Having a cold is never easy- especially not when you’re pregnant. If you’re feeling under the weather, you may be thinking how to handle it. Are cold medications safe for pregnancy? Colds during pregnancy are the same as most common colds, but expecting moms may feel discomfort over pregnancy-related aches. As pregnancy can weaken the immune system, colds may develop more often and stay longer.

Most adults experience two or three cold attacks each year, and this doesn’t stop if you become pregnant. It’s not likely that a common cold will result in any complications for you or your little one.

However, seek help from your gynaecologist if symptoms last long or become more intense. Also, check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter cold relief medications to ensure they are safe for your baby.
cold during pregnancy

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Do Colds Get Worse When You’re Pregnant?

The pathogens responsible for causing a cold are the same viruses that give you a cold when you are pregnant too. So, don't worry; your cold will not be severe when you’re pregnant.

However, due to its discomfort, colds may make you feel more exhausted during pregnancy. Moreover, you may have frequent episodes of cold during pregnancy as your immune system will be weak and undergo a lot of changes.

Also Read: Common Cold: Immunise Your Body With These Ayurvedic Preventions

What Symptoms Do You Observe From A Cold During Pregnancy?

The symptoms of a cold during pregnancy will be similar to a typical cold, including:

  • Coughing
  • Runny
  • Sneezing
  • Fatigue
  • Body aches

What Cold Medications Are Safe To Take If You’re Pregnant?

Several over-the-counter cold relief medications are considered safe to use while pregnant. However, it’s essential to seek proper guidance from your healthcare provider before taking any medications or supplements during pregnancy. Even if they are natural supplements like elderberry or vitamin C.

If you’re looking for relief, you can try some home treatments for colds that are generally considered safe while you are pregnant. These include:

Salt water gargling offers respite from sore throat and inflammation

Humidifiers help to enhance the moisture level in the air, which can improve breathing and keep nasal passage unclogged

Using saline rinse or spray to clear out sinuses

Drinking plenty of warm fluids with honey, lemon or Tulsi infusion to keep the throat moist and loosen the congestion

Getting sound sleep and good rest lets the body naturally combat infection.

Also Read: Nagging Cold? Here Are 5 Nasal Decongestants That Can Come To Your Rescue

Steam Inhalation can offer instant relief from nasal congestion.

Eat a whole lot of foods packed with vitamin C, like oranges, strawberries, guava, mangoes, and bell peppers, to trigger the immune system. These foods can help you recover fast.

Stay away from irritants that can trigger cold symptoms, such as smoke and strong odours.

Pregnant women with a weakened immune system should consult with their healthcare provider as they may be prone to develop pneumonia, bronchitis or another condition.

Taking ample rest, eating a wholesome diet, and getting care promptly if your symptoms aggravate or continue can help reduce the chance of more severe conditions.

Can I Prevent Catching A Cold During Pregnancy?

To help avert a cold during pregnancy, you should:

  • Follow effective hygiene, including frequent handwashing and good respiratory etiquette
  • Have nutritious and wholesome foods that may help trigger the immune system
  • Use a mask or stay away from people who have colds

When To Seek Help From A Doctor?

If your cold symptoms continue for more than a week or aggravate, seek immediate help from a healthcare provider. Fever, intense headaches, or breathing issues require prompt medical care to avert complications like flu or other infections.

Author Profile

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

References:

Maternal exposure to cold spells during pregnancy is associated with higher blood pressure and hypertension in offspring later in life

Nanfang Li, MD, PhD,corresponding author 1 Li Cai, MD, 1 Mulalibieke Heizhati, PhD, 1 Lin Wang, PhD, 1 Mei Li, MD, 1 Delian Zhang, MD, PhD, 1 Suofeiya Abulikemu, MD, 1 Xiaoguang Yao, MD, PhD, 1 Jing Hong, MD, 1 Bo Zou, MD, 1 and Jianxin Zhao, MD 1

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8029659/

Treating the common cold during pregnancy

Aida Erebara, MD, Pina Bozzo, Adrienne Einarson, RN, and Gideon Koren, MD FRCPC

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2377219/