Can someone explain why I cant take cold remedies whilst pregnant?

[chegirlsgotheartburn]

And does this apply in the third trimester?

Not a rant - just want to know the reason behind it and if I have got it right.

Could really do with a lemsip to help me cope with work tommorow.

I havent got a really bad cold or anything but I have got 3 DCs to cope with cherish and OH works evenings. Hard for OH to do any school runs etc due to his disability.

Got work tommorow, not down a coal mine or anything but takes it out of me atm.

So being able to take some cold zappers would be a total bonus.

I am 31 + pg.

Thank you.

I assumed it was because they contain paracetmol so not supposed to take during your first trimester,

BUT I remember when I had the flu and a really high temp in my first term with dd1 and was told to take paracetmol as the effects of the temp would be worse than 2 tablets

because mums are never allowed to be ill so its just getting you into practice!

I think it is particularly the decongestant component that's the problem, as that is not recommended in pregnancy.

Paracetamol is generally OK in pregnancy, yes even in the first trimester according to my GP and MW. Ibuprofen is the one you really musn't take.

I don't know why either - possibly because of the stimulants in things like Sudafed (and they put that stuff in Lemsip too). I called NHS Direct last time after I realised I'd used a throat gargle I shouldn't have. They said stop immediately as it can cross the placenta.

My best suggestion is this: you can take paracetamol, you can take honey, you can take lemon. All those things are OK and that's what an old fashioned Lemsip used to be before they added other stuff to it. Try a Ponymum special: crush up 2 paracetamol in a mug, add honey and lemon, add hot water. It is actually very soothing, and if you gargle on the way down it does help soothe your throat.

You can also use Vicks inhalers if your sinuses are bothering you, or put your head over a steam bath with some Vicks in it.

Hope you get better soon.

Agree, it's the decongestant you are not allowed to take. Paracetamol will make you feel a lot better on its own.

its the decongestant bit - i established this recently vis pharmacist, GP and NHS Direct (wanted to be sure!). I am breastfeeding and would also very very much like a lemsip! Sticking my head over an infusion of vicks is the only thing that is helping at the moment. Much sympathy..

I asked my GP the same question... he said...
Paracetamol, in moderation is perfectly safe to take.
Aspirin based is not recommended unless prescribed to help with a specific condition as it can cause bleeding/blood thining.

Most other medicines just have never been tested & proven to be safe or unsafe during pregnancy so the advice has to be to not take them.
Who is going to risk testing on pregnant mothers, for what is an illness that you will recover from given time.

So you must remember to give yourself a little extra TLC, get the dc to school & have a sick day!

If it's any help, I came to the conclusion during my last pregnancy that I felt no better or worse without Lemsip. I am currently in the throws of a horrible cold and am relying on Olbas oil to get me through the night. I don't think Lemsip really does that much tbh.

I agree with everyone else, take paracetamol and sit with your head over a jug of hot water before you go to bed to ease congestion. Much cheaper than Lemsip too!

Thank you for your kind wishes.

I am not terribly ill or anything.

Colds are crap and I have so much nesting to do.

I only work two short days a week so am lucky. I wont go in if my cold gets worse because I work with vunerable children and wont risk it.

I do love a lemsip though!

Thanks for the advice and clarifications.

Hope all fellow sufferers get well soon.

phenylephrine and other decongestants can increase you blood pressure,so it is not adviseable. Neither is otrivine or any nasal decongestants