Hayfever and pregnant - any great solutions?

[babyincubator]

Seems that hayfever season is kicking in which is a pain most years, but especially now that I'm pregnant (37 weeks) and can't take any drugs... just wondered if anyone had any tricks for easing runny noses when pregnant? xx

[BelleDeChocolateFluffyBunny]

Yes, a glass of elderflower cordial first thing in the morning. I rarely take anti histamines now, well, only when I get sick of the taste of elderflower and can't be bothered to drink it any more I may have to rethink this though.

[Amarilis]

You want to check this with your midwife... It is actually really common for women in their 3rd trimester to think they have hayfever when actually, they have an engorded/enlarged mucus membrane, causing symptoms identical to hayhever! My friend didn't believe me, but her midwife confirmed I was telling the truth!

If it is hayfever (which is unlikely in UK in April) then the best thing is honey from a local supplier - as the bees make it using local flowers to you, which kind of acts an an antedote to the hayfever - honest! Try it in hot water if you can't bear it on toast or yoghurt/fruit.

[Amarilis]

PS - there are now antihistimines that are perfectly safe for pregnant women..

[mollybob]

although googling might suggest otherwise the UK prescribing bible - the BNF suggests that there is no proven risk of taking chlorphenamine (piriton) in pregnancy although does suggest avoiding in first trimester so if nothing works and you're desperate that is an option - piriton is prescribed in pregnancy quite often for itching which can be another lively 3rd trimester thing

I am 34 weeks and have the nasal symptoms due to hormonal affects on nose/sinuses but have had this for months so that is a possibility

You could be starting with hay fever already if you usually get early hay fever - depends on which type of pollen you're affected by - the season for some starts as early as this and for others it's as late as September

[cakeywakey]

I suffer from hayfever at this time of year because I'm allergic to tree pollen - tend to be a bit better later in the season.

It's worth trying vaseline smeared inside both nostrils as this can stop the pollen getting too far. Sunglasses are helpful if you have itchy eyes, although you may be able to use eyedrops in extremis as they are local rather than general medication. Your GP may also prescribe you a nasal spray as well if you're really suffering.

I've also been told that this stuff is good www.haybalm.f2s.com/ Hope you feel better soon!

[Bert2e]

Inhaled beclamethasone! I had a long chat with my GP and we decided that the benefit outweighed the risk and as it is inhaled rather than oral the amount in the bloodstream would be minimal.

[Batteryhuman]

Anti histamines don't even touch my hayfever and my GP prescribed steroid nasal sprays and eye drops for the reasons given by Bert2e. Same applied when breastfeeding too.

[geraldinetheluckygoat]

you can take piriton, though check with doctor first

[dappymoo]

I was prescribed piriton, good luck

[bellabelly]

I was prescribed piriton by my consultant during my last pregnancy - not for hayfever but for an annoying rash I developed. Think I'd have been around 30 weeks.

[MumNWLondon]

you can take piriton but discuss with your doctor first.

[Brown73]

I was prescribed cetirizine, hasn't really helped though. My symptoms seem to be getting worse. Headaches from the stuffiness starting to last all day and lack of sleep leaving me feeling really exhausted all day.Been advised to try an air purifier... any advice??

[skihorse]

I've just come out the other side of tree pollen hayfever which I've not had in 20 years - cheers baby for the weakened immune system!

Anyway I did DIY lemsip with fresh lemon, local honey and paracetamol. I've also taken pregnancy safe antihystamine as prescribed by my doctor.

[moonstorm]

Local honey and lots of onions and onion type veg really helped me!!

[Babieseverywhere]

I am using this thingy works for me. Used it for the past three years whilst I have been pregnant, breastfeeding or both

HTH

[MrsC2010]

I checked with my doctor early on and she said that Piroten was fine. I've had my first today as hayfever is horrendous at the mo and am trying to get work done. I won't take one every day, only in dire emergencies. Everything I have heard says that it is fine to take them, docs even prescribe them.

I am going to buy some of the balm that goes under your nose for every day use if this continues though.

[sanfair]

A fairly unpleasant way is to snort warm salt water through one nostril then the other. It works though.
It can do wonders if you're at that point where your head feels like it's filled with concrete.