What Happens If You Take Cough Medicine When Pregnant?
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Getting Sick During Pregnancy
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With a weakened immune system and increased mucus production, a pregnant woman may often feel unwell, even without a virus or sinus infection. Colds and flu are viruses, and most viruses simply have to run their miserable course. Many women are uncomfortable taking medicines while pregnant, so there are home remedies you can try. Certain tried-and-true over-the-counter medicines are generally considered safe during pregnancy. You should know that a fever is bad for your fetus, so if your temperature goes up and you can't get it down, you should call your doctor.
Home Remedies
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As always, drink 8 to 10 glasses of clear fluids a day, and get plenty of rest. You can try steam therapy--either a vaporizer, or just sit under a towel with a pan of hot water under your nose. You can add a little eucalyptus or peppermint oil to help open your nasal passages. Also, you can use saline drops to loosen secretions. If you're stuffy at night, try sleeping propped up on two or more pillows. A warm shower also helps open passages, and warm compresses ease facial pain from congestion.
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Using Medication During Pregnancy
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Avoid taking medications at all during the first trimester (when your fetus' organs are forming) or if you run past your due date. After 12 weeks, you can take pseudoephedrine for your stuffy nose, and dextromethorpan or guaifenisin for your cough. Acetaminophen is considered safe for pain and fever. If your cold does develop into a sinus infection, talk to your doctor, who should be able to prescribe antibiotics that will be safe for your fetus. These medicines are generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it's always safer to try to go the nonmedical route.
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