hayfever relief

Normally when suffering from hayfever i just take Zyrtec and im fine, but we are ttc#2 and i can't take Zyrtec whilst pg (or possibly pg). During pg and bf with Archie we were living in the city so i didn't suffer from hayfever much at all, but now we live in the country and hayfever can be really awful at times, it was awful today and it is a rainy winter day??!!!

So what i am asking is, does anyone have any suggestions to releive hayfever safely during ttc, pg and bf??

It might be worth having an allergy blood and skin test to find out exactly what your triggers are.
I get 'hayfever' every day usually and found out my biggest allergy is to dust, which explains why I get it even when it isn't sunny or pollen in the air. I am also allergic to dust and animal hair so it doesn't matter what the weather is like, i still suffer!

I can't take Zyrtec, it reacts terribly with me and i get angry and mad and irritated and can't be around anyone. I've seriously never felt so aggitated and angry as I did after taking zyrtec!!

I take the green telfast and that is the only thing i can tolerate without being off with the fairies or having some reaction. I have no idea if you can take that when you are pregnant or not though.

The other option is speaking to the doc about getting the desensitizing needles that help with allergies, although that can be expensive I think. Not sure about the pregnancy thing once again.

I do feel for you though, my allergies drive me crazy most days! Hope you find some relief

I used Phenergen when I was pregnant (for itching, not hayfever), but I have a vague recollection that it's only safe in the third trimester, so you'd be best to ask a pharmacist.

Would a saline nasal spray help, e.g. to flush out airborne allergens?

Thnks alot for your suggestions everyone they are very helpful.

Dee - i would love to get allerfy tested however i live in the country and we have serious budget constraints, so its not gonna happen i don't think, good suggestion though.

cherie - i do think that a saling spray may help if i am desperate.

Thanks guys, im just trying to be prepared for pg this time around.

Hey Widdly, there are some things they can tell from a blood test and other things they need to do a skin test for.

My blood test didn't cost me a thing and I found out I was allergic to dust mites, animal fur, pollen and grass. I never had the skin test done because of the same reason, it was going to be too expensive. If your doc bulk bills you should be able to get a blood allergy test for free.

With the antihistimines, it all depends on each person. Clarantyne for examply is fine for one person but sends me loopy and I can't function properly. most other ones do to, like i mentioned earlier.

A nasal spray is a good suggestion!! I also got some allergy eye drops cause my eyes were red from rubbing them and being itchy and they also really help. Maybe check with the chemist to see if that is safe? They cost me under $10

dee - thanks heaps! i didn't realise you could have a blood test for allegies, i will keep it inmind and chat to my doc aboutit next time i go. The antihistamine don't send me loopy, make me feel 'high' like im floating but i still function properly probably just make me more relaxed thats all.

hello- i get hayfever really bad and my ob has told me i can take polaramine and it works really really well

haha polaramine is yet another one that makes me loopy and off with the fairies!

I took Polaramine from my 2nd trimester as well... and I take it now as well, it's ok even though BFing. It was recommended by my doctor and works well to stop the constant sneezing that I suffer nearly every morning. I really need to find out what's triggering it though.

I agree with Dee, although I am only TTC and am not pg, I use the eye drops, they provide a huge relief, and I also put a packet of frozen peas over my face every now and then when I have a flare up. I know it is winter, but it really takes care of the burning, itchy eyes and sore nose.

I just looked, the drops are called Prefrin and they did cost under $10. They work an absolute treat..

thanks guys. one thing that works wonders for me when i have hyfever is drinking heaps and heaps of water, works a treat!

Actually you might be onto something there Elissa, I tend to get very dehydrated at night, and especially when pregnant and BFing... MAYBE that is contributing to my hayfever-like symptoms... because the first thing i do every morning is drink lots of water... maybe that's why it's gone by lunchtime?!