in lower back area years ago......well over a few months I noticed my allergies were less, i was taking less & less of my medicine. By adjusting my body(spine) I strengthen my overall bodies nervous system & immune system. My body evenutally was able to fight the allergies & living in Austin in January it can be quite the task with our lovely Cedar fever in bloom. Anyway, a lot of people don't stop & consider this option. Just an idea, hope your feeling better soon!

Hi L., I am a mother of three, 11, 6 and 3 and had horrible allergies and asthma with all three of them. My family Dr and OB told me that the Zyrtec, Singular and Albuterol that I was taking while pregnant with my last two were all safe while I was pregnant. I continued to take them and my children are just fine. The key is to find some good maintenance drugs that work good for you and will keep the allergies and asthma controlled during your current pregnancy and then after which should be safe for nursing. Be careful - Before I was officially diagnosed with allergy induced asthma I was taking primatene mist and ended up in the hospital with uncontrollable asthma. This was when they finally put me on the maintenance drugs which have finally been able to control my allergies and asthma. Good Luck!!!

Ask your doctor about Claritin D. I took with all 3 pregnanacies.

I know this sounds silly, but switch your sweetener to "local honey". . . it won't necessarily help right this minute, but will ease future symptoms by getting your body use to the local pollens . . .

I don't like weet things, but my fiance swears by it and rarley does he have allergy attacks even though we live in the "cedar fever capital" .

Good luck and use tissue with lotion, it helps the nose.

Hi,
Many have already suggested the "neti pot" I would go that route. Have you ever read the ingredients of benadryl? As for allergies, you have to find your source. What makes you sneeze? What types of foods have you eaten when you have flare ups? Your body naturally wants to get toxins out and sneezing and nasal drip are good ways. You may even want to rethink your cleaning products. There is a book called "Is My House Killing ME" about toxins in the house. For instance bleach, aerosols and perfumes are very harsh on the nasal membranes. I like to use Melaleuca products...Whole Foods has some good alternative cleaning products, by 7th generation, borax, baking soda. Another thing to do is make sure you are eating a whole food diet as organic as possible (lessen your pesticide and chemical intake). I used to have asthma, and was able to get rid of my inhaler. I hope this helps. C

www.mybiopro.com/claudia13 (learn how to protect your family from cell phone radiation). Please keep your cell away from your belly and 3 yr old.

Foods are often triggers to allergies and asthma. Consider taking a serious look at your diet. Try eliminating as many processed foods as possible (food that are in a can or in a box). Eliminate dairy (makes you form more mucus). Eliminate refined sugar as much as possible (sugar is a chemical and attacks your immune system). Eat whole grains (not just whole wheat) bread. Avoid bleached flour. Try this for a couple of weeks and see if your symptoms improve. Good Luck!

I suggest that you get a neti pot. They have them at Walmart, Walgreens, HEB, any store that carries medicines. You simply put water into a pot or bottle and rinse out your nose. You will get instant results. The cost for one is $10-15. It may seem pricey but you will get 30-50 saline packets. So it will last you awhile. You can rinse 2-3 times a day. It's safe and will give you instant results! Hope this helps!

J.