Taking Care Of Yourself
If you come down with a cold, self-care will be an important part of your treatment plan.
Do your best to:
- Drink plenty of clear fluids
- Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Drinking hot water or tea with honey and lemon, gargling salt water, or sucking on ice chips are all safe ways to help soothe a sore or irritated throat.
Notify your healthcare provider if your symptoms seem especially severe or persistent.
Read Also: Can I Have The Flu Shot If I Am Sick
What Home Remedies Can I Take For A Cold While Pregnant
breathing warm, humid air to help loosen congestion a facial steamer, hot-mist vaporizer, or even a hot shower can work. chicken soup , to help relieve inflammation and soothe congestion. adding honey or lemon to a warm cup of decaffeinated tea to relieve a sore throat. using hot and cold packs to alleviate sinus pain.
How Long Does A Cold During Pregnancy Last
Cold symptoms generally last 10 to 14 days. And yes, sorry to say, you can get a brand new cold just as the last one is ending, so if it feels like you always have the sniffles, you may be right.
However, if your symptoms persist past 10 to 14 days, or seem to be getting progressively worse, let your practitioner know. He or she will want to make sure your never-ending cold isnt evolving into something more serious, like a secondary infection or the flu.
Also Check: Is The Flu Considered A Virus
Read Also: How Many Different Kinds Of Flu Shots Are There
Teratogens: The Tests Of Time
Women have traditionally been cautioned against taking medications during pregnancy, because there are no guarantees that any drug is safe. The only way to do that would be to put the drugs through controlled trials with pregnant women, and no one wants to assume the ethical or legal liabilities of exposing a pregnant woman and their fetus to potential harm.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires manufacturers to test drugs that might be used by reproductive-age women in pregnant animals, but the reactions in animals aren’t always the same. Thalidomide, a sedative and antinausea drug used by pregnant women in Europe, produced limb deformities in nearly 6,000 babies born between 1956 and 1963, but did not affect pregnant rats. Fortunately, the drug was not approved in the United States.
Yet over the years, experts have accumulated data on the effects of an array of medications used by women during pregnancy. One of the largest such studies, published in the late 1970s, tracked 50,282 pregnant women who took a variety of drugs from 1958 to 1965. Drugmakers also must report any problems they find out about to the Food and Drug Administration, and doctors voluntarily do the same.
Do I Have A Cold Or The Flu
A cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. Symptoms of a cold may include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and cough. A cold usually comes on gradually and is much milder than the flu. You can expect a cold to last for around a week.
On the other hand, the flu is much more severe and usually comes on more suddenly than a cold. Symptoms may include a high fever, headache, chills, muscle soreness, sore throat and fatigue. If you develop the flu during pregnancy, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
Don’t Miss: Flu Shot Clinics In Ri
Can I Take Cold Medicine While Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
There are certain cold medicines that are considered safe to take while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The safety of using over-the-counter cold medication while pregnant or breastfeeding depends on the specific medicines within the products, how far along you are in your pregnancy, and any other medical conditions you may have. You should only use cold medicines for the shortest time possible to help with your symptoms. Always be sure to check with your health care provider or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter cold medicines during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
The American Pregnancy Association recommends limiting the amount of over-the-counter cold medicines you take and trying certain home remedies to alleviate symptoms. They promote washing your hands regularly, drinking plenty of fluids, getting ample amounts of rest, eating well, and only using medications to treat the symptoms you are experiencing. As a home remedy for sinus congestion, they recommend using a humidifier, keeping your head elevated on a pillow while resting, and/or using adhesive nasal strips. For sore throat, they recommend sucking on ice chips, drinking warm herbal tea , or gargling warm salt water.1
Will Having A Cold Affect The Baby
Having a cold during pregnancy will not usually affect the fetus. Colds are mild illnesses that a persons immune system can handle relatively easily.
Having a cold during pregnancy will not usually affect the fetus. Colds are mild illnesses that a persons immune system can handle relatively easily.However, the persons temperature and infections can affect the fetus. If a person is experiencing a fever or other signs of infection, it is essential to speak with a doctor immediately to find the best way to reduce these symptoms.
When a person is pregnant, their body deals with a cold in much the same way as it does at any other time. The symptoms are temporary, and in most cases, the cold will be gone in 710 days.
If someone experiences the following symptoms during pregnancy, they should talk to a doctor right away:
- a fever of over 100.4° F
- severe or unusual symptoms
Read Also: How Long Do Side Effects Of Dog Flu Shot Last
How Can I Treat The Flu At Home While Pregnant
For symptoms, try these four natural flu remedies:
Recommended Reading: Flu Vaccine For Those With Egg Allergy
Taking Medication While Pregnant
The doctors agreed to monitor me carefully and to hold off for an hour or so. In the meantime, they grew less convinced that my discomfort was appendicitis and more sure I merely had a case of the flu and dehydration. But what I hadn’t fully understood was that a burst appendix was far more dangerous to me and my baby than any X-ray.
My misguided fears aren’t uncommon. Experts say many women — and even some doctors — think some medications and exposures are more harmful to a pregnancy than they actually are. It’s a good idea to avoid substances you don’t need, they say, but you shouldn’t feel compelled to be a martyr, either.
“I think there are great misperceptions out there,” says Karen Filkins, MD, director of reproductive genetics at the UCLA School of Medicine, who ran a pregnancy hotline in Pittsburgh for 12 years and fielded thousands of calls from pregnant women who were unduly worried about exposing their babies to everything from mouthwash to Ex-Lax.
Citing a variety of conditions from asthma to the common cold, Filkins says medications can often ensure safer pregnancies than if illnesses are left untreated. “In fact, the worst thing you can do is go cold turkey and stay sick. Fever, for instance, has more potentially damaging effects early in pregnancy than taking something like Tylenol.”
Recommended Reading: Cvs Minute Clinic Cost Of Flu Shot
Pain Or Headache Relief
Acetaminophen is the drug of choice for pain during pregnancy. Its widely used with very few documented adverse effects.
Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , on the other hand, should be avoided during pregnancy.
NSAIDs include:
- ketoprofen
- naproxen
If your pain is particularly severe after a surgery, for example your doctor may prescribe a short course of opioid pain relievers. When taken as directed, they may not affect fetal development.
That said, opioid use during pregnancy does carry the risk of withdrawal, called neonatal abstinence syndrome , after delivery.
Other Causes Of Bleeding During Pregnancy
Many things can cause bleeding in pregnant women, some of them harmless and some serious. If youre bleeding a lot, with or without pain or cramping at any time, call your doctor.
Continued
If youre pregnant and see blood in your underwear, it may be caused by:
Sex. Hormonal and physical changes may be to blame for this. It should stop on its own.
Fibroids and polyps. Your doctor might do some tests to check for these growths on your uterus.
Cervical problems. Conditions like infection or growths on your cervix can also cause bleeding.
Infection. Sexually transmitted diseases like trichomoniasis can cause light bleeding as well as more serious problems. Starting treatment as soon as possible will keep your baby healthy.
Ectopic pregnancy. This is when an embryo implants outside your uterus. You may have bleeding with pain and cramps. Its dangerous and needs medical care right away.
Miscarriage. About 15% of known pregnancies end during the first few months. Most women bleed and cramp afterward. Call your doctor right away if you know that you’re pregnant and you have these symptoms.
Read Also: Alka Seltzer Plus Cold And Flu Reviews
Getting Flu While You’re Pregnant
When you’re pregnant, your body’s immune system is naturally weaker. This means you’re more vulnerable to developing complications. Catching flu while you’re pregnant can also seriously affect your baby.
For this reason, NHS advice is that all pregnant women should receive the flu jab. The flu jab doesn’t offer 100 percent protection from the flu as it’s designed to protect you and your baby against certain strains, but it greatly reduces your risk of catching it. If you catch a strain of flu that the vaccination doesn’t protect you against, it should still shorten the length and severity of your illness.
Studies have shown that the flu jab is safe at all stages of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date. Speak to your GP about getting the free flu jab, as they should be able to provide it. You can also check if your local pharmacist offers the free flu vaccination, or if your midwife can provide it.
Pregnancy And Your Immune System
When youre pregnant, your immune system is modified in ways that protect your growing baby. And the changes in your immune system evolve throughout your pregnancy.
Your susceptibility to certain illnesses may change during the course of your pregnancy. Studies suggest that you may be most likely to get sick during the first trimester and least likely during the second.
You May Like: Minute Clinic Flu Shot Appointment
Herbs For Cold & Flu Safe During Pregnancy
Before you take flu and cold medicine while pregnant, use the following list of safe herbs to help cure what ails you.
The following list contains herbs that are safe both in preconception and pregnancy. If you are in this phase of your life, it is good to keep these herbs on hand for making teas or tinctures.
Echinacea
The root and/or flower and leaves of this plant are specialists at combatting infection. Note: Echinacea is best taken when there is a problem rather than as a preventative, especially when trying to conceive or when pregnant.
Elder
The berry of this shrub is made into syrups, teas, jellies, and even wine. They have been clinically proven to be effective against many strains of the flu. Elder will shorten the time of illness and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Astragalus
Medicines That Are Safe For Pregnant Women To Take When Sick
- Obstetrics
- Medicines That Are Safe for Pregnant Women to Take When Sick
When you are pregnant, your immune system doesnt operate at maximum capacity, which is actually a good thing because it keeps your growing baby protected, and stops your body from thinking the fetus is an intruder. However, this comes with the downside that your body cant ward off the viruses that cause the common cold quite as effectively. This can leave you vulnerable to the symptoms that come along, including a congested nose, cough, and sore throat.
As we move into cold and flu season, you may find yourself coming down with a cold, and while you can rest assured that your baby isnt experiencing any of them, you want to get rid of the symptoms quickly and safely. While colds are mostly an uncomfortable annoyance best managed by a little extra rest, fluids, and patience, you may find yourself seeking out cold medications to alleviate your symptoms. We recommend making a so they can steer you in the right direction in terms of cold medications that are considered safe during pregnancy. Here are our own recommendations on what to do if you get sick while pregnant.
Also Check: Why Is The Flu Shot Important
For A Stuffy Or Runny Nose:
Run a cool mist humidifier or step into a steamy shower to relieve nasal congestion.
Gently massaging the sinuses can also help with the drainage. You can also try irrigating your sinuses with saline nose drops or a neti pot. Drinking extra fluids can also help to thin mucus and make you less stuffy.
Is It Safe To Take Cold And Flu Remedies While Pregnant
Dr Rob Hicks explains which over-the-counter medicines are OK to have during pregnancy
Can I take cold and flu remedies, such as Lemsip?, is a common question during pregnancy.
Family GP Dr Rob says, Its best to avoid medicines when pregnant. However, paracetamol is fine to take during pregnancy. With ibuprofen, there are different guidelines on whether it is safe to take, depending on which stage of pregnancy youre at.
The NHS states, Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine . The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency advises that NSAIDs should not be used in the first two trimesters of pregnancy unless the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the potential risk to the foetus. NSAIDs should not be used at all in the third trimester unless on the advice of a doctor. Paracetamol, which is not an NSAID, is usually recommended as a safer choice than ibuprofen.
Don’t Miss: Can I Take Ibuprofen After Flu Shot
Acetaminophen / Dextromethorphan / Pseudoephedrine Breastfeeding Warnings
There are no data on the excretion of acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine into human milk.Acetaminophen is excreted into human milk in small concentrations. One case of a rash has been reported in a nursing infant. Acetaminophen is considered compatible with breast-feeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics.There are no data on the excretion of dextromethorphan into human milk.Pseudoephedrine is excreted into human milk. The effects in the nursing infant are unknown. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers pseudoephedrine to be compatible with breast-feeding.
References for pregnancy information
References for breastfeeding information
What Can You Do To Feel Better If You Get A Cold During Pregnancy
Although many of the medications that relieve cold symptoms are typically off-limits during pregnancy, you dont have to suffer with a runny nose and hacking cough when youre pregnant. Some of the most effective cold remedies dont come from the pharmacy shelf. Here’s how to feel better faster:
What to Expect selects products based on independent research and suggestions from our community of millions of parents learn more about our review process. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
You May Like: Does The Flu Shot Help With Seasonal Allergies
Can You Take Antidepressants And Anti
There is mixed research about the safety of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications for pregnant women. Some risks have been identified. For example, benzodiazepines are not recommended because they may cause problems like orofacial clefts, hypotonia, apnea, and feeding difficulties. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors have been linked to birth defects in some studies, but not others. Tricyclic Antidepressants may cause preterm births and other complications.
However, there are also risks to leaving a psychiatric disorder untreated. Women with depression are at increased risk of certain medical conditions, and they may not properly care for themselves during or after pregnancy. Its important for pregnant women to tend to their mental health so that they can properly care for the baby.
Herbal And Homeopathic Remedies And Aromatherapy In Pregnancy
Not all “natural” remedies or complementary therapies are safe in pregnancy.
Some products used may not be of a high quality and may contain other substances, such as lead, that could be harmful.
Tell your midwife, doctor or pharmacist if you’re using herbal, homeopathic or aromatherapy remedies or therapies.
If you do decide to use these therapies, you should always consult a qualified practitioner.
You should tell your practitioner that you’re pregnant before discussing any treatment.
The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care provides information on qualified or registered practitioners.
Organisations with PSA-accredited voluntary registers include:
Don’t Miss: What Is The Difference Between Type A And B Flu
How Can You Tell If You Have A Cold Or The Flu During Pregnancy
The most common cold symptoms include:
- runny nose
Typical symptoms of the flu include:
- a bad cough
- headache
- sore throat
These symptoms are transient and of a variable nature and intensity. They generally resolve themselves within 10 to 14 days.
Treatment of a cold and the flu is based above all on rest and symptom relief.