Which Medicines Are Safe
You can find out information on medicines in pregnancy on the bumps website.
They also have advice on what to do if you have already taken a medicine in pregnancy.
But itâs also important to never stop taking a medicine thatâs been prescribed to keep you healthy without first checking with your doctor.
Stopping taking your medicine could be harmful to both you and your baby.
If youâre trying for a baby or are already pregnant, itâs important to always:
- check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before taking any prescribed medicines or medicines that you have bought
- make sure your doctor, dentist or another healthcare professional knows youâre pregnant before they prescribe anything or give you treatment
- talk to your doctor immediately if you take regular medicine, ideally before you start trying for a baby or as soon as you find out youâre pregnant
If you cannot find information about a specific medicine on bumps, you can ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist to contact the UK Teratology Information Service for advice on your behalf.
Having A Cold Or Flu When Youre Pregnant
The immune system is a little weaker during pregnancy, which makes you more susceptible to health conditions like the cold or the flu. If you do get sick, the symptoms might be worse when youre pregnant, or they might last for longer than usual. This makes prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment even more important for the duration of your pregnancy. Youll want to call your provider if you notice any of these, especially if its flu season.
The cold and flu during pregnancy
Typical cold and flu symptoms include a low grade fever, a cough, a sore throat, dizziness, difficulty breathing, a high fever, vomiting, and chest pain or pressure. Colds are very common in pregnancy, and rarely hurt the developing baby, but the symptoms can be very annoying and most women want some relief from them while they wait out their cold. The best way to prevent a cold is to wash your hands often, and to avoid anyone who looks like they might have the cold, as it is easily passed between people.
What OTC drugs are safest?
Your healthcare provider will let you know what products are safe and necessary for treating the flu in pregnancy, and you should ask him or her before taking any medication during pregnancy. That said, there are certain general rules of thumb when it comes to medications during pregnancy.
Can pregnant women get the flu vaccine?
When to call your provider
How Can I Prevent The Flu During Pregnancy
There are many steps that can be taken as precautionary measures to prevent the flu. A few of these simple steps include regularly washing your hands, healthy eating habits, getting plenty of sleep, and staying away from those who have the flu. The CDC recommends getting your flu vaccination as the most effective way to prevent getting the flu while pregnant.
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Common Cold Symptoms During Pregnancy
Generally, a cold will start with a sore or scratchy throat lasting about a day or two, followed by the gradual onset of other symptoms which may include:
- Sneezing
- Mild fatigue
- A runny, then later stuffy nose
- A dry cough, particularly as the cold is ending which may continue for a week or more after the other symptoms have mostly subsided
- A low-grade fever typically under 100 degrees Fahrenheit
Cold symptoms usually last between 10 to 14 days. However, if your symptoms persist longer than that time frame or seem to progressively worsen, you should talk to your primary care physician so they can ensure it hasnt turned into something more serious like an infection or the flu.
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.
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A Word About Antibiotics
So many patients call asking for antibiotics for a cold,usually when theyve had symptoms for several days. There are a few times whenantibiotics are appropriate, for instance, strep throat or sinus infectionscaused by bacteria. But antibiotics simply dont work against viruses thatcause the common cold. Overprescribing antibiotics for viral illnesses leads toantibiotic resistance, which means the bacteria grow stronger over time andbecome tougher to beat with antibiotics.If a doctor prescribes an antibiotic for cold symptoms, its usually a short,three-day round of drugs. The patient often feels better after finishing themedication but probably would have recovered in that timeframe anyway withoutthe drug.
Mild And Severe Allergies
Mild allergies may respond well to lifestyle measures. If you need some extra help, the following OTC oral antihistamines are generally considered safe:
- diphenhydramine
- loratadine
- cetirizine
If your allergies are more severe, your doctor may suggest taking an OTC corticosteroid spray at a low dose along with an oral antihistamine. Options include:
- budesonide
- fluticasone
You may also try the following lifestyle changes:
- Avoid going outdoors or opening windows on high pollen days.
- Take off clothing youve been wearing outdoors. Rinse off pollen from skin and hair with a quick shower.
- Wear a mask while completing outdoor chores or enlist the help of someone else for tasks like mowing.
- Rinse nasal passages with saline spray or a neti pot.
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Is A Cold Dangerous During Pregnancy
Colds are very common during pregnancy, and they are unlikely to harm the pregnant person or fetus. While there are some uncertainties over the safety of OTC cold remedies during pregnancy, most people can relieve their symptoms using gentle home remedies. Most people will feel better in around a week.
Can I Breastfeed While Sick
Yes, you can breastfeed even if you’re sick. Breastfeeding while sick is still healthy for you and your baby. Continuing to breastfeed is also a good reminder to keep yourself fully hydrated. You need ample hydration to make breast milk, and it also helps relieve symptoms.
Things to consider with breastfeeding while sick include:
- Age of the infant
- Potential effects of the drug on breast milk production
- Amount of the drug that will enter the milk supply
- Proportion of the baby’s milk intake that is from breastfeeding
Premature babies and newborns are most at risk for being negatively affected by medicine in breast milk, but the risk goes down around 2 months of age.
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Can You Take Cold Medicine When Pregnant
There is a huge variety of cough and cold products available. It can be so hard to know what to take!
Good news is, most cold medications are pregnancy-safe, especially in the second or third trimester. Theres no need to suffer with sinus infections or an upper respiratory tract infection just find the medication that fits your symptoms best with your doctors approval.
In general, over the counter medications are safe for pregnancy . Short-term use is typically OK, especially after the first trimester of pregnancy. But be careful with liquid cough medications as they often contain alcohol. Medications like DayQuil and NyQuil may not be safe.
If you are experiencing cold symptoms, . As a general rule, you should always ask your provider before starting any medical treatments. Your specific symptoms may be better treated by prescription medications. In most cases, the cold medicines you have in the medicine cabinet are OK, but you should always call your doctor and ask first.
Before taking over the counter medications, try some natural remedies. During the first trimester of pregnancy, it is safest to start with these natural cold symptom relievers and to switch to medication if your symptoms dont improve and with doctors approval.
If your symptoms do not approve, you can use medication as well as use some of these natural cold relieving methods.
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.
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How Do You Fight A Cold When Pregnant
What can you do to feel better if you get a cold during pregnancy?
Dealing With The Flu While Pregnant
Flu is an infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It’s not the same as a cold. Flu is caused by a different group of viruses. Symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer.
You can catch flu short for influenza all year round, but it is especially common in winter.
If you are pregnant and think you have the flu, see your doctor as soon as possible. It is recommended that pregnant women who have the flu are treated with antiviral medicines because they are at much higher risk of complications. Antiviral medicines work best when started within 48 hours of symptoms starting.
Antivirals will not cure flu, but they will help to:
- reduce the length of time you are ill by around one day
- relieve some of the symptoms
- reduce the potential for serious complications
If this is the case, you should also:
- rest
- drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
You can take paracetamol to help lower your high temperature and relieve aches.
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How Much Tylenol Is Safe During Pregnancy
If you are taking Tylenol Extra Strength, your recommended dose will be 2 caplets every 6 hours while the symptom lasts. Pregnant women can take a maximum of 3,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours, which is the same as any non-pregnant adult.
Historically, the daily maximum dose of acetaminophen was 4000 mg in 24 hours for adults. In 2012, FDA suggested a daily dose of 3,000 mg but did not mandate it. If you think, you might need more than the recommended dose of Tylenol during pregnancy, consult your OB-GYN first.
If you are taking Tylenol PM, which contains diphenhydramine along with acetaminophen, the suggested dosage is 2 caplets at bedtime with not more than 2 caplets in 24 hours.
It is crucial to keep in mind that acetaminophen is also present in other over-the-counter drugs like the medications for cough, cold, and flu. So, if you are taking multiple medicines, you must consider the total dose of acetaminophen per day and not only how much Tylenol you are taking.
About 65% of women have used acetaminophen at some point during their pregnancy and it is generally considered safe in proper dosage compared to other pain-relieving drugs like Aspirin and Ibuprofen, which have been linked to birth defects.
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
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Cold And Flu During Pregnancy
5-minute read
Colds and flu symptoms can be very similar to the symptoms of COVID-19. Even if your symptoms are mild, get tested for COVID-19 immediately use the colds and flu Symptom Checker if you’re not sure what to do. You can also learn more here about COVID-19 during pregnancy.
Getting the cold or flu when you are pregnant can affect your unborn baby. If you are considering pregnancy or are already pregnant, it is highly recommended that you have the flu vaccination to help protect you and your baby.
What Medications Should You Avoid For A Cold During Pregnancy
Some medications, which are otherwise safe to treat a cold, may not be suitable to be taken during pregnancy. They include
- Ibuprofen and aspirin are analgesics that may result in low birth weight and preterm delivery. These medicines should be avoided in the last trimester as well.
- Some studies have stated that decongestants such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are associated with fetal birth defects, whereas other studies have refuted this claim. However, these should be avoided in the first trimester and their dose should also be limited.
- Codeine-containing cough syrups and products containing alcohol are a strict no-no.
- Never take echinacea or other herbal remedies during pregnancy without seeking approval from the physician.
- Most antibiotics are not safe in pregnancy. In case you need them, take them only as directed by the doctor.
Always try to take medicines formulated for your specific symptoms and avoid multi-symptom formulas.
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What Can You Take For A Cold While Pregnant
Pregnancy is a unique period where extra care and caution are required to protect the fetus you are carrying. Catching a cold or flu during pregnancy can always be severe because it may last three times longer. Pregnant women are more susceptible to the complications of a cold, such as pneumonia. However, a cold doesnt harm the fetus. There are many ways to avoid colds and have a healthy pregnancy. You may take over-the-counter treatment after consulting with the physician because these are generally safe. OTC medications for colds and flus include
- Saline nasal drops or spray
- Tylenol Sinus
- Tylenol Cold & Flu
Always be cautious about using these medications during the first trimester because this is the most crucial phase of fetal development. Always check with your physician before taking any type of medication. Antibiotics are not required in most cases. They must always be taken after talking to your doctor.
Some of the natural remedies to treat a cold during pregnancy include
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:
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Supplement Use During Pregnancy
Discuss any supplements you take or plan to take during your pregnancy with your doctor.
While prenatal vitamins are recommended to support levels of essential vitamins and minerals, like folate, other supplements may pose risks to your baby. They may also interact with medications youre already taking.
Note that just because something is labeled all-natural doesnt always mean its safe. Supplements are by the FDA in the same way as prescription drugs. Approach them with caution and discuss using with your doctor before starting any.
Can I Take Sudafed/sudafed Pe When Pregnant
Sudafed and Sudafed PE are generally safe OTC medications to take during pregnancy after the first trimester according to the Cleveland Clinic. Regular Sudafeds main ingredient is pseudoephedrine, a decongestant. Sudafed PE is similar to the plain Sudafed but it contains phenylephrine.
Regular Sudafed has been a go-to for a sinus infection during pregnancy for a long time. This cold medicine works by constricting blood flow to the nasal passages. Common side effects include dry mouth, feeling like your heart is racing, and high blood pressure.
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