Hayfever treatment in pregnancy?

[Springforward]

Hayfever season's here, sadly. My eyes aren't too bad as I've worn sunglasses outside all weekend but my nose is monstrously stuffy. Has anyone ever had sensible advice from a pharmacist while very obviously pregnant, or am I going to have to make a GP appointment, do you think?

[GettingObsessive]

I had a phone appointment with my GP, which backed up the NHS advice here

My GP basically said that the drug companies have done no studies but that there are no ill effects reported from taking havfever tablets (Loratadine, Certirizine) but that he wouldn't advise taking nasal steroids (Beconase AKA beclamethosone).

So I have been taking Loratadine and its helping. It's miserable, isn't it. Mine comes in the spring and again in the late summer, which is just whn I will be really fat and pregnant!

[Springforward]

Right, I'm definitely booking an appointment - sounds likely that GP will prescribe something so I don't have to have the embarrassment of being refused service in a pharmacy again (last week, ranitidine...).

In my first pregnancy I got by on local cold-filtered honey (or maybe I just had a light season I guess) but I forgot to start eating it before it all kicked off.

[Taffeta]

During both my pregnancies I lived on Extra Strong Mints. They were awesome, totally sorted my nose and throat.

[MousyMouse]

low dose steroid sprays are usually ok and very effective.
ok are many anti histamines as well.
if you have a visible bump be prepared to be refused over-the -counter meds by the pharmacist.
don't get fobbed off by the gp.

[MissLurkalot]

I've been suffering since Friday! But thank god I'm 36 weeks now, so not much longer. But, I suppose breast feeding will be a no no too, medication wise?

[MousyMouse]

bf and hayfever meds is no problem as well.
have a look at the advice from the breastfeeding network.
it's a good, handy sheet that you can print and give to the chemist or gp.
the only thing you should be careful about is decongestants (pseudoephedrine) as they can have a negative effect on the milk supply.

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

Local honey. :)

[Springforward]

Yep, am going hunting for local honey as soon as I can! Managed to get some from two miles down the road last year. Good excuse for honey on toast too but as I understand it you have to start before the hayfever season does, which of course I haven't this year....

[MissLurkalot]

Thanks so much mousy.
I hope you all find something that works.. x