i am 25 wks along and now have a chest cold. is it safe to take an otc expectrant, or use an antibiotic?

Answer 1

Get a list from your doctor. It will tell you exactly what specific types and brands are ok.
Robitussin is ok...but only a specific one. If I remember right DM is out, it has to be the plain old Robitussin. Tylenol is about the only other safe thing to take, and most types of Sudafed. Be warned however, that anything you are allowed to take, typically doesn't do a whole lot to help you out.
Antibiotics are not prescribed unless you get something a little more serious. Colds aren't serious enough unless its been going on for 3 weeks or more. And then its only penicillin unless you are allergic to it.
I had bronchitis 5 times during my first pregnancy, it was awfull. Now with my 2nd I have had it 3 times. Expectorant is fine, it helps a little bit, but your best bet is water, and tons of it.
Colds are fairly common in pregnancy too, so don't stress. Remember, your immune system is being drained right now, so up your vitamin intake a little, and relax. Colds take about a week to go away. Fresh oranges are pretty helpfull too. But to loosen up the chest congestion, water works surprisingly well. Keep yourself hydrated and muscle through as best you can.
Quick warning - do NOT go herbal! Natural remedies are great when you aren't pregnant. There are very few herbs that are still safe to intake while pregnant, as they can disrupt fetal growth, and even cause miscarriage.
Good luck!

Answer 2

There is a natural remedy specifically for any "respiratory" infections, colds, etc. It's called "JARABE" and it's typically a remedy made in the Dominican Republic, but very good because it is ALL NATURAL. You should ask your doctor though about taking any OTC meds or an antibiotic. Be very careful with what you consume.
Jarabe can be found in most Caribbean stores. I don't know if there's any around you, but I think it's well worth it. It's safe for children too.
God bless that gem in your belly!

Answer 3

If it's only a cold, you shouldn't take an antibiotic. Your best bet would be to call your ob/gyn and ask what cold medications are okay for use during pregnancy. Whatever he/she tells you, double check with your local pharmacist to make sure it's OK. Doctors know what drugs treat what conditions, but pharmacists know the drugs like the backs of their hands--what other medications they interract with, who should or shouldn't take them, etc.

Answer 4

I am 8 1/2 months along and have a viral infection that my doc says is going around. Coughing, sneezing, congestions, sore throat, etc......They say antibiotics won't help, but to take Sudafed and Robtussin. Make sure the cough meds don't contain alcohol.

Answer 5

Go to your DR as he/she will prescribe you something that won't harm your baby. I had a chest infection at 35 weeks was given penicillin and then got thrush! The pharmacists I encountered would not sell me anything over the counter as I was pregnant not even for the thrush!

Answer 6

Antibiotics would be useless. Some cough medicines are safe. Read the label before buying.

Answer 7

Yes...but you need to clear it with the OB...I had a terrible chest cold and infection in my lungs...took most of my pregnancy to shake it...the antibiotic was weak enough..

Answer 8

When I was PG, I was sick all three times. You may want to check with your doc, but plain Robitussin was always okay for me. And if I needed antibiotics, the doc called in a Z-pack for me.

Answer 9

There is a robitussin that is OK but it doesnt work too well. Drink hot tea to help loosen your chest.

Answer 10

NO it is not... the ob will not give you one unless you are very very much in risk of an infection in your chest.....