“What Are Safe Cold Medications During Pregnancy?”

What Are Safe Cold Medications During Pregnancy?

I was miserable the first time I caught a cold during pregnancy. While a cold is challenging to cope with on any ordinary day, it often seems twice as undermining when you are pregnant and battling fatigue and other side effects of pregnancy anyway. Women are more susceptible to colds during pregnancy because their immune system is lower during pregnancy.

With colds come many unpleasant side effects, including head congestion and sore throats. While your natural instinct may be to reach for the Nyquil for some quick relief, this is not a good or safe alternative during pregnancy.

You don’t have to suffer however, during pregnancy if you do catch a cold. There are choices available to pregnant mothers who develop colds during pregnancy.

Most of the time your doctor will recommend you stick to acetaminophen or Tylenol during pregnancy. Tylenol is a good fever reducer and can help relieve a mild sore throat. While some acetaminophen will cross the placenta and therefore may reach your baby, it is generally considered safe during pregnancy and one of the more commonly prescribed medications during pregnancy.

Mild Interventions For Overcoming Cold Symptoms During Pregnancy
Other mild interventions you may consider to help reduce your discomfort include:

•  Take a warm bath. This can help reduce body aches associated with the flu or flu like conditions.
•  Use a vaporizer in your room at night to help lessen congestion.
•  Drink lots of fluids and soup to help you feel better and to help keep you hydrated.
•  Consider extra vitamin C in the form of fruits and vegetables.
•  Get plenty of extra rest. The body has a remarkable ability to heal itself during times of rest. The more rested you are, the faster your body will beat the infection or virus plaguing you.
•  Consider some acupressure or massage. This can help improve your circulation and encourage your lymph system to drain, helping you get over your cold faster. If nothing else you may feel more relaxed after a session and less anxious about your cold or illness.
•  Consider a Neti Pot if you have a sinus infection or clogged sinuses. This involves flushing the nasal cavity with warm saltwater. It can help relieve congestion and help you breathe better. It may even reduce the duration of your cold or cough!

At certain times if your cough is really bad your doctor may recommend trying some guaifenesin. A natural alternative to this that may help soothe a cough is warm, caffeine free tea with a generous dollop of honey and lemon. Add a small ¼ teaspoon of ginger to help reduce mild nausea and help boost your overall health and well-being.

If you have an infection during pregnancy your doctor may need to recommend an antibiotic. There are some antibiotics your doctor may prescribe that are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. An example includes antibiotics in the penicillin family. There are some times when the benefits of using an antibiotic outweigh the risks associated with their use.

If you do develop a bacterial infection, the risks of the infection may be more severe than any risk associated with taking an antibiotic.

Of course, the best way to treat a cold during pregnancy is by preventing it. Don’t forget during pregnancy it is more important than ever you wash your hand religiously. This is especially the case if you have other young children at home that often bring back colds.

If battling a cold that is especially severe, don’t hesitate to call your health care provider for advice. While it is best to avoid most medications during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor may be able to recommend added measures after your first trimester to help increase your comfort and promote your well being.