Does anyone know if you can use anti-histamine cream whilst pregnant?

[libralady]

Out of interest does anyone know if you can use antihistamine cream when pregnant. We spent Sunday in the garden and all three of us are covered in what I am assuming are midge bites. Mine are driving me mad especially at night, I go to scratch in bed and end up with horrendous cramp.

I'm not sure, i know that i couldnt take any hayfever stuff, apart from a nose spray when i was pregnant..read the label..check with chemist or your doc..usually says on leaflet with all medicines if its suitable for use in pregnancy..should carry a warning!

You can use some but not others. I spent a half hour on the phone to the on-call doctor at 5 am the other night, after being unable to sleep for hives, and she called the NHS Teratological(sp?) Service, who told her that nobody has ever tested any antihistamies specifically on pregnant women, because obviously they can't, but that women have been using Piriton for years and there's never been any suspicion at all that it may harm. It makes you sleepy in tablet form - the new non-drowsy ones are not known to be safe. But we have now stocked up on creams and tablets for me, just in case. (I was a wimp and took half a tablet instead of a whole one, though.)

Having said that, you should check with your own GP. Hives can be dangerous - they can lead to anaphylactic shock - so they may recommend to me what they wouldn't to you. Costs/benefits.

You can take piriton orally and apply a topical ointment like calamine lotion to relieve itchiness.

I live in the tropics and that's what Dr recomennded here.

Second what qually said though. Used to get food allergy related hives when a teenager and once got really close to quinck oedema and chocking.
Ask your DR about what protocol to follow if you get rapidly spreading hives.
Usually a spoonful or two of antihistamine will stop it.

Sorry, second paragraph meant for Qally!!