Flu/cold during pregnancy

[MumToBe2015R]

Hello ladies,

First time in pregnant, I've got a bad cold today. Slight headache, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes no energy.

My doctors are totally useless to be honest, they either don't answer there phones or rude, & don't give call backs or appointments! Arghhh!

Just need to know what I can take for this. Obviously when I wasn't pregnant I would have paracetamol but midwife told me to avoid that.

Any help would be appreciated x

Yes, paracetamol is absolutely fine. Just take 2 at a time. Ive had two terrible colds during this pregnancy and I felt like I had flu! Just awful. Take care xx

paracetamol is fine, no idea what your midwife was talking about.

Just make sure you stick to bog standard paracetemol. Cold and flu remedies etc tend to have caffeine and decongestant in as well, both of which are definitely not allowed. Hope you feel better soon.

Thank you ladies for the advice.

Probably going to sound very stupid now, by what does 'bog standard Paracetamol' mean? ??

a medicine that contains only paracetamol - so like this one,
www.boots.com/en/Boots-Paracetamol-Tablets-500mg-16-Tablets_228844/
but not this.
www.boots.com/en/Beechams-Flu-Plus-Caplets-24-Pack-Paracetamol-Caffeine-Phenylephrine-Hydrochloride_11549/

Vaporub and Olbas Oil are fine too.

You can use some nasal sprays; ask the pharmacist. Also try sniffing salt water - gross but will clean out the junk from your sinuses.

I have a cold at the moment, and I took one decongestant last night so I could sleep - I'm third trimester though and any studies relate to use in the first 12 weeks

In future, bear in mind that what can I take in pregnancy questions aren't for a GP unless you have an illness which requires a visit. Your local pharmacist can give you this information easily.

Paracetamol, fluids, rest, steam, tlc. Just like any other cold. It's miserable being ill when pregnant and not knowing what to do or who to ask. Get well soon.

Thank you xx

I agree it's horrible, but paracetamol is fine, vapour rub too and plain strepsils. Why not pop to your pharmacy and ask what they can give you? My local Sainsbury has a great pharmacy and they loaded me up with over the counter medicines suitable in pregnancy.

As others said, paracetamol is safe. If uou have fever, make sure, your temperature does not go above 38, because high temperatures are dangerous for baby. If paracetamol is not enough to keep temperature down, contact the doctor. Hope you feel better soon!

Thank you for all the replies. I was really unwell last night in which case I called 111 & they were very helpful, booked me an appointment with out of hours doctor. Doctor said I had border line temperature 37.7. He also advised me to carry on with paracetamol & prescribed me Amoxicillin as I had bacteria infection. Urine was also checked but that was all fine. Blood pressure was also fine. Only after 3 Amoxicillin tabs for far I am feeling much better.

Would you advise me to carry on the Amoxicillin course for 7 days or as I'm better should just finish taking them?

Just worry its all going to the baby.

Thank you x

Definitely finish taking the antibiotic course.

Thanks Caterina99 my DH suggests the same too x

Definitely finish antibiotics - it is more dangerous to start and not finish, as it could lead to drug resistant bacterial infection and need of stronger antibiotics. Amoxicillin is safe during pregnancy, including the first trimester. I actually had to take it myself when ~6 weeks pregnant and did a bit of research before starting taking it. Glad you feel better and got the right treatment.

Your allowed codeine OP short term in most pregnancys unless you have an underlying condition. Try honey in your tea if your coughing/have a bad throat.