Terrible cold at 18 weeks, what can I take?

[AwkwardAsAllGetout]

As above, I’ve had a terrible cold for the last two days and I’m unsure what I’m allowed to take for it. I know I’m allowed paracetamol, but it doesn’t seem to be helping. I have a very stuffy head and can’t stop sneezing and blowing my nose. I’ve had a few nose bleeds too, I think just from the sheer amount of tissues I’m getting through. Is there anything that I can safely take that will make it a bit more bearable?

I really sympathise, I had an awful cold at 13 weeks and was thoroughly miserable! Unfortunately the only things that are ok are saline nasal sprays for the congestion, hot lemon and honey drinks, and steaming. I also used a little olbas oil at night and slept propped up. Hope you feel better soon

Hi, I feel for you. I have an awful cough and sore throat. I took two throat sweets the other day and then someone said I shouldn't. They had the anaesthetic stuff in, I'm really worried now so I've gone mad and am not taking anything, not even paracetamol 😩

The saline nasal spray and a steam or shower with olbas oil is helpful. I used Vicks too but not sure that is definitely recommended- was desperate though... there are some throat sweets called Jakemans you can get in boots, some have menthol/eucalyptus in which is good for the sinus issue too.
To PP, I'm sure a couple of strepsils won't have harmed your baby, but you can always talk to your midwife/GP/ pharmacist.
Hope you feel better soon!

I had a horrific cold and finally found some sea salt spray which I got over the pharmacy counter. No medicine in it at all, completely natural and worked fantastic for me. It was a welcome relief.

I had a terrible cold three weeks ago and had lots of hot tea with lemon (no medicine) and it cleared up. Best to rest and drink lots of fluids.

I’ve had 2 streaming colds and one bout of Laryngitis during my pregnancy. I’ve felt like I’m always telling someone I’m ill! I went to the GP once about it, was told it’s a good thing to build up immune system. I’ve taken zero meds, just got on with it but it’s awful I know. In 33 weeks I’ve actually only taken paracetamol once for a splitting headache.

Take lemon and honey with sliced ginger and a spoonful of turmeric powder stirred in. The turmeric really helps lower inflammation of nasal cavities and the ginger soothes sore throat.

Having assumed there was nothing decent you could take for a cold, I found out yesterday that Vicks First Defence is okay in pregnancy as it is not absorbed by the body - worth a go to try and limit the severity of colds when you feel them coming on.

Literally just paracetamol