Allergies... Ugh

gosborne

Anybody have any advice for dealing with allergies during pregnancy?  I have always suffered from them, but they seem to be worse, and the medicine I usually take is not on my list of "safe" drugs.  I can hardly breath out my nose and I don't want it to turn into a sinus infection.  I have taken Claritin this week and although it helps my sneezing, I am not finding any congestion relief.  Any help is appreciated! TIA

nikkirenee81

ME! They are horrible! I called to ask if I could use Afrin (I love afrin!!) but they said no. They did tell me to get a saline nose spray and use it several times a day and this does help. Hope you feel better soon!

khaenlein

My doc cleared me to take Zyrtec, which is OTC and works really well for me.  Under your OB's supervision, you should be able to take something to give you relief--it doesn't do you or baby any good to be feeling terrible for the rest of your pregnancy.

gosborne

khaenlein:

it doesn't do you or baby any good to be feeling terrible for the rest of your pregnancy.

 

 That's what I am beginning to think.  Its awful!  I really like zyrtec, but it's not on my list... I will call Monday and check.  Any of you girls get allergy shots pre-pregnant?  I did, but I don't know if it's safe now...

Anna&Matt

saline nose spray is safe - it's just salt water really. And benadryl is on my safe list too.

CJD629

I have been getting allergy shots for 2 years and I am staying on them. OB and Allergist said ok-I take Xyzal and Nasacort AQ-doc says ok. I have terrible allergies and it's worth for me to stay on meds. Benadryl sucks-it makes me soooo drowsy I can't even function. Feel better soon! Just remember ob's don't stay current on allergly meds like your allergist would-I have sold allergy drugs in the past so consult your allergist they will know what is safe and not safe for pregnancy too and it will probably be more effective.

ms_mellor

Mine are horrible right now too (it's that time of year!!).  I second checking with your allergist...they should know.  In the mean time, saline spray works fairly well for the congestion.  I find that Benadryl works great, but knocks me out, so that only works at night.

My MIL is a pharmacist, and she did say that sometimes people become a little to used to their allergy meds, and a switch up can be helpful when things get bad.  I've been on Reactine most of the summer, but I switched to Claritin this week and that seems to help.

It's so sad when I'm wishing for snow in August  

gosborne

Yeah, that's the problem with Claritin for me.  I was on it when I was a kid for a long time... and like you, Benadryl makes me sleepy which doesn't work well with a classroom full of 5th graders.    Snow would be great!   Thanks everyone for the tips!

mind

khaenlein:

My doc cleared me to take Zyrtec, which is OTC and works really well for me.  Under your OB's supervision, you should be able to take something to give you relief--it doesn't do you or baby any good to be feeling terrible for the rest of your pregnancy.

 mine too  

LucyVanPelt

mind:

khaenlein:

My doc cleared me to take Zyrtec, which is OTC and works really well for me.  Under your OB's supervision, you should be able to take something to give you relief--it doesn't do you or baby any good to be feeling terrible for the rest of your pregnancy.

 mine too  

 mine three.

lovebug630

Mine are awful, too. My nose bleeds almost every day because of it (sorry if TMI). My doctor said that Zyrtec and Singulair are fine to take, and I also get allergy shots, but I'm still pretty miserable. The one thing that's helped me prevent a sinus infection is nasal irrigation. I highly recommend it.