Sick - what can I take? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Sick - what can I take?

232
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 18:37

For the last few days I have been feeling really unwell and run down. Symptoms include runny nose, which has now subsided, coughing up yucky stuff, bad headache, chills and fever. Went to the chemist today and they said they cannot give me anything as I am in early stages of pregnancy. She suggested to add a spoonful of bicarbonate of soda to a juice drink and take it 3 times as day ... something about changing the PH level of my blood.

Anyone else have any useful home remedies?

447
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 November 2011 - 17:17
LOL ... how funny!!! I thought why not just get one of those cans and bomb them in their room one night!! So much less hassle!
232
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2011 - 16:56
LOL ... how funny!!!
447
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 November 2011 - 16:53
Thanks ... I was looking up the same thing as I was getting worried. Now I know why my feet are looking puffy! Took a paracetamol and feeling a bit better. Can't believe the pharmacist did not suggest this. Makes you wonder sometimes doesn't it. I was at a Dr a few weeks ago with my girls who had lice and she suggested putting insect spray in their heads 3 times a day!!
2340
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 November 2011 - 15:34
Thanks ... I was looking up the same thing as I was getting worried. Now I know why my feet are looking puffy! Took a paracetamol and feeling a bit better. Can't believe the pharmacist did not suggest this. Make sure you drink lots of water to help your kidneys flush out some of that extra fluid. Rest as much as you can (although light exercise can help get the fluids moving on too) and keep your feet elevated on a footstool when you are sitting down. Avoid salty foods, eat well and I hope you feel much better soon. Your body is slightly immuno-compromised during pregnancy so viruses etc will often hit a bit harder than usual, and may take a little longer to recover from. If you don't feel you're improving in a day or so, best to see your GP or OB to make sure you don't need antibiotics.
232
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2011 - 14:18
Thanks ... I was looking up the same thing as I was getting worried. Now I know why my feet are looking puffy! Took a paracetamol and feeling a bit better. Can't believe the pharmacist did not suggest this.
2782
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 November 2011 - 13:10
I looked up why you're not supposed to take the baking soda/sodium bicarbonate and its because it can cause water retention, so not because of harm to baby, still think it was a weird thing to advise for fever. To clarify, Paracetamol use is not controversial during pregnancy, its pretty much the only thing you ARE allowed to take and any pharmacist SHOULD know this. You shouldn't take ibuprofin (advil/neurofen), volataren or aspirin if you can avoid it (i.e only under Drs supervision).
232
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2011 - 09:45
Definitely a pharmacist! I took the bicarbonate of soda twice yesterday and threw up 3 times last night! Still feel a bit quesy in my stomach today. I specifically drove to a pharmacy yesterday as I had been to them before and I thought they would give me the correct advice. Off work for a couple of days so will just rest. Good to know I can take tablets. I have heard mixed reviews and some baby websites say it is best to avoid them during pregnancy.
332
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 November 2011 - 09:00
I also took Panadol Advance (paracetamol) throughout the pregnancy and was fine. I also made ginger tea and sweetened it with honey.
2782
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 18:46
are you sure you were talking to a pharmacist?????? You can safely take paracetamol (aka; panadol, tylenol, calpol etc etc) during pregnancy, that should take care of the chills, fever and headache. Aside from that get yourself into bed, rest, rest rest and plenty of fluids, cut out dairy for a few days and get on the chicken soups (chicken broth has decongestant properties) You should not take baking soda, I remember when I was pregnant and had reflux it was one of the heartburn recipies you are not meant to take. Not that it would change the pH of your blood, again, are you sure you spoke to a pharmacist???
 
 

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