Thursday, June 22, 2006

Flu.. Flu... Go Away......

I'm down with the dreaded Flu. While I'm quite used to the sniffling and the runny nose this one came with all the accessories attached - headaches, body aches, fatigue, feeling feverish etc etc etc. Usually such symptoms dissapear within a day or two but this time it looks intent on staying a lil' while longer. Hubby and Umi can't seem to see me suffer and keep suggesting I go see the GP and ask for some mild medication approved for pregnancy but I really really don't think it's worth the risk. I think I'll sit this one through ..after all flu is a self-limiting condition ie it will run its course... sooner raher than later I hope.

Most medicines cross the placenta and go into the blood of the foetus.
The foetus cannot always get rid of the medicine as easily as the mother can, so they may receive higher doses than the mother.
Medicines can affect the foetus at any stage through the pregnancy, not just the first trimester.

Remedies you take during pregnancy or breast feeding may affect your baby, but some medicines are thought to be safe in pregnancy and breast-feeding. Your pharmacist or doctor can advise you on what you can take.

If you take regular medicines talk to your doctor before becoming pregnant so that you can plan the safest use of your medicine during your pregnancy.
Do not stop your regular medicines without talking to your doctor. Depending on why you have been prescribed the medicine, you and/or your baby will often have lower risk if your medical condition is under control with medicines. The dose of some medicines can change during pregnancy.

It is hard to know with many medicines and natural remedies if they are absolutely safe in pregnancy because it would not be ethical to do studies during pregnancy for most remedies.

By the time you have had a positive pregnancy test you may be anywhere from three weeks to two or three months pregnant. This means you may have taken medicines or had alcohol without realising you were pregnant.

Cold or Flu paracetamol can usually be taken for pain and fever. Drink plenty of water. Use a saline nose spray or steam inhalation for a blocked nose. If you can, put up with the symptoms, if you can't put up with the symptoms ask your pharmacist or doctor what to take. Don't take anything without checking first.
Source: http://www.medic8.com/healthguide/articles/medsinpregnancy.html

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