Severe cold 33 weeks

[justteaplease]

Hi all
I'm hoping someone has some miracle advice for me. I've come down with an awful cold and I cannot breathe out of my nose at all. When I blow it it clears for one breath then it's blocked again.
I've taken paracetamol but it doesn't seem to do anything. I've tried the NeilMed nasal rinse, also clears it for one breath. Is there anything else I can try/take? Is ibuprofen completely off the table?
I've not slept more than an hour last night and the night before. I have work tomorrow (and a 2 year old) so am pretty desperate at this point as I just can't sleep with a blocked nose.
Thanks in advance!

Blowing your nose doesn't help because often it's not the mucous that's blocking things but your nasal cavity is swollen and much narrower.

I'm not sure what will help in pregnancy tbh. Steamy shower?

It's miserable I know.

Thanks @ShowOfHands I thought that was the case. I'm honestly so tempted to take ibuprofen as I know it can reduce swelling, but not sure of how bad it can be.

I had awful nasal congestion when pregnant, it's miserable isn't it. I used vicks, those nasal strips and a cool mist humidifier right next to my bed at night. I also slept on one of those wedges to keep my head elevated. The strips and humidifier helped quite a bit. Hope you feel better soon!

Ibuprofen really isn't safe after 30 weeks due to a link with birth defects.

Thanks both. Just had a read up on ibuprofen and it's definitely not worth the risk. Attempting to sleep sitting up now!

You can use something like Olbas Oil - i know they at least used to do a baby safe one.
You've done a covid test haven't you, just in case. After vax symptoms with my dh were very similar to heavy cold.

Sterimar saline sprays were a life saver when I was pregnant. Just salt water so nothing bad, but helps flush it all out.

Hope you feel better soon! I've got a stinker too I'm struggling to shift.

I'd call in sick today if I were you and have lots of hot showers/baths.

Yes @Saidtoomuch we've all done Covid tests, negative. Quite sure my daughter brought it home from the childminder!

Thankfully I managed a good chunk of sleep last night, I already feel a lot clearer having just woken up 10 minutes ago.

Thanks @Amichelle84 luckily I'm working from home so it's not too intense!

Thanks all for your help!

The GP told me I could use the nasal sprays like Sudafed; that was over a year ago now so might be worth a phone call to check but I was in so much pain with my sinuses and so congested that it saved me.
I also wondered afterwards if the calpol plug in that I used for my DC would be safe as that always helped me as wel as my DC

I found this useful when pregnant with a cold and have reused it over the years. It's an easy way to inhale steam without the claustrophobic towel over head thing. www.boots.com/boots-easy-breathing-steam-inhaler-10164668

Acupuncture can give temporary relief.