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Pregnancy

Taking medicine during early pregnancy

7 replies

anonMum2 · 03/06/2010 22:49

I've decided to post here as my last post had really reassuring answers, which is always good in a pregnancy, i.e. to relax and not worry.

Basically, been pretty poorly more than a week now with typical cold, laryngitis, eye infection etc. I expect pregnancy lowers my immune system so I'm just not recovering at all, in fact my throat is just getting worse by the day feeling very feverish yest and today. I've been trying my best not to worry and not to take any medicine, but all natural herbal stuff, honey lemon have absolutely no effect on me. In fact, lemon just gave me bad cramps, which made me extremely anxious coz that just reminds me of previous MCs. So now, I've been taking strepsils and paracetamol(that contains lots of caffeine). Even though I feel physically better nowm until the medicine effect wears off, I'm feeling awfully guilty!

Some re-assurance or gentle telling off please, or any advise on how to get rid of all my eye and throat infections safely pls.

Thank you.

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NumptyMum · 03/06/2010 23:01

I'd ask a pharmacist at chemist. I had bad throat early on and was told strepsils weren't to be used but I'd already been using them by then - and I think the pharmacist agreed that with a lot of medicines, the drug companies just don't want the expense of testing them for use in pregnancy so therefore say 'no' just in case.

I find I'm always worse when I'm tired - are you able to get enough rest? My throat is always the first thing to warn me to rest up a bit more...

Re throat, Boots have a great antiseptic spray, could be worth asking the pharmacist there about that; it really numbs the whole throat area.

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mrsfollowill · 03/06/2010 23:14

You poor thing - its really crap not being able to take stuff. Check with your pharmacist/doc what you can take.... and don't beat yourself up about it. Make sure you take plenty of rest and use this for a good reason to put your feet up! Don't worry about the baby- you seem very caring to think so deeply about this. Sure you will both be fine in the end.

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japhrimel · 04/06/2010 15:48

Avoid the drugs containing caffeine if you can or at least make sure you're sticking to no more than 200mg of caffeine a day - check how much is in the tablets and remember that tea, coffee, chocolate and many sodas also contain caffeine. I know a full dose of Solpadeine Plus contains 60mg caffeine (30mg in each tablet), so if you had 4 doses a day (the safe maximum normally) that would put you over the safe pregnancy caffeine amount just on its own.

Personally, I find Panadol quite effective - as it's soluble it tends to work faster. And all it is is paracetamol.

I'd be careful of Strepsils too TBH, just in case.

If you're getting possible bacterial infections, you really need to see the doctor. Antibiotics are better for you when pregnant than leaving an infection.

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anonMum2 · 04/06/2010 21:34

Thank you all for your advice. Rest is a luxury for me, I'm either working, looking after DS or doing chores. Such is my life.

Saw doctor again today.. they keep saying it's viral infection and therefore to just take paracetamol for all the stuff I have. My eye is so badly affected now I can hardly see from the infected eye.

I'll have to go look for antiseptic spray and panadol without caffeine tomorrow.

Trying not to feel too depressed.. chin up!

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NumptyMum · 04/06/2010 22:03

Sympathy for list of things to be done - I work p/t (just started mat leave) and with DS nearing 3yo know how tiring it can be to switch from one thing to another. Are there any chores you can either leave, delegate or simplify? I found it made a real difference if I got to bed nearer 10pm rather than midnight, but equally on the days you only stop doing chores etc late on, it's hard not to take the time to wind down or just faff about... (speaks one who is VERY good at faffing about on the internet and then wonders where all the time went ).

Surprised doc not more helpful re eye infection though, just had a look here and, assuming it's viral conjunctivitis, the article mentions some treatments; perhaps check these with pharmacist to see if you could take them and if they think it would help??

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PinkElephant73 · 05/06/2010 11:31

"My eye is so badly affected now I can hardly see from the infected eye. "

I think you need a second opinion on this as a matter of urgency, I am very surprised that your GP would not prescribe anything for an eye infection. If it is conjunctivitis it is highly infectious as well as being very unpleasant for you.

If it has not improved either phone the out of hours GP service or go to A&E.

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anonMum2 · 05/06/2010 21:32

Yes, I know.. I've just been to the emergency doctor again as I was getting a bad headache coz I was squinting so much just to see something a few inches away from me. I'm due to see an eye specialist late tomorrow, better than nothing. Needed the extra push, as DH is one who always goes "oh, it's nothing. just leave it" so thank you.

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