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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Give me something for this cold!!!!

18 replies

Annie456 · 22/02/2011 02:28

Morning Ladies (or maybe good night as it's 2am?!)

Woke up yesterday with a stinking cold (didn't get any warnings, just WHAM!) And having spoken to a pharmacist it appears there is NOTHING I can take to relieve it (not even a vicks inhaler stick!?!)

Im sure every pg woman catches a cold so i wondered, what do you swear by to help relieve symptoms...I'm desperate here! (and please don't tell me horror stories about colds lasting for months on end, I just want recipes for your magic potions!)
Sniff sniff... Sad

Ps not sure if it helps but i'm 13+2

OP posts:
OnEdge · 22/02/2011 02:49

steam ? paracetamol ? walk in fresh air (take a hanky !) oranges? plenty of fluids ? erm......

earwicga · 22/02/2011 02:59

Garlic.

earwicga · 22/02/2011 02:59

Pharmacists won't recommend anything during pregnancy.

Do you seriously think a Vicks inhaler stick will harm your baby? Think about it.

MrsJamin · 22/02/2011 05:25

Hot water, grated Ginger, honey and lemon juice works a treat. A hot curry also makes me feel better too!

gillykins2011 · 22/02/2011 09:31

Remember pharmacists and doctors have to be careful about what they recommend during pregnancy - if its bad take paracetemol and if its gets truly bad and becomes infected they will give you antibiotics. I have had chest infection after chest infection this pregnancy and my GP has been wonderful in terms of pragmatism but putting my mind at rest - I have been taking my blue and brown inhalers as well as antibiotics when the infection just wouldn;t go away.

I think work on the principle less is definitely more and only take it when you are desperate.

nomoreheels · 22/02/2011 09:40

I was recently very ill with a cold/flu that lasted two weeks, and I was utterly miserable. I took paracetamol and cocodamol when my fever and sore throat were particularly bad. My GP and midwife said this was fine (but obviously clear it with yours first) I was prescribed simple linctus for the rotten tickly cough I had too, and I used an Olbas inhaler for congestion.

I was desperate to take some proper night nurse or stronger decongestant tablets but I knew those were definitely a no no.

A tea made with fresh sliced ginger, boiling water and some honey and lemon stirred in was also very soothing.

Get your GP to approve/prescribe things - IME just about everyone else out there will err on the side of caution.

Tezbean · 22/02/2011 11:16

Hi

I'm 13 + 5 today and woke up with a cold on Saturday that seems to be getting worse Sad

My pharmacist recommended some menthol stuff that you dissolve in hot water then inhale. It has helped relieve the sinus pressure but still wish I could take some proper drugs!

JBrd · 22/02/2011 11:32

Paracetamol, steam/saline inhalation, tea with lemon manuka honey - lots of it.

I feel your pain - I had a bad cold with sore throat in January, and both midwife and pharmacist told me I can't take anything. All I wanted were some Strepsils to take the edge off, my throat was sooo painful.

And even 'simple' colds last so much longer when you're pregnant because your immune system is already compromised...

I think I went through a whole pot of Manuka honey in a weekend Blush.

Original poster
Annie456 · 22/02/2011 11:35

Hi Tezbean, thats what I wanted to take - is it menthol and eucalyptus? I asked the pharmacist and he said "only steam". I know what you're saying earwicga about the inhaler stick but I specifically asked the pharmacist in boots and he said "no". So I wasn't about to say "Oh well, I'll take one of those anyway". Hmm

Thanks for the advice guys, I've been turning my bathroom into a steam room and unleashing the mint source shower gel but i'll try the ginger and lemon tea...and I like the curry idea Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
Annie456 · 22/02/2011 11:37

thanks JBrd, I'll have a look for that Manuka honey Smile

OP posts:
Tezbean · 22/02/2011 11:37

Hi Annie

Yes it's menthol and eucalyptus. Frustrating when they tell you different things isn't it!

Hope we all feel better soon Smile

Magen · 22/02/2011 12:49

I used a neti pot with my last cold and it helped with the severity of my nasal congestion and seemed to decrease the overall duration of the cold. I used it twice a day, and will use it with any other colds I get, pregnant or not. I hope this helps and you feel better soon.

ParisPreMom · 22/02/2011 12:53

I took a homeopathic treatment called Homeogene 9 (bought in France) that worked wonders on an extremely sore throat and fatigue. It contains: Mercurius solubilis, pulsatilla, spongia tosta, bryonia, bromum, belladonna, phytolacca decandra arum triphyllum and arnica montana.
I'm generally very sceptical of homeopathy and was pleasantly surprised!

ItsMeYourCathy · 22/02/2011 12:57

I feel your pain. Im 34 wks and I'm on antibiotics for throat / chest infection. Just woke up with it yesterday, the first day of my mat leave!! To top it off, my mum's having major surgery on Friday and I won't be able to see her now in case I give her this.

Am sorry I'm not offering advice, I'm having a s**y day and wanted someone to join my pity party [blus]

Original poster
Annie456 · 22/02/2011 13:53

oh dear cathy...i totally understand your need to have a moan. Its horrible feeling like this (and there's still have hayfever season to look forward to)I'm sorry you won't get to see yor mum before her surgery, fingers crossed you're both feeling better very soon.

Thanks for the other suggestions. i'll investigate the menthol and eucalyptus further i think as that usually does the trick in helping me sleep.

OP posts:
earwicga · 22/02/2011 15:44

The pharmacist was being a pig really. She/he should of said that they cannot recommend anything. It's not the same thing as things not being safe. Olbas oil also do an inhaler and cough sweets etc. But garlic is probably the best thing for clearing mucus stuff etc. I couldn't eat it raw though as some do.

ItsMeYourCathy · 23/02/2011 14:54

Am over my pity party and I have made a discovery! Olbas do an battery operated diffuser thing that you can have on next to your bed. brilliant. Love it. get one! xx

ItsMeYourCathy · 23/02/2011 14:54

And thanks for the good wishes for my mum - I'm sure she'll be okay. I'm a worrier. xx

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