Coughing - is there anything I can take?

[HelgatheHairy]

I've had a bad cough for the last week now. It's especially bad at night/when I lie down. Is there anything I can take to get rid of it. Sleep deprivation is supposed to start after the baby, not before!

[12ylnon]

Glycerin perhaps?

[Seeline]

I had whooping cough when pregnant and the GP recommended 'simple linctus' (That's what it is called, not a basic cough mix which is what I thought he meant - luckily the pharmicist set me straight ). He recommended it in warm black tea and a spoonful of honey - that was fairly vile, but the linctus on its own was OK.
Otherwise plain honey and lemon?

[Ilovewaleswhenitrains]

I was told by my doctor yesterday that hot squash helps if you have a cough.

[rrreow]

I've been taking my toddler's cough mixture which is just glycerol/glycerin. Can't say it's been overly effective though!

[rainand]

I took Vicks honey syrup, the pharmacist said it was fine in pregnancy.

My cough got really bad and I was prescribed an asthma pump too but I didn't take it. I've still got the cough but not as bad as before.

[glossyflower]

IMO simple linctus is as good as useless. The main ingredient is sugar and doesn't do anything to suppress a cough.
Codeine is the best cough suppressant as it works on the nerve signals in the brain but codeine is not advised in pregnancy at all.
Your best bet is hot water with fresh lemon and honey and try to prop up with pillows so you are not flat in bed.
Also could try steam therapy, inhale a bowl of hot water to try and loosen anything in your lungs.
All the best xxx

[Msbluesky32]

Glycerin pastilles - my DP bought them in boots. They did help supress the urge to cough. After my cough shifted he ate the rest of the packet!

[NewYearNewBoo]

Rub Vicks on the soles of your feet, put socks on, sleep!! Sounds random but it really does work.

[InPraiseofOldHouses]

Have you spoken to GP? They'll be able to say what the best thing to take is. I had a horrible cough two weeks ago which triggered my asthma. Rang GP who said I could take beconase spray in 3rd trimester and gave me steroids to help me breath. The cough went completely in a few days. I was 36 weeks at the time and GP said it was best to get my lungs in good shape for labour. Good luck!

[HelgatheHairy]

Sorry, forgot I posted here! I have been trying to sleep propped up but the coughing is much worse at night. Haven't spoken to the GP, I'm only 13 weeks so no worry bout labour. My lungs seem fine, it's more a tickly throaty cough.

[FoofFighter]

Codeine is safe in pregnancy actually. Obviously talk to the chemist/GP firs tthough.

[bonzo77]

Speak to GP. I had this and it was asthma. Inhalers helped and it went totally the moment baby was born. Apparently chronic cough in pregnancy increases the risk of long term incontinence. You have been warned!

[r3dsquirrel]

A (surprisingly reputable) study a few years ago compared lots of different cough suppressants. Dark chocolate actually came out top (30% more effective than codeine).

[FannyPriceless]

I gargled port. Don't laugh - it worked briefly.