Pregnancy can leave you hot and bothered at the best of times, and you don’t want the added burden of hay fever symptoms. But lots of the products you’ve relied on before state they may not be safe in pregnancy. So how can you treat your symptoms? As practising GPs here at Healthwords, we’re used to weighing up risks and benefits – some products that are labelled as "unlicensed for pregnancy" may be an option after discussion with your doctor. Let’s arm you with the facts first, before you speak to your doctor. It’s also worth stating that hay fever, or allergic rhinitis (similar eye and nose symptoms to any allergen), is not known to cause any harm to you or your growing baby if left untreated. It’s for your comfort if you wish to pursue treatment for your symptoms.

Not all medications are safe in pregnancy. This is because some medication can cross the placenta and reach the baby. This makes it important to ensure that the medication you are taking doesn’t harm your unborn child and it is always best to speak to your doctor or pharmacist to check that. All painkillers should be taken at the lowest dose necessary, striking a balance between harm to baby and effect on mother. Painkillers are a common medication needed through the many stages of pregnancy, and the Healthwords medical team are here to talk you through the options.

Labour can be very painful and so some sort of pain relief is usually required to help them through it and to prevent distress to both themselves and their baby.

Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for your baby and is also a fantastic chance to bond. But it’s a relentless task with no chance for a day off, and from time to time, your nipples may get sore. There can be a number of reasons for this, but if it's not getting any better, it’s most often due to a poor latch. This is where your baby doesn’t attach to the breast as well as they can, causing undue pressure on the nipples. It can be difficult to continue to breastfeed, as this is the best way to get through painful feeds. But do seek help early to address any underlying issues and make it more comfortable in future.