WHY are cold/flu meds a no-no in pregnancy?

[Flamesparrow]

DH asked me this morning, and I realised that although I know that I'm not allowed to take em, I have no idea why

Is it a development effecting thing? Muscle contracting? Thins blood? What???

Don't really know flame but most of them have decongestant and some have an anti-histamine in too. Dd isn't allowed to take either of those as they can affect heart rate, so maybe not in pg for the same reason (?)

I think they generally don't know, frankly.

After the whole thalidomide thing, the approach to drugs in pregnancy is "better safe than sorry". Would you volunteer to test drugs while pregnant?

So they only really test the ones that are really needed in pregnancy. They can't tell, without testing, what will go through the placenta and affect the baby.

(I don't know for sure, this is largely conjecture.)

I was wondering if it was more of an ethic thing than anything else too.

While I'm on the subject - anyone got any good non-medicated cough remedies? I've been doin all the pelvic floors in the world, but at 32 weeks and coughing and sneezing, been having a few close calls ... anything that might ease it is greatly appreciated!!!

Some of those inhalants are fine (Olbas oil etc). Also, just steaming yourself out, if it's a productive cough.

You are allowed paracetamol, if that helps.

I think if the cough is really bothering you, you should see your GP. I had a chest infection when I was 20 weeks pg and ended up in hospital and was on all sorts of medication, including antibiotics and steroids. These were of course prescibed by the consultant.

Maybe it's taking over the counter remedies they are worried about (as in we may take them for too long or in inapproriate combinations). Not sure either really - sorry.

Hope you feel better soon though!

Flamesparrow - I had really bad cold and awful cough during last pregnancy. Head over bowl of boiling water helped alot (steam) and drinks of hot water, honey and lemon. Remember having a coughing fit one morning (30 weeks pregnant) and literally weed all over bathroom floor! DH thought it was hilarious! Luckily we have a stone floor!

agree with daisies - lots of honey and lemon drinks. When I was PG with a dreadful (but non chest infection cough) the obs/gyn consultant prescribed a glycerin type syrup for me, cheerfully telling me that she couldn't prescribe anything that would actually DO anything for the cough, rather than just soothe throat etc...