Bad chest infection and 38 weeks

[roary]

I had a terrible flu, and now I have a terrible, terrible cough. I'm 38 weeks and on my second round of antibiotics. I can only take one type of antibiotics safe in pregnancy because I'm allergic to penicillin. I am so sick and so sick of being sick - having trouble breathing and just coughing all the time! The cough sounds so horrible people move away from me in public. I've put a call in to the GP but does anyone have any experience of this? Am I really just going to have to wait till it goes away? I cannot imagine giving birth like this (it's my second so I know what I'm in for).

(an aside: I am so pleased I got vaccinated for swine flu - if this is the after effects of regular flu in an otherwise very healthy person you can see why they are so concerned about swine!)

Gosh I'm so sorry, it must be a big worry thinking you make have to give birth when you are this poorly. I think you need to return to your gp. Perhaps she can give you a short course of steroids? I had these during my first pregnancy and it cleared me up very quickly (couple of days) and was such a relief. good luck - and hope the birth goes well.

Roary I had a bad cold that started when I was 32 weeks - it turned into sinusitis and wouldn't go away. I also had terrible coughing (to the point of bing sick), my chest hurt and I was breathless and it turned out I had pleurisy. Fortunately I could have antibiotics but although pleurisy has gone I still have after effects 2-4 weeks later. Definitely get back to your GP.

Chynah, sounds v similar.

I am thinking maybe my current lot of antibiotics has done the job - am holding off on judgment till lunchtime!