Hi

I'm 10 weeks pregnant and feeling generally awful, lethargic, exhausted but thankfully not sick. Problem is I'm so bunged up with Hayfever I can't sleep which really isn't helping. It's got to the point this week where I've had to take some time off work because I just feel so tired and rough.

I'm having acupuncture to try and combat the hayfever, constipation and all the other wonderful things! Intially it was very sucessful with the hayfever but the effects seem to be wearing off. Anyone found anything that works? I'm prepared to give anything a try, I can't spend the summer like this!

Lloyds Pharmacy are selling an allergy reliever at a discount price at the moment. They are normally around £60 but are on offer for £14 so I thought I would give it a try. It is a small box which has 2 prongs attached by a wire. You have to put the prongs up your nose and press the button. The prongs glow red and this lasts for 3 minutes. You have to do this 3 times a day. It sounds absolutely mad I know, but believe me it works. I think it has something to do with closing the pores in your nose. I have chronic hayfever, itchy eyes, blocked nose etc as do 2 of my kids. After the first three days of use I haven't needed to take any medication. It's well worth giving it a go. Hope this helps.

I know just how you feel. I was told not to take my medication as it would be too powerful (really strong tablets on prescription) but I rang NHS Direct and they got someone from a Pharmasutical centre based at Northwick Park Hospital to give me a call. They work on medicines for pregnant women. I was told I could take either Zirtec or Clarytin but they aren't licenced in pregnancy so you have to get the on from your doctor. I got Zirtec but as they were only the lowest dose they didn't really do anything for me apart from give me a bit of a headache so it's up to you.....

Hi

I wouldn't worry - if the doc is willing to put themself in the line of fire, they must have a good understanding of the effects. The chemist I spoke to basically said that there hasn't been any evidence either way (i.e safe or not safe) and so she didn't want to say to me that it was fine, based on no actual evidence. It's more about covering themselves than anything else - like when you read a really stupid 'warning' sign that is obvious, but they still have to put it up in case some idiot sues them! lol. So if the doc is willing to actually say it's ok, then I'm sure it must be.

Dmc - let me know if your doc suggests anything else - sounds like she knows what she's talking about! I asked my MW and she didn't have a clue!

My doctor has given me the green light to take my medicine.. Afterall it will only be for a minor prt of the pregnancy, she looked at the recipe,so to speak and said it was fine. With my second I went through the same hell as you, I sympathise greatly but why one rule for you and another for me.. I trusted the doc but since you have had other advise? She said that in 1 in 1000 rats whio were given major doses had some side effects, like five timnes the daily dose in one shot.. oh Not so sure now!
Cheryl

Thanks for all the advice. I think I will have to visit the GP to see if their are any options although herbal stuff sounds like it will be worth a go. I'm still trying the acupuncture but all the benefits seem to have worn off. I really am in a terrible state this weekend though.

My GP is pretty hot on medications in pregancy and she specialises in womens health and pregnancy so I do trust her. I do feel that if their is any risk at all then I don't want to take anything and if I have to suffer then so be it. Who'd have thought that hayfever could make you feel so awful?!

Thanks again guys
Donna.

Hi

Hayfever Hell is indeed accurate! I asked the chemist what I could safely take and the answer was basically 'nothing'! She asked me if I would consider a homeopathic remedy, and like you I said I would try anything cause it's so unbearable. I'm now taking 'New Era' tablets for 'hayfever and allergic rhinitis', which I bought from a health shop nearby. The woman was very helpful - called the supplier while I was there to ask if they were safe during pregnancy, which they are. You take four at a time (they're tiny) and let them dissolve on your tongue (they don't taste nasty either, bonus!). There's a definate improvement, athough I'm still sneezing and blowing nose. It's the itchy eyes I really can't handle, don't know about you! If you do get the itchy eyes, a cold wet flannel on your face when you are at home works wonders too.

Let me know how you get on! x