Desperate - what can I do for nasal congestion whilst pregnant

[gagababy]

Hello, sorry just posting here for traffic.

I have the worst cold ever. I just can't breathe. Spent the whole night awake just miserable. Unable to breathe through my nose, eyes watering because of it. Headache. My legs also hurt.

I'm broken.

I've been suffering from HG in this pregnancy and had it controlled with medication. But I also feel so sick now and have been wretching. Maybe because I have swallowed so much mucus, sorry gross.

What can I do to feel better ? Seeing as I'm pregnant, I can't really take decongestants, can I ? I've tried inhaling vicks and olbas- doesn't do anything. I've got salt water spray for my nose, does nothing.

Anything else ? I don't really want to call the GP and waste time, it's a cold.

Can you get a nasal flush? I have one, a little bottle with a nozzle (comes with solutions but you can make your own) and you flush it up one nostril whilst pinching to clear it out! It's the NeilMed one I have!

Steam with boiling water and a towel over your head.

@MrzClaus

Can you get a nasal flush? I have one, a little bottle with a nozzle (comes with solutions but you can make your own) and you flush it up one nostril whilst pinching to clear it out! It's the NeilMed one I have!

I just tried to do that with my salt water spray thing. Didn't really do much. I'll try again.

Neti pot might help

I bought one of these in the same situation - www.expresschemist.co.uk/steam-inhaler.html - and it helped enormously.

It does the same thing as a bowl of boiling water with a towel over your head, but is much less uncomfortable, especially if you feel nauseous.

I used Breathe Right strips. They are designed to help stop snoring but they helped my breathing . They are little strips that you stick over your nose to help open up your nasal passages. A lot of sports people and racing drivers used to wear them years ago but they seem to have fallen out of fashion recently

Nelimed rinse from Amazon

You can use Sudafed nasal spray. It does contain drugs but for short term use and the fact it isn't absorbed into your body means it's safe during pregnancy. HOWEVER the official line is to confirm this with your GP before using it. I've used it during 2 pregnancies so far without issue having taken advice from the GP. It's the only spray that works when I'm truly bunged up and desperate for sleep.

The nasal douche/neti pot thing is honestly a world away from the sterimar sprays.
I find the latter quite useless.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/decongestants/

@TheSpottedZebra

The nasal douche/neti pot thing is honestly a world away from the sterimar sprays. I find the latter quite useless.

Definitely, I was shocked by the rinse!

When I was pregnant I found a saline nasal spray, I think it was called sterimar. It really worked for me

Water in the nose. It's nasty but it works.

It sounds like sinusitis, I had three rounds of it this pregnancy and each time they gave me antibiotics (amoxicillin I think?) anyway they did work - horrible feeling isn’t it! They can also prescribe a steroid nasal spray, stronger than those over the counter and safe for pregnancy - I’m 21 weeks now and hopefully over the sinusitis! So get to the GP x

Agree with the PP saying Sudafed. I am pregnant and use when absolutely desperate - it’s wonderful.

I had the worst sinusitis at about 39 weeks - I used paracetamol, olbas pastilles and slept sitting up on the sofa as I just couldn't lie down to sleep.

Sudafed SPRAY though not the tablets

Vicks is ok I think. Sudofed was on the banned list when I was pregnant

Tiny bit of Vicks actually into each nostril?
I have found Otrivine nasal spray to be a very effective decongestant - it does not contain pseudoephedrine (not recommended in pregnancy) but xylometazoline hydrochloride which is thought to be ok for short-term night time use.

I have no advice but masses of sympathy. I was so happy when I was able to take decongestants again. I seem to remember even vicks was not allowed. Was awful.

These days, I think I would try the neti pots. Hadn’t heard of them when I was pregnant.

www.boots.com/neilmed-sinus-rinse-kit-10077009?cm_mmc=bmm-buk-google-ppc--PLAs_HeroCompare--OTC-_-UK_Smart_Shopping_OTC&gclid=CjwKCAiAhreNBhAYEiwAFGGKPLZUqLqj5-qcBX1Ad9uy4T8_Sy5pkpC3jHF0Pt0IpWyZb5KaF-GZARoCAC8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I use this. And drink as much water as you can literally litres.

For temporary relief I used to fill baby socks (adult socks will do!) with rice and microwave it (check temperature before use) and pop them on either side of my nose near the bridge.

I was prescribed a steroid nasal spray both times.

And yes, lots of sympathy. Pregnancy was a means to an end for me.