What over the counter medicines can I take for sinus trouble while pregnant?

Question

I'm currently 24 weeks pregnant and have been having a lot of sinus trouble for the past few days. My sinuses are dried out to the point that my nose is bleeding every day, but at night it's so stopped up that I can hardly breathe. I need something to help relieve the pain/headache and sooth my sinuses, but something that won't hurt my baby.

Answer 1

It doesn't sound like a cold, so don't take cold medicine.
Stuffy noses are normal when you're pregnant. And so are headaches.

Try plain saline solution, nasal spray found by the cold medicines - don't use the vicks kind or any medicated kinds.
Also, get a humidifier. You can get one cheaply at walgreens. Don't put Vicks or other medicine in it either. Just the moist air will help.

I would also suggest making sure that you're drinking enough water. Dry sinuses & headaches are also signs of dehydration in pregnancy. Make sure you're drinking at least 8 - 8oz of water a day.

However, if you do have a cold that's lasted this long, you might have a sinus infection and would require antiobiotics. You would have green/yellow mucus. But as you said it's been going on for several weeks, it doesn't sound like a cold to me.

For future colds, Tylenol Sinus & Sudafed are ok to take.

Answer 2

Try rubbing some Vick's Vapor Rub around the end of your nose at night. Also, why are your sinuses like that?--do you have allergies? I know this sounds gross, but when your nose is dry, clean your nose out with some tepid tap water, keep blowing it until you can breathe--sometimes it takes a while. Vicks will not hurt your baby, it's been around a long long time.

Answer 3

I was told Sudafed is safe (the original, not the 24 hour version)

I also think Afrin is safe.

I have horrible sinuses and had some probs while pregnant

If in doubt, call the drs office and speak to a nurse :) Better to do that than suffer, believe me :)

Answer 4

Generally speaking, if you doctor prescribes something, it's okay. But, I didn't take anything more than Tylenol with my daughter, and I think it's better if you don't. Especially ephedrine is unpredictable. Try taking Zinc--it improves your immune respnse, and also improves the condition of your mucous membranes, so less sinus distress. Plus, it is a mineral your body needs, anyway.

Answer 5

To be safe call your local hospital...talk to a nurse in the Labor and Delivery floor to find out what kind of meds you can take that are safe. I would not seek the advice from people online when it comes to medication even though some may be right...just to be safe call a nurse at the hospital they will have the correct answer.

Answer 6

I had sinus problems in my 6th month when i was pregnant, and the doctor suggested Vick's Nasal Spray. It hasn't been proven to be unsafe to unborn children, and it works a treat.

You can buy it from and chemist or woolies.

Hope this helps, and good luck with the rest of your pregnancy

Answer 7

The original Sudafed if safe to take. Try using saline nasal spray every day to relieve the dryness. This should help. Good luck!

Answer 8

My obstetrician told me that I could use Simply Saline nose spray for the dryness. For the stuffiness, I was able to use Sudafed. You may also want to try using a humidifier in your home.

Answer 9

I was allowed to take Sudafed and only Sudafed. No Motrin, Ibuprofin or aspirin as they are blood thinners and could complicate pregnancy. I also took tylenol sparingly. I would go to this website http://www.perinatology.com/exposures/druglist.htm type in the drug you want to take and see if it is ok.

Answer 10

All i can say is ask a pharmacist. They will be better able to answer your questions. Sorry I can't be of more help, but that really is the best advice I can give.
Congratulations on your pregnancy!