[Frozendesire]

Ugh. I am STILL suffering with this cold. I asked him at my appointment if there was anything I could take but he said I would be safer just letting it runs it's course. He said no nasal sprays or anything. I trust my doctor and wouldn't do anything behind his back... but man I'm getting worse and need some relief.

I think I might have to call him on Monday if I don't feel any better. I've never had a cold this bad before. TMI! My gag reflex is SO bad this pregnancy that the snot that is in my throat makes me throw up when I cough. It's SO nasty. I throw up atleast three times a day!

If there are things that are safe to take, why wouldn't he suggest them? Ugh. He's a big meany! Hopefully he is this way with pain meds during delivery! haha.

Does anyone have any HOME remedies they suggest on unclogging my sinuses??

[SandKmommy]

Try making the water in a shower as hot as possible, let it run for a couple minutes then go in there and shut the door, the steam is supposed to help unclog sinuses


I can't believe he said you can't take anything, I have a list from my doc of things that are ok to take for a cold.

[Garfieldbear]

This is what I found on the Internet, hope that it helps:

Here are a few drugs that are okay to take during pregnancy:

The antihistamines chlorpheniramine, loratadine, doxylamine, brompheniramine, phenindamine, pheniramine, triprolidine, and diphenhydramine are considered low risk during pregnancy, but they can make you sleepy, especially doxylamine and diphenhydramine.

The expectorant guaifenesin thins mucous secretions in the respiratory passages, making it easier to cough them up. While some studies have found an increased risk of inguinal hernias in babies exposed to this drug, others have not.

The cough suppressant dextromethorphan got some bad press after one study found that it caused birth defects in chick embryos, but this study had many flaws and is generally not given much credibility. What's more, some good studies of women who took the drug during pregnancy have found that it doesn't raise the risk of birth defects in humans.

The local anesthetic benzocaine is combined with dextromethorphan in one product to treat sore throats. Benzocaine doesn't get into the bloodstream, so it doesn't pose a risk to a developing baby.

The pain reliever and fever reducer acetaminophen has been well studied. It's considered safe to take during pregnancy as long as you take no more than the dose recommended on the label.

Here are some drugs to avoid:

It's best to avoid the decongestants pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, especially in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, since there have been some reports of birth defects. Although the risk appears to be low, it could be higher if you're a smoker. After 13 weeks, occasional use of these medications — for example, once or twice daily for no more than a day or two — is probably safe. More frequent use, however, can reduce blood flow to the placenta.

You'll also need to avoid the pain relievers aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, sodium salicylate, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). When taken in the first month of pregnancy, NSAIDs have been shown to cause some women to miscarry. New information also suggests that use of NSAIDs in the second and third months of pregnancy might increase the risk of birth defects, particularly those involving the heart.

When used in the last trimester of pregnancy, NSAIDs can cause major toxicity in the unborn child. Finally, when aspirin is taken within a week of delivery, it can increase the amount of bleeding when you give birth.

One final caution: Some liquid cold medicines contain alcohol in concentrations as high as 4.75 percent. Look for products that are labeled "alcohol free."

[Mars]

I'm not sure if this will work for sinuses but when we were stuffed up as kids my mom would put some chest rub or methol with hot water in a bowl and let us inhale it. We would place a sheet over ourselves and the bowl so the vapors wouldn't escape too quickly. It used to clear up our stuffiness quickly.

[lauren in hi]

What to Expect...says that saline nasal sprays are safe for stuffiness. Haven't tried it myself. My allergies/preggo sinus problems have been annoying lately but nowhere as bad as yours...I sure hope you can get some relief soon!

[Frozendesire]

That's the thing Lauren! I normally have stuffy sinuses during pregnancy, usually just when I wake up or whatever.. but this is INSANE. I can't taste any food cause my nose is completely stuffed. I even tried sex which opened up one of them... of course it's back to plugged again! haha.

I tried the hot shower and I think it helped a bit, so I'm going to do that some more.

I have some saline drops for Curtis so they are kids ones. I should check that out and see if it's safe. Maybe it would help.

I am thankful that my doctor didn't rush to suggest a medication or anything.

[LaLaRose3]

I use plain Saline Mist Spray. You can get something called "Simply Saline", and it is 100% safe during pregnancy, says my doctor and three pharmacists. It really helps congestion and phlegm.

[soImarriedAnerd]

a netty pot!!!!!!!!!!
Google it.
Saline is as safe as water-your good there. I do want to warn on the guaifenesin more studies are not showing its the safe...so skip that one.

www.safefetus.com you can search all drugs. You want Class A and class B,,,,class C is more iffy--since a cold can't kill you then I would recommend NOT going with a class c drug for it, but if you had a bloodpressue issue and class a and b's don't work-then class C is ok (only when the possible effects are less dangerous then the problem)

[Frozendesire]

Thanks Angela, I've been checking that site and getting some answers. The nasal spray I have on hand is Otrivan and class C. Sucky! So I wont take it. I used the Saline stuff from Curtis and promptly puked.

Can I do a netty pot with out owning a netty pot?? I found this:
1
Fill the netty pot with lukewarm water. Most netty pots are shaped like a small watering can.
Step2
Add ¼ tbs. of table or sea salt to the water in the netty pot. Salt will help dry out your nasal passages and will help prevent infection.
Step3
While leaning over a sink, tilt your head to the side and insert the spout of the netty pot into your nostril. Pour the water into the nasal passage so that it flows out the other nostril.
Step4
Tilt your head to the opposite side and repeat step 3 for the opposite nostril.
Step5
Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the salt-water solution is gone.
Step6
Exhale through your nose and blow out any excess fluid.

Can I do that with out the pot just with something else... haha I have NO clue what but something.

[soImarriedAnerd]

If you can get a good seal with a normal pot and you nasal hole then yes you can use any pot. The netty pot just has a little curved spout to fit in your one side of your nose better.....i have often thought of trying a normal pot when I didn't have my netty with me. Let me know how it goes.....and KEEP your HEAD FORWARD!!!!! if you don't the solution will go down your throat and you will gag. Go slow at first and its pretty cool how it just runs in one side and out the other.
Let me know how it works for you!