Pregnant With a Cold? Here’s how to Manage a Cold During Pregnancy

When you’re expecting, your immune system runs at a lower speed than usual — which is actually a good thing, since it keeps your growing baby protected and stops your body from thinking that the fetus is a foreign entity. The downside of this immune suppression, though, is that your body doesn’t ward off many of the viruses that cause the common cold, which can make you more vulnerable to symptoms including a stuffy nose, cough and sore throat.

The upside to even the nastiest cold symptoms is knowing your baby isn’t experiencing any of them. In fact, the womb’s environment keeps baby completely sheltered from cold bugs.

As for you, colds are mostly an uncomfortable annoyance best managed with rest, fluids, patience and a quick call to your practitioner to make sure he or she is aware of all your symptoms, including any fever. If necessary, your doctor can also steer you towards cold medications that are considered safe during pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know to feel better.

What are the symptoms of a cold during pregnancy?

A cold usually begins with a sore or scratchy throat that lasts for a day or two, followed by the gradual appearance of other symptoms, including:

• A runny, then later stuffy, nose
• Sneezing
• Mild fatigue
• A dry cough, particularly near the cold’s end, which may continue for a week or more after other symptoms have subsided
• Low-grade fever (usually under 100 degrees Fahrenheit)

Weirdest Pregnancy Symptoms

What causes colds during pregnancy?

Colds are most commonly caused by a type of virus known as a rhinovirus, which is easily passed from person to person. There are 200 or more cold viruses, which is why may get them frequently.

How long does a cold during pregnancy last?

Cold symptoms generally last 10 to 14 days. And yes, sorry to say, you can get a brand new cold just as the last one is ending, so if it feels like you always have the sniffles, you may be right.

However, if your symptoms persist past 10 to 14 days, or seem to be getting progressively worse, let your practitioner know. He or she will want to make sure your never-ending cold isn’t evolving into something more serious, like a secondary infection or the flu.

Is it a cold — or the flu?

You can usually tell the difference between a cold and the flu by taking stock of the symptoms:

• A cold, even a bad one, is milder than the flu. Its symptoms come on gradually, and there’s usually little to no fever. The sore throat that usually starts off the cold goes away after a day or two, leaving the runny nose and cough as the main symptoms.
• Influenza, aka the flu, is more severe and comes on more suddenly than a cold. Symptoms of the flu include a high fever (usually 101 degrees F to 104 degrees F or higher), headache, chills, a sore throat that generally worsens by the second or third day (unlike with a cold), often intense muscle soreness, and general weakness and fatigue, which can last a couple of weeks or longer. You may also experience occasional sneezing and a cough that can become severe.

What can you do to feel better if you get a cold during pregnancy?

Although many of the medications that relieve cold symptoms are typically off-limits during pregnancy, you don’t have to suffer with a runny nose and hacking cough when you’re pregnant. Some of the most effective cold remedies don’t come from the pharmacy shelf. Here’s how to feel better faster:

• Rest. Taking a cold to bed doesn’t necessarily shorten its duration, but if your body is begging for some rest, be sure to listen.
• Stay active. If you’re not running a fever or coughing and you feel up to it, do some light to moderate, pregnancy-safe exercise, which may actually help you feel better faster.
• Keep eating. Sure, you probably don’t have much of an appetite, but eating as healthy a diet as possible when you do feel up to it can help with some of your cold symptoms.
• Focus on foods with vitamin C. They can help boost your immune system naturally. Try all types of citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, grapefruit), strawberries, melon, kiwi, mango, tomatoes, bell peppers, papaya, broccoli, red cabbage and spinach.
• Chow down on more zinc. It may also help boost the immune system; pregnant women should aim to get 11-15 milligrams each day from all sources, including your prenatal vitamin. Fill up on turkey, beef, pork, cooked oysters, eggs, yogurt, wheat germ and oatmeal.
• Drink up. Fever, sneezes and a runny nose will cause your body to lose fluids that you and your baby need. Warm beverages will be particularly soothing, so keep a thermos of a hot drink like ginger tea or a hot soup like chicken broth next to your bed. Try to drink enough to stay well hydrated too — your urine should be the color of pale straw. Water and cold juices also work fine, if that’s what you’re thirsting for.
• Supplement safely. Taking your prenatal vitamin, which contains vitamin C and zinc, is smart even when you’re fighting a cold. Just don’t take any other supplements beyond your prenatal without your doctor’s approval.
• Sleep easy. Breathe easier when you’re lying down or sleeping by elevating your head with a couple of pillows. Nasal strips, which gently pull your nasal passages open, making breathing easier, may also help. They’re sold over the counter and are completely drug-free.
• Moisturize your air. If dry conditions in your home aggravate your sensitive nasal passages and throat, misting the room with a cold or warm air humidifier at night can help. Adults can use either kind, but for safety’s sake, don’t ever use a warm-air version in a baby’s or toddler’s room.
• Use saline nose drops, sprays or rinses. These help moisten your nasal passages; since they’re un-medicated, they’re completely safe to use as often as you need. Just avoid neti pots, since they’re more apt to spread germs.
• Gargle with saltwater. Gargling with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water) can ease a scratchy or sore throat, wash away post nasal drip and help control a cough.
• Eat honey. A couple of teaspoons straight — or mixed in hot water with lemon — has been shown to help suppress the kind of dry cough that often comes with and after a cold at least as effectively as an OTC cough syrup.

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What can pregnant women take for a cold? Safe medications for colds during pregnancy

Before you reach for anything in your medicine cabinet when you’re in bed with a cold, reach for the phone to call your practitioner so you can ask which remedies are considered safe in pregnancy, as well as which will work best in your case.

Be sure to double-check any prescription or OTC medication or supplement recommended by a different health care provider, such as a therapist, nutritionist or pharmacist, with your practitioner to make sure it’s safe. And watch out for multi-tasking meds, like general pain relievers, which could contain ingredients that aren’t cleared for pregnant women. Some remedies you’re used to taking may not be safe during pregnancy.

So what cold medications are generally considered safe during pregnancy? Here’s a list:

• Acetaminophen: If you’re running a fever or suffering from nasty body aches or headaches, it’s generally considered safe to take products containing acetaminophen (like Tylenol) over the short-term.
• Cough medications: Expectorants (like Mucinex), cough suppressants (such as Robitussin or Vicks Formula 44), vapor rubs (like Vicks Vapo Rub) as well as most cough drops are considered safe during pregnancy, but ask your practitioner about dosing.
• Some nasal sprays: Most steroid-containing nasal sprays are fine to use during pregnancy, but check with your doctor about brands and dosing. Plain saline drops and sprays are always safe to take when you’re expecting and can help clear and moisturize a stuffy nose.
• Some antihistamines: Benadryl and Claritin often get the green light during pregnancy, but be sure to check with your practitioner before taking them. Some doctors will advise staying away from those medications in the first trimester.

Always check with your practitioner before you take any medication — prescription, over the counter or homeopathic. And don’t put off calling the doctor or refuse to take a medication he or she prescribes because you think all drugs are harmful in pregnancy. Many are not. But do be sure the prescribing doctor knows you’re expecting.

Medications to avoid during pregnancy

Some of the medications that could help with cold symptoms are off-limits to moms-to-be because they may complicate pregnancy and cause harm to their unborn baby, although further research needs to be done. Don’t panic if you happened to inadvertently take one of these medications. It’s probably fine, but just let your doctor know. Off-limit meds include:

• Some pain relievers and fever reducers. Studies suggest an association between analgesics such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), especially during the third trimester, and pregnancy complications, including low birth weight and preterm delivery.
• Most decongestants. Most practitioners say to stay clear of decongestants such as Claritin-D, Sudafed or DayQuil. Even those experts who say it’s okay to take some decongestants will probably caution that they’re only safe to use after the first trimester, and only in a limited amount (for example, once or twice daily for no more than a day or two).
• Some nasal sprays. Steer clear of non-steroidal nasal decongestant sprays containing oxymetazoline (like Afrin) unless given the green light by your practitioner. Many will tell you to avoid these sprays completely while you’re expecting, while others will advise only limited use (one or two days at a time) after the first trimester.
• Alternative or homeopathic remedies. Don’t take echinacea, supplemental vitamins like zinc supplements or other over-the-counter herbal remedies without medical approval.

How to prevent a cold during pregnancy

Besides avoiding anyone who is visibly sick, wash your hands with soap and water a little more often — and scrupulously — than you did before. Don’t just wash and shake; use a towel to make sure your hands are completely dry when you’re done. In a pinch, carry an alcohol gel with 60 percent alcohol on the label for quick sanitizing on the go.

But don’t blame yourself if you still come down with a cold — or several — during your pregnancy, despite your best efforts. Viruses are almost impossible to avoid, especially in the winter. There are many joys of being pregnant, but alas, being even more vulnerable to nasty cold bugs isn’t one of them. And just remember: This, too, shall pass.

When to see a doctor

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever over 101 degrees F
• Your cold is severe enough to interfere with eating or sleeping
• You’re coughing up greenish or yellowish mucus
• You have a cough with chest pain or wheezing
• Your sinuses are throbbing
• If symptoms last more than 10 to 14 days; it’s possible that your cold has progressed to a secondary infection, and a prescription medication may be needed for your safety and your baby’s

Which over-the-counter cold medications are safe during pregnancy? | Your Pregnancy Matters

Most people experience two to three colds during the winter
and spring, and pregnant women are no exception. Colds are caused by viruses
for which there is no real cure – you can treat the symptoms that make you feel
crummy, but medicine doesn’t actually make the cold go away sooner.

Many over-the-counter (OTC) medications you can buy without a prescription come
as multi-symptom formulas. These drugs are meant to treat every cold symptom:
body aches, congestion, coughing, fever, headache, and sneezing. But not
everyone develops every symptom of a cold, and pregnant women should avoid
taking unnecessary drugs during pregnancy. 

Instead of reaching for a multi-symptom drug, use the guidelines below to find
an effective drug that’s safe for the symptoms you’re facing. And, as always,
let your Ob/Gyn or nurse know about any OTC drug you take.

What to take for common cold symptoms

Cough

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant used in OTC
medications such as Robitussin to reduce coughing. Cough suppressants can come
in immediate-release and extended-release preparations. The maximum dose for
pregnant women is 120 mg in 24 hours. The multi-symptom preparations that
contain dextromethorphan often include “DM” in their name.

Guaifenesin is another medication frequently found in cough medications, such
as Mucinex. It is an expectorant, so it helps thin mucus from your chest or
throat so you can cough it up easier. It comes in immediate-release or
extended-release formulations. The maximum dose you should take is 2,400 mg in
24 hours.

Cold medicines containing codeine were used in the past for cough suppression.
I don’t recommend these for pregnant women because studies show they really
don’t work well, and the fewer opioid-containing medications in our medicine
cabinets, the better. For children, there is some evidence that honey can
improve nighttime coughing. I certainly think this is an option for pregnant
women as well. If you want to try honey, I suggest a spoonful of the real stuff
– it’s not as clear that cold medicine with honey listed as a flavoring or
ingredient is as effective.  

Stuffy nose and sinus pressure

Decongestant medications reduce stuffiness and sinus
pressure by constricting the blood vessels in your nose, which reduces
swelling. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are available over the counter as
Sudafed and are safe for many women to use during pregnancy. However, women who
have high blood pressure should not take pseudoephedrine without first talking
to a doctor. The drug can raise blood pressure and can cause jitters and racing
heartbeats. 
Because pseudoephedrine can be used to manufacture methamphetamine, it’s now
kept behind the pharmacy counter. You’ll have to provide identification to
purchase it, and stores track how much you purchase. The maximum dose of a
typical decongestant is 240 mg in 24 hours.

Sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes

These symptoms are the result of histamine release, which is
an immune response to an invading virus. Chlorpheniramine, such as Triaminic
Allergy, and diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, are safe to take during
pregnancy. However, both can cause drowsiness, so these are best taken at
bedtime. The maximum dosage for chlorpheniramine is 32 mg in 24 hours.

When compared to placebos, antihistamines have the most successful results
within the first couple days of treatment. Patients didn’t report any relief of
symptoms between days three and 10. Newer antihistamines, such as loratadine
(Claritin), are approved for allergies, not colds, so there isn’t information
about how well they work for cold symptoms.

Sore throat

Pregnant women can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for a sore
throat with a limit of 3,000 mg in 24 hours. An antihistamine may help if the
sore throat is due to postnasal drip because it can dry up those secretions.
Sprays or lozenges that contain benzocaine, a local anesthetic, can help numb
the throat. Menthol and phenol, such as Chloraseptic, are antiseptics that also
help soothe throat discomfort. Sucking on hard candy can keep saliva flowing,
which might reduce throat irritation.  

A word about antibiotics

So many patients call asking for antibiotics for a cold,
usually when they’ve had symptoms for several days. There are a few times when
antibiotics are appropriate, for instance, strep throat or sinus infections
caused by bacteria. But antibiotics simply don’t work against viruses that
cause the common cold. Overprescribing antibiotics for viral illnesses leads to
antibiotic resistance, which means the bacteria grow stronger over time and
become tougher to beat with antibiotics.
If a doctor prescribes an antibiotic for cold symptoms, it’s usually a short,
three-day round of drugs. The patient often feels better after finishing the
medication but probably would have recovered in that timeframe anyway without
the drug.

To sum up …

If you come down with a cold while pregnant and you want to take something for
symptom relief, look for medications that are formulated for your specific
symptoms. Avoid multi-symptom formulas, especially those containing
acetaminophen. It can be easy to take more acetaminophen in a day than is safe
because it’s in so many medications. Finally, be patient with cold symptoms –
it can take a week or more for a cold to go away.

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stories. 

Medicines That Are Safe for Pregnant Women to Take When Sick | Mid-Atlantic Women’s Care

Written by Briana Thornton on September 24, 2020. Posted in Obstetrics.

When you are pregnant, your immune system doesn’t 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 can’t 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 isn’t 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 call to your OBGYN 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.

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 hasn’t turned into something more serious like an infection or the flu. 

Is it a cold or the flu?

The best way to tell the difference between a cold and the flu is to take account of the typical symptoms.

• A cold is milder than the flu. Its symptoms come on gradually and typically you only run a low-grade to no fever. It generally starts off with a sore throat that goes away after a day or two, a cold ends with the main symptoms of a runny nose and cough.
• Influenza, commonly called the flu, is more severe and the onset is more sudden than a cold. Symptoms include a high fever (typically 101-104 degrees F or higher), headache, chills, a sore throat that typically worsens by the second or third day, intense muscle soreness, and a general feeling of weakness and fatigue. These symptoms, along with sneezing and a cough, can last a couple of weeks or longer.

What to do if you get a cold while pregnant

Before turning to medicine, there are some effective cold remedies that don’t come from a pharmacy shelf. Here are ways to alleviate symptoms and feel better fast:

• Keep eating: It’s common to not have much of an appetite when you have a cold but it is important to eat a healthy diet while you are sick and pregnant.
• Rest: While this won’t necessarily shorten the duration of your cold, your body needs rest. Sleeping can prove to be a bit difficult when sick with a cold. Breathe easier by elevating your head with a few pillows. Nasal strips can also help as they gently pull your nasal passages open. They are easy to find, sold over the counter and are drug-free.
• Stay active: If you can, do some light to moderate, pregnancy-safe exercises. It will help your body to fight off the cold faster.
• Drink lots of fluids: Symptoms of colds like sneezing, runny nose, and fever causes your body to lose fluids that are essential to you and your baby. Warm beverages like tea with honey (which helps to suppress a dry cough) or hot soup with broth are soothing for your symptoms and cold water and juices work fine as well.
• Eat foods with vitamin C: Foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, melon, kiwi, and red cabbage are packed with vitamin C which will help to boost your immune system.
• Get more zinc: Pregnant women should try to get 11-15 milligrams of zinc each day, including the zinc in prenatal vitamins. Foods like turkey, beef, eggs, yogurt, wheat germ, oatmeal, and pork will also help to boost your immune system.
• Use a humidifier: Dry conditions in your home can aggravate your symptoms so using a cold or warm air humidifier at night can really help. 
• Use saline nose drops, rinses, and sprays.  All of these can help to moisten nasal passages, and they’re unmedicated, so they are safe for use while pregnant. We do recommend avoiding neti pots, however, as they can spread germs.
• Gargle with warm salt water: Gargling with warm salt water can help to ease a scratchy throat and help control a cough.

Medications that are safe for pregnant women to take for a cold

Before reaching for the medications in your medicine cabinet, reach for the phone and call your OBGYN to discuss the recommended remedies you can take for a cold while pregnant. Here are cold medications that are generally safe during pregnancy.

Acetaminophen

Taking acetaminophen like Tylenol can help in the short-term to reduce head and body aches and break a fever.

Cough medicine

Expectorants like Mucinex, cough suppressants like Robitussin, vapor rubs like Vicks VapoRub, and cough drops are all considered safe during pregnancy. But again, make sure to consult your OBGYN about safe dosages.

Nasal sprays

Plain saline drops and sprays are safe and can help to moisturize and clear a stuffy nose. Most steroid-containing nasal sprays are also safe but you should check with your doctor about brands and dosing.

Antihistamines

Benadryl and Claritin are generally safe during pregnancy but, as usual, check with your doctor as some will advise against them during the first trimester.

Medications to avoid during pregnancy

Always check with your doctor or OBGYN before taking any medications – prescription, over-the-counter, or homeopathic – particularly the following. 

• Pain relievers and fever reducers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can cause pregnancy complications, particularly if taken during the third trimester.
• Decongestants like Sudafed and DayQuil are generally cautioned against after the first trimester and only in a limited amount.
• Avoid non-steroidal nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline.
• Don’t take supplemental vitamins or herbal remedies without medical approval.

obstetrics

Can I Take Cold Medicine During Pregnancy?

While there is never really a good time to have a cold or the flu, having one during pregnancy comes with additional difficulties. Unfortunately, getting sick during pregnancy isn’t uncommon—the immune system goes through a series of changes during those nine months.

When faced with a seasonal cold or flu while pregnant, you must consider not only your own health but that of your baby’s. While there are certain drugs to avoid, suffering through your symptoms isn’t necessary. Read on for a few tips to consider.

Treating a Cold or Flu in Early Pregnancy

While it is usually recommended that women avoid medications during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, there are exceptions. Tylenol to prevent fever is recommended, as fever can be detrimental to a developing embryo.

This is not to suggest that all drugs have a potential for harm. In many cases, they don’t. But, in others, we simply don’t know. For this reason alone, you should adhere to your doctor’s advice to avoid all medications for at least the first 12 weeks.

Instead, make every effort to help your body recover by slowing down, resting, and avoiding stresses that can affect your immune system. You can do this by:

• Staying in bed, napping, and getting as much rest as possible
• Drinking plenty of water, soup broth, or juice
• Gargling with salt water to treat a sore throat or cough
• Sucking on ice chips to alleviate a sore throat and to help with hydration
• Using a humidifier to help relieve congestion
• Eating small, healthy meals regularly
• Taking your prenatal vitamins

Flu Prevention

You can also take steps to avoid contracting the flu while you are pregnant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that changes to the heart, lungs, and immune system during pregnancy make women more prone to experiencing severe effects of the flu. For this reason, the CDC recommends that pregnant women should get a flu shot. Research suggests that getting a flu vaccination reduces the risk that a woman will be hospitalized for flu-related complications by approximately 40%.

Other preventative steps you can take include washing your hands frequently, stay away from people who are sick, avoid touching your mouth and nose, and avoiding crowds.

Types of Cold Medications to Consider

Even after your first trimester, it is best to speak with your doctor about the types and brands of cold medications that are safe to take. Typically speaking, you should avoid any multi-symptom product, which could include ingredients that range from painkillers and decongestants to expectorants and cough suppressants.

Instead, get the drug to treat the symptom you’re experiencing. There are a number of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs considered to be safe in pregnancy, such as:

• Anesthetic cough drops such as Chloraseptic or Cepacol lozenges
• Expectorants containing guaifenesin to help clear mucus
• Alcohol-free cough syrups containing dextromethorphan, such as Tussin DM
• Combination guaifenesin/dextromethorphan drugs
• Tylenol (acetaminophen) to treat fever and minor aches and pains
• Menthol rubs such as Vicks or Mentholatum ointment

When buying any over-the-counter cold or flu remedy, always read the label closely. In some cases, there may be ingredients you should avoid. In others, there may be ingredients you don’t need.

Common Medications to Avoid

Knowing what not to take is almost more important than knowing which medications are safe to take during pregnancy. There are a number of medications to avoid while pregnant unless recommended by your doctor. These include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin and Advil (ibuprofen), Bayer (aspirin), and Aleve and Naprosyn (naproxen), higher doses of which can cause premature blood vessel closure in the baby. However, low-dose aspirin is now routinely recommended for other indications.
• Any cold remedy containing alcohol, including Benadryl and NyQuil
• Codeine, a narcotic drug which may cause fetal respiratory depression
• Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim), an antibiotic that can interfere with folic acid metabolism while stimulating the production of bilirubin (a pigment found in the liver and excreted in bile), both of which are not good for the baby. The concern for folic acid metabolism is only in the first trimester, and the concern for jaundice is only after 32 weeks gestation. The medication can otherwise be used without concern, especially when treatment is necessary.
• Pseudoephedrine- and phenylephrine-based decongestants, both of which may cause the constriction of blood vessels, potentially increasing the risk of a specific birth defect in the first trimester (particularly if you are a smoker) and risk of elevated blood pressures if used later in pregnancy.

If your cold or flu is severe and you are experiencing chest pains, are coughing up discolored mucus, or have a fever over 102^o F, call your doctor immediately.

Cold vs. Flu

The cold and flu are caused by different viruses, but they often share common symptoms, which can make it difficult for people to tell the difference between the two. In most cases, the symptoms of the flu are more serious than those of a cold.  

According to the CDC, colds usually have a generally onset and are commonly marked by sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat, and mild to moderate chest discomfort. The flu, on the other hand, has an abrupt onset marked by fever, aches, fatigue, headache, and chest pain. The flu is also more likely to result in serious associated complications, such as pneumonia, that may require hospitalization.

Can I Take OTC (Over the Counter) Medications If I’m Pregnant?

While you’re pregnant, you want to ensure your baby is born safe and healthy. That includes seeing your obstetrician regularly, watching your diet, getting exercise, and making sure any medication you take is safe for your baby.

Which Cold Medicines Are Safe to Take While Pregnant?

Doctors have studied many different cold remedies that are deemed safe to take during pregnancy. These include:

• Benadryl
• Robitussin
• Mucinex
• Tylenol
• Cough drops (both menthol and non-menthol)
• Saline nasal drops

Make sure not to take any formulations of these medicines that are labeled SA for “sustained action” or “multi-symptom. ”

Which Over-the-Counter Pain Medications are OK for Pregnant Women?

For headache or backache pain during pregnancy, doctors prefer you take Tylenol. Aspirin isn’t recommended, nor are NSAIDs like Aleve or ibuprofen such as Advil.

Is Tylenol Cold Safe During Pregnancy?

Tylenol Cold contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and phenylephrine (a decongestant). Phenylephrine should be avoided. Your doctor may allow limited amounts of Tylenol Cold after the first trimester.

Can I Take NyQuil While Pregnant?

Doctors don’t recommend you take NyQuil during pregnancy due to its high alcohol content.

Which Drugs Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy?

It’s best to ask your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy. Even herbal remedies and vitamins either haven’t been adequately studied. Common medications that should be avoided during pregnancy include:

• ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure or congestive heart failure, which can cause miscarriage or birth defects
• Isotretinoin (Accutane) for cystic acne causes extreme birth defects
• Methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis causes birth defects or miscarriage
• Naproxen (Aleve), an NSAID used for pain treatment, can cause birth defects, miscarriage, increased fetal blood pressure and can reduce the amount of amniotic fluid
• Valproic acid for epilepsy and bipolar disorder can cause heart defects and cleft palate

Which Medicines Are OK to Take During Pregnancy?

There are many medications that are safe to use in moderation during pregnancy. Including:

• Heartburn remedies like Tums, Mylanta, and others that contain calcium carbonates
• Anti-diarrheal medications like Kaopectate; avoid those containing salicylates like Pepto Bismol
• Prenatal vitamins
• Antihistamines that contain diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and loratadine (Claritin)
• Anti-Gas remedies such as Gas-X and Mylicon
• Cough medicines that contain dextromethorphan (Mucinex and Robitussin)
• Sleep aids like Tylenol PM, Unisom, Sominex, and Nytol

Is Robitussin DM Safe to Take During Pregnancy?

Robitussin DM is a cough remedy containing guaifenesin to loosen mucus and dextromethorphan, a medication to suppress coughing. Both ingredients are safe to use during pregnancy.

What Are Safe Cough Medicines to Take While Pregnant?

Ask your doctor before taking any cough remedies during your first trimester. Cough medicines and cough drops are generally regarded as safe during the second and third trimesters and include those containing dextromethorphan. Brand names are:

• Mucinex
• Robitussin
• Vicks 44

Can You Use Vicks While Pregnant?

The active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub are menthol and camphor oils used as a cough suppressant. Vick 44 is a cough syrup that contains dextromethorphan. These medications have been deemed safe for use during pregnancy.

To get more information about which medications you should take while pregnant, make an appointment today Huey & Weprin Ob/Gyn in Englewood and Kettering, OH. We offer specialized, compassionate care combined with cutting-edge treatments in obstetrics and gynecology.

Which meds are safe to take while you’re pregnant?

Tingling in your throat, some congestion in your chest, a little ache in your back or an errant sneeze or two—these symptoms are often the makings of the flu or a cold. Typically, if you’re faced with a case of the sniffles or a sore throat, a dose of cold medicine and a good night’s sleep will do the trick.

But not if you’re pregnant. Unfortunately, many over-the-counter medicines are off limits during pregnancy.

“Typically, the symptoms of a bad cold or the flu while you’re pregnant won’t affect your baby,” says Dr. Marcel Favetta, an OBGYN at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. “However, some of the medicines can be harmful, or they haven’t been studied widely, so you may have to get through this brief illness without some of the remedies you took before you were pregnant.”

How to prevent the flu when pregnant
One preventive measure that is recommended during your pregnancy is getting a flu shot. Getting a flu shot if you are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant can help keep you and your baby safe during flu season, which lasts from November to March.

“If you’re pregnant when you get the flu, you are at greater risk for serious complications that could affect both you and your baby,” says Dr. Favetta. “Fevers, which are common during the flu, are associated with birth defects.”

The CDC recommends getting a flu shot during any trimester of pregnancy.

Dealing with coughs and colds
But what if your symptoms aren’t as serious as the flu? What if you’ve simply got a sore throat and some nasal congestion?

Unfortunately, the effects of over-the-counter medications on pregnant women and babies haven’t been widely studied. We do know, however, that it is generally safe to take acetaminophen if you have a headache or some body aches, along with other cold symptoms. Most other medications may be off the table.

“You should avoid taking over-the-counter medicines in most cases,” says Dr. Favetta. “Instead, it’s best to turn to natural remedies to fight your cold symptoms.”

And while it might be tempting to take dietary supplements that are rich in vitamin C, you should avoid taking these while you’re pregnant, as well.

“Too much vitamin C can put you at risk for having a premature baby. Don’t forget that if you are taking a prenatal vitamin and eating your recommended servings of fruits and vegetables each day you are getting plenty of vitamin C,” says Dr. Favetta.

To treat nasal congestion, which can make it difficult to breath, you can use a saline nasal spray to clear the passages. For a sore throat, try gargling salt water to relieve the pain.

You should also try to get plenty of sleep and drink fluids.

No matter how much saltwater you gargle or how many times you try to clear your nasal passage, sometimes more natural remedies just won’t do the trick. If that’s the case, talk to your doctor about your over-the-counter medication options. They may be able to recommend specific medicines to take.

“Many over-the-counter medicines treat multiple symptoms—and you may only be suffering from one or two of them, which means you’re taking more medicine than you need to,” says Dr. Favetta. “But you can work closely with your doctor to decide on a medication based on your specific health history.”

You may be able to take certain expectorants (to relieve a cough), cough suppressants, vapor rubs and cough drops. 

Prevent illness while pregnant
The best way to avoid getting sick in the first place is to wash your hands frequently and eat a healthy diet. And if your friends, co-workers or family members are sick, try to keep your distance.

“Your immune system is weaker while you are pregnant; if your co-workers are sick you may want to stay home if they insist on coming to the office,” says Dr. Favetta.

Marcel Favetta, MD, is an obstetrician-gynecologist who sees patients at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. To schedule an appointment, please call 800-275-6401.

Cold Medicines During Pregnancy | Ask the Expert

Question: I recently learned that I am pregnant and have been battling a terrible cold. I know most cold medicines are off limits, but is there anything I can do to relieve my symptoms without harming my baby?

Answer: Pregnancy has its own occasional discomforts. Add a cold, or any illness for that matter, and discomfort can quickly turn to misery. Furthermore, during pregnancy a woman’s immune system is lowered, making her more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections, such as colds or the flu.

The best option is to not catch a cold. Colds are a pesky and inevitable part of life, but there are a few things you can do to decrease your risk during pregnancy. First, it’s important to eat a well-balanced diet with ample fruits and vegetables, which provide many of the vitamins and minerals needed to enhance your immune system. Getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids, reducing stress, and avoiding tobacco are also critical for a healthy immune system during pregnancy.  In addition it is a good idea to avoid persons who are coughing, sneezing and demonstrating other cold symptoms. Lastly, but most importantly is to get the flu vaccine and encourage others who come in close contact with you to do the same.

However, there is no foolproof way to prevent a cold, despite our best efforts. When a cold does strike, there are several ways to ease symptoms. Saline nasal sprays, vapor rubs, steam inhalation, throat lozenges, and gargling with saltwater can be effective ways to alleviate the congestion, cough, and sore throat that often accompany a cold without posing a risk to your baby. 

When it comes to medications, there are certain drugs in the antihistamine, expectorant, cough suppressant, anesthetic, and pain reliever families that are considered safe, while others should be avoided. It is vital to ALWAYS consult your healthcare provider before taking ANY medication (especially during the first trimester), regardless of what the labels might say. Your provider can help determine how to best relieve your symptoms based on your illness, health history, length of pregnancy, and potential risks. 

Remember, your healthcare provider is a wealth of information.  Feel free to ask your healthcare provider questions when it concerns your health and the health of your baby.

90,000 Colds during pregnancy: how to treat?

Any cold or respiratory illness in the early stages of pregnancy, during the initial formation of the fetus, can lead to unpredictable consequences and complications. The matter is complicated by the fact that most medications are absolutely contraindicated for use during gestation.

In this regard, the treatment and prevention of colds in pregnant women is an important issue, which should be approached especially responsibly! The main thesis is: be careful with medications and apply mild preventive measures based on the methods of alternative medicine to avoid respiratory diseases and influenza.

“One for two – immunity”

This is a very fragile system, there is no need to interfere with its work, but it is necessary to support and strengthen it. Pregnancy belongs to the category of special, even temporary, conditions during which a woman needs additional protection.

This question will help simple recommendations that are available to everyone:

• During the period of frequent weather changes, it is necessary to dress warmly, paying special attention to shoes.
• During an epidemic, it is better for a pregnant woman to refrain from being in crowded places – transport, subway, shops and hospitals. If there is an urgent need to prevent possible infection, a protective respiratory mask should be worn before leaving the house.

• Careful hygiene should be followed after visiting the street and public places. When you return home, the first step is to wash your hands thoroughly.

Interesting: more than 90% of all acute respiratory infections are caused by viruses, about 10% are bacteria and other pathogens.Accordingly, any soap can be used, not necessarily antibacterial.

• Before going outside, you can lubricate the nasal mucosa with oxolinic ointment. Upon returning home, rinse the upper respiratory tract with a soda solution.

• Rationalization of nutrition and intake of vitamins will strengthen the immune defense. Especially useful is the consumption of fruits and vegetables, enriched with vitamins and not heat-treated.

Interesting: our grandmothers used to say: in order not to get sick, you need to drink chicken broth! Strange, but until recently, scientists did not attach much importance to this prophylactic agent.Pulmonologist Stefan Rennard decided to find out if this is true or not. The professor conducted research and proved that the use of chicken broth affects the mobility of neutrophils, leukocytes, which protect the body from infections and activate the immune system.

• Vitamins can be taken using ready-made pharmaceutical multivitamin complexes. Before choosing a drug, you must consult your doctor.
• Compliance with the regimen and duration of sleep – at least 9 hours a day.The possibility of traumatic situations should be minimized.
• Compliance with cleanliness in the living area (ventilation, wet cleaning).
• Air humidification is an important aspect in the prevention of influenza and respiratory diseases. If air conditioners or heaters are used in the home of a pregnant woman, it is best to purchase a mechanical air humidifier.

Prophylactic drugs

• Grippferon is a drug in the form of nasal drops that provides prevention and treatment of influenza, not contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women.The medicine stimulates an increase in immunity, has a pronounced antiviral effect that can protect against colds, infections and influenza varieties.
• Ascorbic acid – can be used as a separate source of vitamin C in a synthetic version, with a reduced daily intake with food. Ascorbic acid not only prevents infection, but also fights viruses that have already entered the woman’s body.
• Viferon is a nasal ointment that is prescribed for the prevention of influenza and respiratory infections during an epidemic.The ointment has protective and immunomodulatory effects, and also allows you to fight against disorders that are already occurring in the body at the time of use. Viferon in the form of a nasal ointment has no contraindications for use in pregnant women at any time, including the first trimester.
• Aquamaris is a natural medication in the form of a nasal spray that allows you to moisturize the nasal mucosa, thereby reducing the risk of influenza viruses entering the nasal cavity.

I would like to say a few words about such a method of prevention as vaccination. Most often, the expectant mother may be at risk of contracting the annual flu epidemic . This disease is dangerous for a pregnant woman precisely because of its complications: pneumonia, bronchitis, otitis media. Influenza in a pregnant woman can affect the health of the fetus. Most of all, it is dangerous in the early stages of pregnancy, when the tissues and organs of the human embryo are laid and formed. Viral intoxication or drug exposure can lead to pathology of the child’s organs. In the later stages of pregnancy, there is a risk of fetal infection.

The most dangerous consequence of the flu in a pregnant woman is a threatening miscarriage or premature birth!

It is only natural that expectant mothers often wonder if should be vaccinated or not.

According to the conclusion of the studies, the use of inactivated (“killed”) influenza vaccines does not have a teratogenic effect on the fetus and does not harm the health of a pregnant woman. After consulting your doctor about this vaccination, you can come to an optimal solution. If a flu epidemic is imminent, and a pregnant woman has no contraindications, then the vaccine should be done. If the risk of infection in a pregnant woman is negligible, she does not come into contact with a large number of people or is opposed to vaccination, then she can not do it. Studies have shown that vaccination of a mother reduces the risk of influenza in her newborn baby by 63%. Seasonal flu prophylaxis is carried out in September and October. Pregnant women are recommended to be vaccinated from the second trimester of pregnancy.

During the planned pregnancy, the flu vaccine is given 1 month before it: the formation of immunity occurs 2–4 weeks. Protection after vaccination lasts for about a year.

If an infection does occur, action must be taken immediately if at least one symptom of the disease is detected. The health of a pregnant woman and her unborn child completely depends on her responsibility and respect for her own body.

Proven folk remedies will be the first to go.Since pregnant women cannot soar their legs, steam your hands, and this will facilitate nasal breathing. Wrap yourself up, put on wool socks and crawl under the covers: warmth, peace and sleep are good for colds. Do not forget about a plentiful drink – hot green tea with lemon and honey, tea with lime blossom, cranberry juice, rosehip decoction, dried fruit compote. Ginger tea also helps, not only for catarrhal symptoms, but for nausea in the morning.

Various hot milk drinks are also suitable.You can add honey to milk, and it is best to cook it on onions. It should be emphasized right away that not all herbs for colds during pregnancy can be used. Here is a list of medicinal plants that are contraindicated: aloe, anise, barberry, elecampane (herb and root), sweet clover, oregano, St. John’s wort, strawberry (leaves), viburnum (berries), raspberries (leaves), lemon balm, lovage, wormwood, licorice ( root), celandine, sage. Accordingly, you should not take drugs containing these plants.

The use of medicines for colds during pregnancy must be treated with great caution!

It is contraindicated to use the following drugs : Pertussin, Tussin plus, Joset, Glycodin, Ascoril, Travisil, Bronholitin, ACTS, Gripeks, Codelak, Terpinkod.Do not use lozenges and lozenges for a sore throat or for a cough are also undesirable due to the likelihood of developing allergic reactions.

Spray Pinosol, judging by the components indicated in the instructions, is not dangerous during pregnancy. However, the essential oils contained in the preparation – pine, peppermint, eucalyptus, thymol, guayazulen (citric wormwood oil) – can lead to an allergic reaction with swelling of the nasal mucosa.

Viferon suppositories are allowed to be used only after 14 weeks from the beginning of conception.This drug contains recombinant human interferon alpha-2, ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol acetate and has antiviral, immunomodulatory and antiproliferative effects. It is used in the treatment of various infectious and inflammatory diseases of adults and children (including newborns). In the form of an ointment, Viferon is used to treat herpetic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes. The ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin 3-4 times a day for 5-7 days.

Homeopathic medicine Stodal, which includes mainly herbal ingredients, affects various types of cough and has an expectorant and bronchodilator effect.

Viburkol – homeopathic suppositories – have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, antispasmodic effects. They are prescribed in the complex therapy of acute respiratory viral infections and other uncomplicated infections (including in newborns), as well as in inflammatory processes of the ENT organs and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.

So, you can try to eliminate a slight malaise on your own, but there are conditions under which you need to call a doctor at home:

• Prolonged increase in body temperature;
• Myalgia, feeling tired, increased fatigue, general fatigue;
• Difficulty breathing, lumps in the nasopharynx and dry or moist barking cough;
• A pregnant woman is worried about a severe pressing headache.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the importance of treating chronic diseases before pregnancy, a healthy lifestyle while carrying a baby and following all the doctor’s prescriptions.

I wish expectant mothers and their loved ones to try to maintain a good mood: optimists live longer and happier, they are more productive. Remember your victories and pleasant moments more often and everything will be fine!

Pregnancy and medicines / Obstetrics-gynecology, reprudoctology / Articles about health / Articles and encyclopedia / madez.ru

We are actively planning a baby for a long time, but we never think about the dangers of drugs during pregnancy!

Gynecologist, gynecologist and endocrinologist Natalya Vladimirovna Popova will tell you which medications can be taken during pregnancy and which are categorically not recommended.

One of the most important periods in a woman’s life is the period of bearing a child. And in these few months, the expectant mother must do everything in her power to give birth to a healthy baby.But pregnancy lasts nine calendar months – it is very difficult during this time not to feel any ailments or health problems.

If it is necessary to use any drug during pregnancy, the expectant mother should remember:

• Any medicinal product during pregnancy (at any time) can be used only as indicated and only as directed by the attending physician;
• When choosing a medicine, it is necessary to give preference only to those medicines that have proven efficacy;
• Give preference to monotherapy, that is, treatment should, if possible, be carried out with only one drug; combined treatment during this period is undesirable;
• Local treatment is more desirable than systemic (oral, intravenous, intramuscular) administration of the drug.
• A pregnant woman should remember that there are no completely safe and absolutely harmless drugs.

The most dangerous period for the use of any drugs, both chemical and natural, is the first trimester of pregnancy (the first 12 gestational weeks), when all organs and systems are laid in the fetus, which will only develop and form the placenta in the future. It is at this time that the fetus is considered the most vulnerable to any chemical and medicinal substances.

A pronounced degree of mutagenic hazard is possessed by:

1. in industry – asbestos, acetaldehyde, vinyl chloride, dimethyl sulfate; factors of metallurgical and rubber production;

metals: copper, nickel, lead, zinc, cadmium, mercury, chromium, arsenic, styrene, formaldehyde, chloroprene, epichlorohydrin, ethylene oxide.

2. agriculture – a mixture of defoliants, pesticides, insetiosides, repellents, fungicides, pesticides, methylparty, phtalaphos, chlorophos, gardona, DDT, contane.

If you work in hazardous industries and come into contact with these chemicals, from the early stages of pregnancy, switch to “light work”.

Global trends in relation to early pregnancy from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine are unambiguous: the need for rational diet therapy is recognized, intake of folic acid is not less than 400 μg / day and of potassium iodide 200 mg / day.

After 12-14 weeks of pregnancy, with an inadequate diet, the use of vitamin preparations during pregnancy and lactation is recommended as a way to improve the health of the mother and fetus .Vitamin complexes intended for other groups of the population (including children) are contraindicated for pregnant women!

Medicines during pregnancy

In existing classifications, it is customary to subdivide drugs during pregnancy into groups – safe, relatively safe, relatively unsafe and dangerous. Moreover, the list of drugs is periodically adjusted.

1. Category A – safe medicines. Controlled trials have shown no risk to the fetus in the first 12 weeks of gestation. Regarding them, there is no data on the harmful effects on the fetus in late pregnancy. These are folic acid, sodium levothyroxine, paracetamol, magnesium sulfate.
2. Category B – relatively safe medicines. Experimental studies have generally not shown their teratogenic effects in animals and children whose mothers took such drugs.These are amoxicillin, heparin, insulin, aspirin, metronidazole (except for the first trimester)
3. Category C – relatively unsafe medicines. When these drugs are tested on animals, their teratogenic or embryotoxic effects have been revealed. No controlled trials have been conducted or the effect of the drug has not been studied (isoniazid, fluoroquinolones, gentamicin, antidepressants, antiparkinsonian drugs). These drugs should only be prescribed when the potential efficacy is greater than the potential risk.
4. Caregoria D – dangerous drugs. The use of drugs in this group is associated with a certain risk to the fetus, but despite this, it is possible to use the drug for health reasons (anticonvulsants, doxycycline, kanamycin, diclofenac).
5. Category X – dangerous drugs that are contraindicated for use.
   The teratogenic effect of drugs in this group has been proven, their use is contraindicated during pregnancy, as well as when planning pregnancy.

Although almost 1000 chemicals are known to have teratogenic effects on animals, only a few chemicals have been shown to be permanently teratogenic in humans. These include a number of narcotic analgesics, chemotherapy drugs (antimetabolites, alkylating agents), anticonvulsants (trimethadione, valproic acid, phenytion, carbamazepine), androgens, warfarin, danazol, lithium, retinoids, thalidomide.

The safest drugs

(Larimore W.L., Petrie K.A., 2000)

Terminals

It is very important that every pregnant woman remembers that any drug during pregnancy can bring not only benefits, but also considerable harm, therefore any self-prescription during this period is unacceptable, since their consequences are unpredictable and in many cases can cause irreparable harm to the developing fetus.

Keywords 90,000 Influenza in pregnancy: to treat or not to treat? | The weekly PHARMACY

The prolonged Indian summer and phenomenally warm autumn these days were abruptly replaced by cold and sleet. This means that winter is already ready to knock on our doors. But she comes, as usual, not alone, but with her eternal companions – flu and colds. In pharmacies, queues line up for protective masks and cough medicines, which will end only by the end of spring.Primary pharmacists generally find it easy to advise the drugstore line-ups on the selection of an effective remedy for the prevention and treatment of influenza and acute respiratory infections (ARI) symptoms … unless we are talking about a special category of babies and pregnant women.

It is a difficult task for a pharmacist to recommend something for expectant mothers and babies – the instructions for most drugs, including anti-influenza and anti-cold drugs, are full of contraindications.Therefore, when a future father or an already established young dad turns to a pharmacy for a recommendation, worried about prevention or the first signs of a cold in a future mother or a baby, the pharmacist faces a very difficult and responsible task, the solution of which requires serious knowledge.

The pharmaceutical marketing company “Zdravo”, which exclusively represents the drug GRIPPFERON on the domestic market, makes it possible to significantly facilitate the solution of this problem. The presence of this drug in the assortment of the pharmacy enables the pharmacist to unmistakably recommend a highly effective and safe means of preventing and treating flu and colds for such a special category of patients as pregnant women, breastfeeding and newborns.First of all, this allows us to make the special properties of the recombinant interferon α-2b included in the GRIPPFERON preparation, its effectiveness and favorable safety profile.

Don’t want to get sick?
Carry out prevention!

It is hardly worth reminding that interferons are proteins that help our body to resist pathogens. They have a pronounced tissue specificity, a wide, almost universal spectrum of activity, since they are not virus-specific, and therefore inhibit both DNA and RNA-containing viruses, and also suppress the vital activity of bacteria and protozoa.Thanks to this, GRIPPFERON not only prevents the development of a viral infection, but also reduces the likelihood of a mixed infection, which is a frequent complication of influenza and acute respiratory infections. In addition, the causative agents of influenza and colds do not develop resistance to interferon, therefore, both during the seasonal growth of colds and during epidemics and pandemics, it can be used without restrictions.

What makes it possible to speak about the safety of the use of interferon, especially in infants and pregnant women?

Firstly, it is, of course, the fact that interferon is produced by our own body, and its introduction with the help of the drug GRIPPFERON allows you to support the body, creating a reliable protective barrier on the nasal mucosa, preventing the introduction and multiplication of viruses transmitted by airborne droplets …

Secondly, if earlier donor blood was used to obtain interferon, which required activities aimed at identifying possible infectious pathogens in it (HIV, hepatitis viruses, etc.) and disinfecting the drugs obtained from it, today interferon is safe in this respect. through biotechnology. Thanks to genetic engineering, recombinant interferon is available to us, which has all the properties of human interferon, but at the same time it is devoid of the risk of becoming the cause of infection with infectious diseases, but on the contrary, it allows us to cope with them!

Thus, GRIPPFERON makes it possible to effectively and safely prevent flu and colds: during an epidemic, it reduces the incidence by 3 times, and in risk groups – up to 5 times.And in order for prevention to be most effective, it is probably worth starting, first of all, with those who surround the expectant mother or newborn child – all households, especially those who belong to the risk group: relatives over 60 years old (grandfathers and grandmothers ), as well as those who visit large groups (schools) and are often among a large flow of people (for example, using public transport), where transmission of infection is most likely. This will reduce the likelihood that a patient with the flu will appear in the house where the baby is expecting or where there is already a baby, which will become a constant source of infection.Secondly, prevention, of course, is aimed at preventing infection of the expectant mother or baby herself, because even short walks in the fresh air do not exclude contact with those who are already sick.

Are you sick? Get medical treatment!

If it was not possible to avoid the disease and the baby or the expectant mother had the first signs of flu or a cold, GRIPPFERON will help to quickly cope with the disease and recover much faster: its use during the first 5 days helps to prevent the further introduction and multiplication of viruses, due to which it Reduces the duration of the disease by 2 times and reduces the likelihood of postinfluenza complications by 3 times, which means that young parents will sooner return to their parenting responsibilities.In addition, the use of GRIPPFERON has a decongestant effect on the nasal mucosa, which makes it possible to exclude the need for the use of decongestants (vasoconstrictor drugs), many of which are contraindicated in pregnant women and infants, and in uncomplicated cases of the disease, it is not required to connect symptomatic treatment to therapy.

Due to the fact that specially selected excipients are introduced into the composition of the drug, its shelf life is not 1 day, as in the case of an interferon solution prepared by patients independently at home, but up to 30 days, which makes it more economical.A large volume of the drug (10 ml) allows for prophylaxis and treatment of all family members.

Today, thanks to the GRIPPFERON drug, when asked whether it is possible to prevent and treat colds and flu in pregnant women and babies, we, pharmacists, can answer in the affirmative – yes! With GRIPPFERON, our patients can feel protected!

Press service of “Weekly Apteka”
based on the materials of the company “Zdravo”

Tsikava information for you:

90,000 What medicines can pregnant women take – life hack from “PP”

The list of contraindications for almost any drug begins with the words “do not use during pregnancy and lactation.”But what if the disease still caught up. Wait until it passes by itself? In no case!

Obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category, deputy chief physician for the outpatient department of the Penza city maternity hospital Svetlana Shvetsova told how to be sick when pregnant. Let’s make a reservation right away: in each case, the treatment is prescribed by the doctor who leads the pregnancy. But there are still general rules.

If you catch a cold

– The common cold overtakes pregnant women.Svetlana Vladimirovna, how to fight?

– With anti-cold drugs, everything is simple: what can be used in the treatment of children from birth to three years old, is also possible for women in position. The minimum dosage is not dangerous for the unborn child.

Analgin, aspirin and complex drugs such as coldrex, fervex, antigrippin and the like are contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. In addition to flavors and preservatives, which can cause allergies in a baby, they often contain aspirin, caffeine and pheniramine maleate that are completely unnecessary for expectant mothers.

Do not take antipyretics if the temperature is below 38 ° C, because fever helps the body fight infection. However, with higher numbers, action needs to be taken.

– How to bring down the high temperature?

– Paracetamol. It is an analgesic and antipyretic agent. Moreover, it is allowed at any stage of pregnancy and during feeding. Only admission courses should be short – 1-3 days.Despite the fact that paracetamol crosses the placenta and into breast milk, no harmful effects on the child have been identified, provided that you do not exceed the allowable dose. In addition to paracetamol (or instead of it), you can use traditional medicine recipes to lower the temperature.

If the nose is blocked

– Vasoconstrictor drugs cannot be used during pregnancy, warns the obstetrician-gynecologist. – They cause vasoconstriction not only in the nose, but also in the placenta, impairing the blood supply to the fetus.Without restrictions, you can use moisturizing drops based on seawater: aquamaris, aqualor, etc.

A good effect on a cold is given by rinsing the nose with a large amount of salted water at a dosage of 2 grams (half a teaspoon) per 200 ml of water. The water temperature should be at least 35-37 degrees. Washing should be done 3-4 times a day.

If you put less salt, you can get the opposite effect: fresh water, washing the mucous membrane, will increase swelling and nasal congestion. But a strong solution (double dose of salt), on the contrary, gives a drying effect.

A strong salt solution is also effective for pregnant women with a cold that is not related to the common cold. Lavage should not be used only in some cases: with acute ear inflammation (otitis media) and nosebleeds.

Plantain against cough

– Cough is one of the most insidious troubles during pregnancy. It can be of different origins, so only a doctor can determine the cause and prescribe treatment, – Svetlana Vladimirovna is sure. – And the general recommendations are as follows.First, when treating a cough, you need to adhere to a regimen: do not breathe cold air, do not eat or drink cold air, do not walk barefoot, keep your arms, legs, chest and back warm, drink more warm liquid, and avoid physical activity.

If the temperature is below 37 ° C, you can apply mustard plasters or pepper plaster on the chest and back. It is good to drink a glass of warm milk with butter and baking soda on the tip of a knife at night. This drink will make it easier for the phlegm to pass.

As for herbal expectorants, it turns out that many plants pose a threat to pregnant women.Only there is no “compromising evidence” against the plantain! Moreover, it is better to brew the herb rather than drink the syrup.

Chemistry is even more difficult. Mucolytics (expectorants) are contraindicated in the first trimester and can be used with caution in the second or third. This means that treatment should only be carried out under the guidance of a treating physician.

Neither swallow nor breathe

– What to do with a sore throat?

– A sore throat can be caused by both a viral infection and bacteria.If the tonsils are normal, and only the throat is red, then they talk about pharyngitis. If they increase and swell, a white bloom appears, which means that angina has begun, explains Svetlana Shevtsova. – Usually, angina is accompanied by an increase in temperature, and the plaque does not appear immediately, but after 1-3 days from the onset of the disease. This disease requires a doctor’s call.

Also, a sore throat can be caused by an exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis. In this case, again, you need to see a doctor.

During pregnancy, do not use sprays containing alcohol (yoks, stopangin, etc.)). It is not recommended to use calendula and propolis tincture for rinsing. But you can safely apply a 0.1% solution of chlorhexidine or miramistin. And, of course, it is safe to use warm chamomile infusion for rinsing. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and is suitable for milder forms of pharyngitis.

There is practically nothing to choose from throat lozenges for pregnant and lactating women: these funds are either ineffective or they are prohibited. The exception is two drugs – lysobact and laripront.These tablets can be sucked in 2 pieces 3-4 times a day. They will be useful not only for harmless pharyngitis, but also for severe sore throat.

Apchi! This is an allergy!

Often pregnant women face allergic rhinitis. The best treatment in this case is to limit contact with the irritant. But with severe allergies, you should consult a doctor. He will write out the necessary funds and indicate the period of their application. Be aware that many antihistamines are prohibited for pregnant women because they arebecause they can impair blood circulation, reduce the weight of the fetus, and affect its development.

BTW

Traditional medicine against colds

Cold compress on the forehead. Helps with heat and reduces pain. How to apply? Soak a handkerchief in room temperature water, wring it out and place it on your forehead. Turn over as it warms up. Instead of a handkerchief, you can use an ice pack, but be sure to put one or two layers of fabric between it and the skin.

Rubbing with vinegar. An effective method for lowering the temperature. It is harmless at any stage of pregnancy. Vinegar should be no more than 5 percent concentration, you cannot take the essence! You can also put cold rags under the large arteries of the body: popliteal, elbow, chest and abdomen.

Linden blossom tea. It is useful for colds – with or without fever. Linden blossom should be brewed and insisted in a thermos for 10-15 minutes and drunk hot, or with jam. Not with raspberry.Raspberries are best used in preparation for childbirth, after the 36th week.

Author: Ekaterina ROGOZHKINA

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90,000 is it possible to take medications and be vaccinated

11 September 2020 16:34

NUR-SULTAN.KAZINFORM – Doctor of PhD of the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Evidence-Based Medicine, NJSC “Medical University of Karaganda”, a member of the commission of independent experts of the National Center for Expertise of Medicines and Medical Devices Ekaterina Yukhnevich told how future mothers can use medicines, whether it is possible to treat a cold and whether it is worth getting vaccinated during the period pregnancy, the correspondent of MIA “Kazinform”.

– Are there special guidelines for pregnant women with COVID-19?

– According to the recommendations of the National Clinical Protocol, with a mild course of the disease, it is necessary, firstly, to inform the doctor observing the pregnancy about the symptoms and to observe an anti-epidemic regimen.Patients with a mild form of the disease during isolation at home should avoid a sedentary lifestyle, dehydration. Therefore, you need to be active (that is, walk) and take in a sufficient amount of fluids. Fever relief is performed only with paracetamol or ibuprofen, and only in the first two trimesters. In later periods, ibuprofen is prohibited, as it can provoke adverse events in childbirth and the postpartum period. Patients need to monitor temperature, pulse rate, respiration, blood pressure, oxygen saturation (if a pulse oximeter is available).With an increase in clinical symptoms, an assessment of the severity of the condition and the further management of patients is determined by the local doctor.

– The flu season is about to begin. Tell me, is it possible to get vaccinated during pregnancy?

– Vaccination is one of the most effective and proven means of combating and mass prevention of infectious diseases. Of course, it is advisable to plan a pregnancy and carefully prepare for it – to be examined, to identify and treat latent diseases, to stabilize the course of chronic diseases, to receive vaccinations.There are currently a number of vaccines that are safe and recommended during pregnancy to protect both the woman and the unborn baby. This is the inactivated seasonal flu vaccine and whooping cough vaccine. Therefore, vaccination data can be obtained.

– If the expectant mother was not vaccinated and still caught a cold. Can she take antiviral drugs?

– I want to draw the readers’ attention to the fact that there are drugs with a proven antiviral effect and no evidence base.For example, medications for viral hepatitis and flu are justified. But in Kazakhstan there are only two drugs that are prescribed to pregnant women with influenza – Oseltamivir and Zanamivir. Everything else that is positioned as universal remedies (various interferons, homeopathic remedies, arbidols, kagocels, etc.) have not been thoroughly studied in large populations and cannot be recommended for pregnant women. Therefore, you need to be careful.

– What if the condition of a pregnant woman requires the use of antibiotics?

– Under no circumstances can you take them yourself.Treatment is prescribed only by a doctor. The fact is that there are groups of antibacterial drugs that are absolutely contraindicated for pregnant women. And there are safe drugs, and some of them are even prescribed for the purpose of treating the fetus in utero. But only a medical specialist decides and knows this. Therefore, the doctor must determine the presence of a bacterial infection and the need to prescribe an antibiotic with its optimal dosage.

– If pregnant women suffer from 90,775 chronic diseases, do they need to continue treatment?

– There are chronic diseases that need to be treated constantly, despite the presence of pregnancy.Not to mention life-threatening conditions. But the treatment continues, provided that the drug taken does not harm the fetus. Treatment should be agreed with your doctor. There are rare diseases in which pregnancy is contraindicated. Of course, the natural desire of a woman to give birth to a child is understandable at all costs. But I urge you to listen to the recommendations of doctors and not take risks. In my practice, I advise critically ill patients in intensive care. Unfortunately, there are cases when women could not be saved.They deliberately took risks and even issued a receipt early that they understand the full extent of the threat and relieve the doctors of responsibility. Unfortunately, everything does not always end well. Therefore, I urge you to thoroughly prepare and plan your upcoming pregnancy, listening to the recommendations of doctors.

Nurofen® during pregnancy. Can pregnant women drink? How to take Nurofen® for trimesters?

Is Nurofen® possible during pregnancy

Antipyretic and pain relievers during pregnancy should be not only effective, but first of all safe for mom and baby.

Nurofen® group preparations: Nurofen®, Nurofen® Forte, Nurofen® Express, Nurofen® Express Forte, Nurofen® Express Lady, Nurofen® Intensive, and Nurofen® Express gel for external use, approved for use in pregnancy in I and II trimester after consultation with the attending physician ^5.8-12 . In the third trimester, these drugs are contraindicated. Like any pain relievers during pregnancy, it is important to use Nurofen® for a short time, one-time, only when necessary, and you should avoid taking a course ^5.7-12 .

Children’s Nurofen® during pregnancy

Nurofen® for children is not usually used in adults, including pregnant women. The children’s form is produced in the form of a suspension with a strawberry or orange flavor and is dosed based on body weight ⁶ . Thus, a large volume of suspension is required to obtain the desired single dose.

Therefore, for convenience, it is better to consider preparations for adults, which are available in tablets, capsules and in the form of a gel for external use.

Nurofen® and Nurofen ^® Express contain 200 mg of ibuprofen active ingredient. They are taken 1 tablet or capsule up to 3-4 times a day, if necessary, you can take 2 tablets or capsules, but no more than 3 times a day ^5.9 .

Nurofen® Forte or Nurofen® Express Lady contain 2 times more ibuprofen, already 400 mg. In case of pain or fever, they are taken 1 tablet ^8.11 , and Nurofen ^® Express Forte 1 capsule up to 3 times a day ¹⁰ .

1 trimester

Early pregnancy is one of the most important periods, it is at this time that all the systems and organs of the baby are laid. Therefore, doctors recommend trying to avoid taking any medications during the first trimester of pregnancy, choosing and conducting local treatment, if possible, and taking the minimum dose of the safest drug ⁴ . Thus, at high temperatures, it is necessary to drink more liquid, do rubdowns with water at room temperature and wet compresses.For pain in muscles and joints, choosing between an anesthetic for oral administration or a local remedy, it is better to choose an anesthetic drug for external use, for example, Nurofen® Express Gel ¹² . However, it is also used with caution in the first and second trimester of pregnancy ¹² .

The use of the Nurofen® line of drugs in the first trimester is possible on the recommendation of a doctor ^5-11 .

2nd trimester

In the II trimester of pregnancy, the use of Nurofen® products to eliminate various types of pain is possible only under the supervision of the attending physician and only in situations where the health benefits of the expectant mother outweigh the possible risks for the proper development of the fetus.

3 trimester

Any Nurofen® preparations, including Nurofen® Express gel, cannot be used in the third trimester. This is reflected in the instructions for medical use ⁶ .

For more information on the instructions for Nurofen® preparations, see the section “Instructions”

1. O. I. Kiselev, T. V. Sologub and coauthors. Clinical guidelines. Influenza in pregnant women. 2015
2. Gumenyuk E.G. Modern approaches to the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections during pregnancy.Journal of Obstetrics and Women’s Diseases, 2005, Volume LIV, Issue 4, p. 1-4
3. Savelyeva G.M., Shalina R.I., Sichinava L.G., Panina O.B., Kurtser M.A. Obstetrics: a textbook for universities. M. 2009 .– 656 s, chapter 21
4. Ailamazyan E.K., Kulakov V.I., Radzinsky V.E., Savelyeva G.M. Obstetrics. National guidelines, 2009
5. Instructions for the medical use of the medicinal product Nurofen® for children, oral suspension [orange, strawberry], RU P N014745 / 01
6. Instructions for the medical use of the medicinal product Nurofen® 12+, coated tablets, RU LP-001910.
7. Instructions for the medical use of the medicinal product Nurofen® Forte, coated tablets, RU No. P N016033 / 01
8. Instructions for the medical use of Nurofen® Express, capsules, RU No. P N014560 / 01
9. Instructions for the medical use of the medicinal product Nurofen® Express Forte, capsules, RU No. LSR-005587/10
10. Instructions for the medical use of the medicinal product Nurofen® Express Lady, coated tablets, RU No. LP-001984
11. Instructions for medical use of the medicinal product Nurofen® Express, gel for external use, RU No. P N015794 / 01

90,000 Pregnancy and medicines: medicines that are safe for pregnancy

Pregnancy and Drugs

If you’re like most, you’ve been to the average pharmacy.Aisle by aisle – medicines and medicines. It is unrealistic to play it safe and refuse any medications. In addition, you may need medications during pregnancy. So, to find out what you can and cannot do with drugs that are safe for pregnancy, where do you start?

We propose to break it down by symptom and category. This is because you can better understand what is usually safe and what is not. Also, reading the medication labels on the back gives you information on whether or not pregnant women should use them.

Preparations for pregnancy disorders by category

• Headaches
• Respiratory symptoms
  • Cold / allergy
  • Cough
  • Nasal Spray
  • Throat
• Intestinal symptoms
  • Constipation
  • Gas
  • Heartburn
  • Hemroids
  • Nausea
  • pain
• Back and muscle symptoms
  • Leg cramps
  • Toothache
• Skin irritation and antibiotic ointments
  • Acne
  • Antibiotics
  • Crabs / Lice
  • Herpes
  • Rash
• Sleep problems / insomnia
• Vaginal yeast infections
• Vitamins

If you need medicines in any of these categories, read our complete list of medicines and other remedies for relieving discomfort during pregnancy.