Treating a Cold During Pregnancy

You’re pregnant and experiencing mood swings from surging hormones and running to the bathroom every time you turn around. On top of all of this, you have developed a runny nose, sore throat and a headache. You have a cold and because of being pregnant there are some cold medications that you might have took before that you can’t now. You might be surprised though at how easy it is to treat a cold during pregnancy.

Instructions

1. Get lots of rest. Resting is one of the best ways of treating a cold. This is a time when the body is better able to recuperate and heal itself.

2. Drink plenty of liquids. When people get colds, often their bodies get dehydrated. Drinking lots of liquids is a way to combat this. Your body can get over a cold faster and easier when it is hydrated. Juices and water are good to drink when you are sick.

3. Take Tylenol. Tylenol is good to take for fevers and headaches.

4. Take prenatal vitamins. These vitamins are specifically balanced for the changing body of the pregnant woman and will help boost her immune system, which is not as high as it might have been before getting pregnant.

5. Swallow a teaspoon of honey if you have a cough due to the cold. Honey will help soothe a cough and also soothe a sore throat.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a humidifier or saline nasal drops or sprays will help with a congested nose. There are some over the counter cold medicines that may help you get over a cold faster. These include Benedryl, Sudafed and Robitussen. Gargling with salt water is another way to help heal a sore throat. Eating a balanced and healthy diet will not only help you get over a cold, it will help prevent a bad cold.

• Do not smoke. If you do, stop. Besides smoking not being healthy for you, it can increase the chance of having a miscarriage or stillbirth and giving your baby health problems such as respiratory problems and low birth weight. Smoking while pregnant lowers your already out of kilter immune system. If you keep a cold for more than a week or your symptoms seem to be getting worse, then you need to see your doctor. Your cold might have progressed into an infection and need antibiotics. Never take antibiotics that were prescribed by a doctor for someone else. There are some antibiotics that are not safe for pregnant women to take and your doctor will let you know which ones are best for you and your unborn child.