Cold Medicine and Pregnancy – Cold and Flu Center

Dr. Ross suggests:

• Hot showers
• A vaporizer
• A saline nasal wash
• Chicken soup

Common Cold Medicine and Pregnancy: What’s Safe?

If you can’t get enough relief from those home remedies, it’s possible to use common cold medicines with a few precautions. First, guidelines say it’s best to avoid all medication during the first trimester.

“In the first 12 weeks the baby is making its organs, and so in general, if people don’t need to take something during that time it would be great if they didn’t,” says Dr. Ross. “[There are] more serious consequences at the beginning of the pregnancy.”

Next, Ross says the safest bet is to look for medications with the fewest ingredients possible.

“The main thing about [common cold] medicine is it’s best to take the ingredient you need for the symptom and not the combination, one-size-fits-all,” says Ross. “It’s better to separate your ingredients and take the ones that you need at a usual adult dose. “

There are also specific medicines to avoid during pregnancy:

Herbal medications in particular aren’t regulated, so it’s difficult to know exactly what ingredients they contain and whether they’re safe. Herbs can cross the placenta and reach the baby, so it’s best to avoid them.

Common Cold Medicine and Pregnancy: The Safe List

The best option is always to talk to your doctor before taking any medication during your pregnancy, but here are some medications that have been found to be generally safe for pregnant women:

Of these possibilities, Ross recommends Sudafed the most for the common cold. “Sudafed is okay for a decongestant after the first trimester unless the woman has high blood pressure,” says Ross. “Sudafed sometimes is the medication that packs the most bang for its buck.”

Remember, the simpler the better. Ross recommends that pregnant women steer clear of products that contain multiple ingredients or tackle a combination of symptoms, such as Nyquil, Robitussin DM, and Claritin-D.

A bad cough is certainly annoying, but you might also be concerned that you will cough so hard it will hurt the baby, or that your water will break. Ross says there’s no need to worry — your baby will be fine.

Common Cold Medicine and Pregnancy: Check With Your Doctor

Ross cautions pregnant women to be careful not to assume that what you have is the common cold. If it’s actually an illness like the swine flu, it can pose a much more serious problem for pregnant women. If you experience fever and muscle aches, or if symptoms don’t subside within about 10 days, see your doctor to see if it’s an illness that requires special treatment.

Yes, many over-the-counter cough and cold medications are considered safe for pregnant women and their developing babies. But that doesn’t mean you should just grab something at the drugstore and take it. Call your doctor before you take anything, even if you think it’s safe.

Pregnant with a cold: Treatments, risks, and prevention

Catching a cold during pregnancy will not harm the fetus, but it can be uncomfortable for the person who is pregnant, and they may also worry about which treatments and medications they can use safely.

Colds are very common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that adults have an average of 2–3 colds per year.

The chances of catching a cold while pregnant are higher because the immune system is less robust during pregnancy.

According to March of Dimes, catching a cold will not harm a developing fetus, and the pregnant person will typically recover in a week or so.

People are also more likely to catch potentially more serious infections, such as the flu, during pregnancy. This means that taking steps to prevent illness is important during pregnancy.

This article looks at what to consider when treating the symptoms of a cold during pregnancy, how to prevent a cold, and when to see a doctor.

Treating a cold usually means using over-the-counter (OTC) medications. However, many pregnant people worry about whether drugs will affect the fetus.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend always talking to a doctor before using any pain medication during pregnancy.

Most OTC drugs contain the same few ingredients to treat cold symptoms. The following sections look at the safety of different types of cold treatments.

Pain relievers

Pain relievers are a group of drugs that reduce pain. Some types also reduce inflammation and fever.

OTC pain medications include:

Research suggests that acetaminophen is the safest pain relief drug to use during pregnancy, with recommendations to use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest time.

An article published in American Family Physician (AFP) reports acetaminophen to be safe to use during all trimesters on its own, but not necessarily in combination with other cold remedies that contain a range of other ingredients.

However, the article states that NSAIDs may carry risks. They recommend avoiding aspirin during pregnancy except for specific uses and avoiding naproxen and ibuprofen during the third trimester.

Prescription drugs tend to be stronger than OTC drugs and are more likely to carry risks.

The FDA note that prescription NSAIDs may increase the risk of pregnancy loss during the first half of pregnancy and that prescription opioids may increase the risk of birth abnormalities when taken in the first trimester.

Severe and persistent pain can lead to serious effects, such as high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety. It is important to weigh the benefits of taking pain relief drugs during pregnancy against the potential risks.

Always talk to a healthcare professional before deciding to take any medication that relieves pain during pregnancy.

Cough suppressants

OTC cough suppressants often contain medications such as dextromethorphan and guaifenesin.

According to the AFP, these medications appear to be safe during pregnancy in the correct doses. However, it may be best to consider drug-free options as the first line of defense.

For example, before using a cough suppressant medication, people can try using herbal or mentholated throat lozenges to ease a cough or sore throat.

Read more about natural cough remedies here.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are a popular allergy medication that may relieve a runny nose, watery eyes, or sneezing caused by a cold.

Up to 15% of people use antihistamines during pregnancy, and experts generally consider them safe.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACCAI), people can use the following during pregnancy:

• diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• chlorpheniramine (ChlorTrimeton)
• loratadine (Claritin)
• cetirizine (Zyrtec)

Most OTC antihistamines are safe to take in pregnancy as long as a doctor approves them.

Read about some natural antihistamines here.

Decongestants

According to one source, it is safe to take decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, when directed by a healthcare provider.

However, research has not yet established that decongestants are safe during pregnancy. Some studies suggest that some decongestants, including pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, may increase the risk of birth abnormalities.

The overall evidence suggests that people use decongestants sparingly during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.

Saline nasal sprays and nasal strips are safe alternatives for nasal congestion.

Natural remedies

Resting while sick is important to give the body time to focus on recovery. Lying down with the head elevated may help with breathing and stuffiness.

Drinking plenty of water can help people recover from a cold. Juices and smoothies can also provide nutritional intake when people have no appetite.

Many people also use room humidifiers to help clear a stuffy nose and promote a productive cough.

Applying warm compresses to the head, sinuses, and shoulders may help reduce pain and congestion.

Read more about natural remedies for a cold or flu here.

People are also more likely to catch colds and the flu during pregnancy, so it is important to take steps to prevent illness.

To prevent the common cold, the CDC recommend:

• washing the hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when this is not possible
• avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands because viruses that cause colds can enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth
• staying away from people who are sick as close contact with others can spread cold viruses.

Light to moderate pregnancy-safe exercises, such as swimming and indoor cycling, can boost the immune system and increase metabolism.

Healthful eating is another important factor in preventing a cold. Focusing on eating a variety of fresh foods can help ensure the body gets the nutrients it needs.

Taking a prenatal vitamin that includes zinc and vitamin C may also help support the immune system and prevent colds.

Many people experience pregnancy rhinitis, which has symptoms similar to a cold.

This occurs due to inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose, extra fluid in the body, and changing hormone levels.

Pregnancy rhinitis occurs in around 20% of people. Some people may find it difficult to distinguish rhinitis from a common cold.

The symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis include:

• a runny nose
• congestion
• sneezing
• difficulty breathing
• snoring

A cold during pregnancy is the same as any other cold. The common cold is not likely to not harm the mother or fetus.

People may catch a cold or flu from being around others who are sick. The CDC provide guidance on how to avoid catching the flu.

It is important to know the difference between a cold and the flu. The two have similar symptoms, but the flu tends to be more severe, and a person will usually have a fever.

Read more about pregnancy and the flu here.

If someone experiences a fever during pregnancy, they should contact their doctor to see what steps they can take to reduce the fever to safe levels as quickly as possible.

Having a cold during pregnancy will not usually affect the fetus. Colds are mild illnesses that a person’s immune system can handle relatively easily.

Having a cold during pregnancy will not usually affect the fetus. Colds are mild illnesses that a person’s immune system can handle relatively easily.

However, the person’s temperature and infections can affect the fetus. If a person is experiencing a fever or other signs of infection, it is essential to speak with a doctor immediately to find the best way to reduce these symptoms.

When a person is pregnant, their body deals with a cold in much the same way as it does at any other time. The symptoms are temporary, and in most cases, the cold will be gone in 7–10 days.

If someone experiences the following symptoms during pregnancy, they should talk to a doctor right away:

• a fever of over 100.4° F
• severe or unusual symptoms
• symptoms that last more than 10 days
• symptoms of the flu
• violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe

Colds are very common during pregnancy, and they are unlikely to harm the pregnant person or fetus.

While there are some uncertainties over the safety of OTC cold remedies during pregnancy, most people can relieve their symptoms using gentle home remedies. Most people will feel better in around a week.

Cold Medicine when Pregnant or Breastfeeding | Health Answers

Selecting a cold medication while pregnant or breastfeeding that is going to be safe for both you and your baby can be stressful and overwhelming.

Here, you’ll find answers to your questions and information about common ingredients found in cold medicines that are considered safe for you and your baby.

Can I take cold medicine while pregnant or breastfeeding?

There are certain cold medicines that are considered safe to take while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The safety of using over-the-counter cold medication while pregnant or breastfeeding depends on the specific medicines within the products, how far along you are in your pregnancy, and any other medical conditions you may have. You should only use cold medicines for the shortest time possible to help with your symptoms. Always be sure to check with your health care provider or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter cold medicines during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

The American Pregnancy Association recommends limiting the amount of over-the-counter cold medicines you take and trying certain home remedies to alleviate symptoms. They promote washing your hands regularly, drinking plenty of fluids, getting ample amounts of rest, eating well, and only using medications to treat the symptoms you are experiencing. As a home remedy for sinus congestion, they recommend using a humidifier, keeping your head elevated on a pillow while resting, and/or using adhesive nasal strips. For sore throat, they recommend sucking on ice chips, drinking warm herbal tea (non-caffeinated), or gargling warm salt water.¹

What cold medicine is safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding?

The common cold can cause a variety of symptoms, such as runny nose, fever, headache, body aches, cough, sore throat, and congestion. Many over-the-counter cold medicines combine multiple medications that treat these symptoms into a single tablet or liquid. It’s important to review the active ingredients in these products when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding to ensure they are safe for both you and your child. In most cases, it’s best to avoid combination products and instead use single ingredient products to help relieve the symptoms you are experiencing.

Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers

Acetaminophen (Tylenol^®) is considered the preferred medication during all trimesters of pregnancy to treat fever, aches and pains, and is safe to use while breastfeeding.^2,3,4 NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®) and naproxen (Aleve^®), are less preferred in pregnancy but can still be used in the first and second trimesters.^2,3,5 You should avoid all NSAIDs in the third trimester of pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, ibuprofen is considered the preferred medication for pain while breastfeeding.⁶ Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid any products that contain aspirin.²

Antihistamines⁷

Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton^®) is recommended as the antihistamine of choice to treat runny nose and sneezing in all trimesters of pregnancy. ³ Doxylamine (Unisom^®) and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl^®) are also considered safe to use in all trimesters. These medications can cause drowsiness and shouldn’t be taken if you need to be awake and alert. Cetirizine (Zyrtec^®) and loratadine (Claritin^®) are both considered safe alternatives for pregnant women and cause less drowsiness. Loratadine is considered to be the preferred antihistamine to use while breastfeeding.⁸

Cough Suppressants^2,3

Dextromethorphan (Delsym^®) is considered to be safe to use during all trimesters of pregnancy and while breastfeeding. You should limit the use of these products to the lowest strength and for shortest time possible. If you have diabetes, you may consider using a product that is sugar-free since many cough syrups contain high fructose corn syrup and may increase your blood sugar.

Nasal Decongestants²

Nasal decongestant sprays, such as oxymetazoline (Afrin^®) and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine^®), are the preferred decongestants for pregnant and breastfeeding women for temporary relief from sinus congestion. The use of these products should be limited to three days, as they can cause worsening of your original congestion if used longer. If you develop severe nasal congestion during your second or third trimester and aren’t able to use a nasal decongestant spray, you can use an oral decongestant such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed^®). It’s recommended to only use oral decongestants on a limited basis. You should avoid using oral decongestants during your first trimester, while breastfeeding, or if you have high blood pressure. Nasal saline sprays are considered a safe alternative for treating nasal congestion while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Expectorants^2,3

Guaifenesin (Mucinex^®) is used to thin out and loosen chest congestion, and requires drinking plenty of fluids to be effective. It’s considered to be safe to use in the second and third trimester of pregnancy and likely to be safe while breastfeeding. You should avoid using products containing guaifenesin during your first trimester.

Additional Comments

The American Pregnancy Association recommends that you contact your physician’s office if you have a fever that is 102^˚F or higher, are coughing up thick yellow—green mucus, are experiencing a cough with chest pain and/or wheezing, or have symptoms that last more than a couple of days without improving.¹ These are signs that you may have a more severe infection and need to be seen by your physician.

Published on November 27, 2019

References

1. 
   American Pregnancy Association. Pregnancy Complications. Cough and cold during pregnancy.
   https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/cough-cold-during-pregnancy/. Updated October 9, 2019. Accessed October 10, 2019.




2. 
   Servey J, Chang J. Over-the-counter medications in pregnancy. Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(8):548–555.
   https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/1015/p548.pdf.





3. Stanley AY, Durham CO, Sterrett JJ, Wallace JB. Safety of over-the-counter medications in pregnancy. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs. 2019;44(4):196-205. doi: 10.1097/NMC.0000000000000537.






4. Feldkamp ML, Meyer RE, Krikov S, Botto LD. Acetaminophen use in pregnancy and risk of birth defects: findings from the National Birth Defects Preventions Study. Obstet Gynecol. 2010;115(1):109–15. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181c52616.





5. Hernandez RK, Werler MM, Romitti P, Sun L, Anderka M. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use among women and the risk of birth defects. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2012;206(3):228.e1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2011.11.019.





6. Postpartum pain management. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 742. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstet Gynecol. 2018:132. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002683.





7. Gilboa SM, Ailes EC, Rai RP, Anderson JA, Honein MA. Antihistamines and birth defects: a systematic review of the literature. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2014;13(12):1667–98. doi: 10.1517/14740338.2014.970164.





8. Loratadine. Briggs’ Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. Facts & Comparisons [database online]. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Health; March 2014. Accessed October 27, 2015

Cough and Cold During Pregnancy: Treatment and Prevention

Does a Cough and Cold During Pregnancy Affect the Baby?

When you become pregnant, your immune system is likely to change.  As a result of these changes, you may contract a cold or cough at some point during your pregnancy.  In addition, your illness may last longer. The good news is that even though you probably feel fatigued, the symptoms of a cold or flu are not typically dangerous to your baby. However, it is important to take the necessary measures to avoid contracting a cold or cough during pregnancy and to treat it once you get one.

• Get ample rest – Take naps, sleep through the night, and sit down to relax. These are great ways to give your body much-needed downtime. Learn more about the importance of bed rest during pregnancy.
• Drink plenty of fluids – Drink water, juice, or broth to add necessary fluids back into your body.
• Eat well – Even if you cannot stomach larger meals, try eating small portions often.
• Reduce congestion – Place a humidifier in your room, keep your head elevated on your pillow while resting, or use nasal strips.
• Alleviate your sore throat – Suck on ice chips, drink warm tea, or gargle with warm salt water.

It is best to reduce the number of over-the-counter medications you take. Many medications you normally would use to treat the symptoms of your cold are not safe to take during your pregnancy. The following is a list of medications that pose little risk to your baby during pregnancy; however, it is best to consult with your doctor before taking any medications to relieve your symptoms.

• Acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol) can be used to alleviate fevers, headaches, and body aches.
• Anesthetic sore throat lozenges can ease the pain in your throat.
• Codeine and dextromethorphan can often be used as cough suppressants.

Should I Call the Doctor About a Cold or Cough?

It is important to call your doctor if your symptoms are causing you to stop eating or sleeping, or if they last for more than a couple of days without improving. It is also important to consult your physician if you develop a fever that is 102° Fahrenheit or greater.
Lastly, if you begin to cough up discolored mucus or if your cough is accompanied by chest pain and/or wheezing, make sure to call your doctor. They may need to prescribe an antibiotic to kill the infection.

A Special Consideration: Whooping Cough

Whooping cough is a contagious infection that is characterized by excessive, violent coughing followed by an intake of breath that makes a whooping sound. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending that all pregnant women receive the Tdap vaccine during each of their pregnancies, preferably between the 27th-36th weeks of pregnancy.
This will ensure that protection against whooping cough is passed down to your baby for the first couple of months after birth. Since your child will not receive their first whooping cough vaccine until they are 2 months old, getting this vaccine while you are pregnant will ensure your infant is protected until then. Learn more about taking vaccinations during your pregnancy.

How Do I Prevent Getting a Cough or Cold During Pregnancy?

In order to avoid getting a cold or cough, the most important step to take is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you are eating nutritiously, getting the necessary amount of sleep, and exercising on a regular basis. In addition to this, it is important that you take your prenatal vitamins, as well as probiotics.
Wash your hands regularly. If you know you are around someone who is struggling with a cold, avoid touching their hands or eating after them. Take extra effort to wash your hands more frequently when you are around those who have a cold or cough.
Tracking your medication is easy with the Fetal Life App for Apple and Android endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association. It features medicine tracking, meal recommendations, kicks counter, blood glucose tracking, and much more.

Want to Know More?

Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. Yankowitz, Jerome. (2008). Drugs in Pregnancy in Gibbs, Ronald S., Karlan, Beth Y., & Haney, Arthur F., & Nygaard, Ingrid E. (Eds.), Danforth’s Obstetrics and Gynecology, 10th edition (126). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

2. The First Trimester: First 12 weeks in Johnson, Robert V. (Ed.), Mayo Clinic Complete Book of Pregnancy & Baby’s First Year (136). New York, NY: William Morrow and Company, Inc.

3. Common concerns and questions of pregnancy in Harms, Roger W. (Ed.), Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy (432-3). New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers Inc.

4. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2013, Mar. 19). Whooping Cough.

Cold and flu during pregnancy

Colds and flu symptoms can be very similar to the symptoms of COVID-19. Even if your symptoms are mild, get tested for COVID-19 immediately — use the colds and flu Symptom Checker if you’re not sure what to do. You can also learn more here about COVID-19 during pregnancy.

Getting the cold or flu when you are pregnant can affect your unborn baby. If you are considering pregnancy or are already pregnant, it is highly recommended that you have the flu vaccination to help protect you and your baby.

Dealing with a cold while pregnant

A cold is a very common mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. It can cause a blocked nose followed by a runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat and a cough. The cold will usually last for about a week as the body fights off the infection.

There is no cure for a cold, although you can usually relieve the symptoms of a cold at home by taking over-the-counter medication, such as paracetamol, and drinking plenty of fluids.

Dealing with the flu while pregnant

Flu is an infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It’s not the same as a cold. Flu is caused by a different group of viruses. Symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer.

You can catch flu — short for influenza — all year round, but it is especially common in winter.

If you are pregnant and think you have the flu, see your doctor as soon as possible. It is recommended that pregnant women who have the flu are treated with antiviral medicines because they are at much higher risk of complications. Antiviral medicines work best when started within 48 hours of symptoms starting.

Antivirals will not cure flu, but they will help to:

• reduce the length of time you are ill by around one day
• relieve some of the symptoms
• reduce the potential for serious complications

If this is the case, you should also:

• rest
• keep warm
• drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration

You can take paracetamol to help lower your high temperature and relieve aches.

Medication during pregnancy

Ideally, you should avoid taking medicines when you’re pregnant, particularly during the first 3 months. Conditions such as colds or minor aches and pains often don’t need treating with medicines. However, if you’re pregnant and feel you need to take medicine, paracetamol is safe to take.

Before taking any medicine when you’re pregnant, you should get advice from your midwife or doctor.

Paracetamol during pregnancy

When you’re pregnant, paracetamol is the preferred choice to treat:

• mild or moderate pain
• high temperature (fever)

Paracetamol has been used routinely during all stages of pregnancy to reduce a high temperature and for pain relief. There is no clear evidence that it has any harmful effects on the unborn baby.

However, as with any medicine taken during pregnancy, use paracetamol at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. If the recommended dose of paracetamol doesn’t control your symptoms or you’re in pain, get more advice from your midwife or doctor.

Ibuprofen during pregnancy

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID). Talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen or any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if you are pregnant, or planning a pregnancy.

It is not known for sure whether or not taking NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin in the early stages of pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage. NSAIDs should not be taken in the last three months of your pregnancy when use can lead to bleeding before and after childbirth, delayed labour and birth, and heart or kidney problems for your unborn baby.

Paracetamol, which is not an NSAID, is the preferred medicine for pain relief and temperature control during pregnancy.

Flu vaccination during pregnancy

The flu jab will protect both you and your baby.

Pregnant women have a much higher chance of developing complications (including life threatening complications) if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. One of the most common complications of flu is bronchitis, a chest infection that can become serious and develop into pneumonia. Other complications are not common, but include:

• middle ear infection (otitis media)
• blood infection that causes a severe drop in blood pressure (septic shock)
• infection of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)
• inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
• Inflammation of the heart muscle (endocarditis)

If you have flu while you’re pregnant, it could mean your baby is born prematurely or has a low birthweight, and can even lead to stillbirth or death in the first week of life.

Getting the flu vaccine is safe during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date. The vaccine doesn’t carry risks for either you or your baby.

Women who have had the flu vaccine while pregnant also pass some protection on to their babies, which lasts for the first 6 months of their lives.

The vaccine also poses no risk to women who are breastfeeding, or to their babies.

The flu vaccine is free for pregnant women as part of the National Immunisation Program.

Read more about what vaccinations are safe during pregnancy.

What Pregnant Women Can Take to Help Recover From a Cold

You’re told to avoid certain behaviors while pregnant — drinking that glass of wine, going out for sushi, and, of course, getting sick. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, you feel those tell-tale signs of a cold coming on.

And since you may already experience discomfort from your pregnancy, those cold symptoms might feel stronger or come on quicker than you’re used to. But the symptoms themselves aren’t much different.

“The fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, or runny nose symptoms are likely to be the same,” says Octavia Cannon, DO, an osteopathic obstetrician and gynecologist and co-owner of Arboretum Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Plus, catching a cold probably won’t harm your baby. The CDC has a list of infectious diseases that are severe enough to cause a miscarriage or birth defects, and the

common cold
is not one of them. But it’s still important that you take steps to help you recover as soon as possible.

Just like everyone else, you should “rest, drink plenty of liquids, and make sure that you are eating,” Cannon says. But you’ll have to be more careful when using medications to ease the symptoms.

Pregnant women shouldn’t take Advil or aspirin for a cold

Cannon says to steer clear of Advil, ibuprofen, and aspirin-based products. “Low-dose aspirin is now being used more often in pregnancy for medical indications but can cause bleeding,” she says. “Your doctor should be the only person advising the use of aspirin.”

Beyond that, any basic over-the-counter medications should be safe, according to Cannon. “Usually, Tylenol products, cough syrups, cough drops, and nasal sprays are OK,” she says.

If you’re looking for more natural options, Cannon recommends tried-and-true favorites like chicken soup or vegetable broth and a humidifier to ease a stuffy nose. “Hot teas or water with lemon and honey are also helpful,” she advises. 

For more information about what medications, dietary supplements, and herbals you can take while pregnant, the American Academy of Family Physicians has a detailed list, and the CDC is another good source.

Talk to your doctor if cold symptoms last longer than 7 days

First, note when your symptoms started. A cold can last anywhere from 7 to 10 days. But when you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t let a cold go longer than seven days without talking to your doctor about your symptoms, Cannon says.

After that, keep track of the color of your mucus. “If your mucus changes from clear white to yellow or green, see your doctor right away,” she says. “If your mucus color changes, that may indicate bacterial involvement, which could turn serious quickly. Your minor cold or seasonal allergy issue could change to bronchitis or upper respiratory infection or sinusitis. “

The good news is, most pregnant women aren’t more at risk of getting a cold. “In general, I’ve found people who deal with the public — teachers, customer service, healthcare providers — are more susceptible regardless of pregnancy status,” Cannon says. “If an expectant mom doesn’t have any other risk factors, her chances are about equal to the average person.”

And to sidestep a cold in the first place, your best bet is to follow the advice you’ve been hearing for years. “Wash your hands! Seriously,” Cannon says. Also, dress for the weather and, whenever possible, stay away from people who are sick.

“Keep a positive, proactive mindset,” Cannon says. “Don’t walk around expecting to get sick, but make sure that you do everything that you can to prevent it.”

How to Treat a Cold During Pregnancy

Feeling under the weather is never fun—especially not when you’re expecting. The bad news is there are some restrictions on what medicines you can safely take to treat your cold during pregnancy. The good news? There are still ways to help make you more comfortable while you do battle with the sniffles and a sore throat. Read on to learn more about colds during pregnancy and some quick tips for how to find relief.

What Causes a Cold During Pregnancy?

There are actually more than 200 viruses that can cause “the common cold,” an infection of the upper respiratory tract. And it’s called the common cold for a reason! Most women will experience at least one cold during their pregnancy. You’re more prone to colds—and they can last longer—while you’re expecting, because pregnancy suppresses the immune system.

Plus, it’s easy to catch a cold. Cold viruses are spread by direct contact and through the air, so it could’ve been transmitted through something you touched or even by being near someone else with a cold. But if you’re wondering whether your cold will affect baby, it won’t. While you may feel miserable, baby’s doing just fine.

Symptoms of a Cold During Pregnancy

You know these by heart: nasal congestion, a  cough and a sore throat are telltale signs. You might also have a low-grade fever.

It can be hard, though, to tell the difference between cold symptoms and typical side effects of pregnancy. “A runny nose and feeling tired can be normal symptoms of pregnancy,” says Sharon Phelan, MD, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of New Mexico. “Your blood volume increases by 40 percent during pregnancy, so all the blood vessels become more dilated. You’ve got a lot of blood vessels in your nose, so you can have more nasal discharge. And the hormones of pregnancy, particularly progesterone, tend to make you really tired.”

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How to Treat a Cold During Pregnancy

If this is the first cold you’ve had since you’ve been pregnant, you’re probably wondering how to deal with one safely. To start with, there aren’t any tests for diagnosing colds—they’re usually diagnosed by their symptoms. If you have a runny nose (beyond your usual pregnancy nose), sore throat and cough, then you probably have a cold—especially if the people you’re closest to (say, your partner) have colds too.

Your cold will run its course in due time. In the meantime, try to stay comfortable.

“Running a humidifier to keep your nasal passages moist can help,” Phelan says. “I’ll often tell women to make a cup of tea and just breathe in the steam. Humidity helps keep mucus loose so you can cough it out or blow it out.”

It’s also okay to use vapor rub and Tylenol (acetaminophen) to treat your fever and aches and pains. Some decongestants are safe to use during pregnancy, but check with your doctor first. “Some decongestants, like the pseudoephedrines, can increase your blood pressure. And since some women have blood pressure problems while they’re pregnant, it’s best to check first,” Phelan says.

Want to prevent colds from occuring down the line? Wash your hands! Also avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and try to keep your distance from people with obvious cold symptoms.

What Other Moms-To-Be Do For Colds

“My husband and I both woke up this past weekend with extremely sore throats, followed by a headache, serious congestion and body aches, and now it’s moved into our chests. I see my primary doctor this afternoon. We’ve both been breathing steam, which helps. He’s able to take Alka-Seltzer to help, but I haven’t really felt like I can take anything!”

“All I’ve done is get lots of rest, drink rooibos (red) tea and also have hot water with one-fourth of a lemon squeezed in and some honey. I’ve found that it’s good for congestion and flushing out your system. I used Halls cough drops, too, but just the regular ones, not the ‘sustained release’ ones.”

“What really helped me at night when I had a cold was Breathe Right nasal strips! They totally open your nose so you can breathe. Vicks VapoRub also helped—I would put some under my nose, and that would clear out my nose.”

Plus, more from The Bump:

What medications are safe to take during pregnancy?

Headache During Pregnancy

90,000 ARVI IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Good afternoon, dear reader! Today we will talk about what ARVI is at different stages of pregnancy and how it is dangerous for expectant mothers and their children. Pregnant women have very low immunity, which means that they are very vulnerable to any diseases. ARVI especially often prevails over expectant mothers. If it is not treated or self-medicated, then very dangerous health problems can arise not only in a pregnant woman, but also in a child inside the womb.Most often, acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) begins to actively manifest itself in transitional climatic periods, when there is a sharp change in temperature. During this period, in all people, the body’s resistance to various diseases drops sharply, let alone future mothers, whose immunity sharply decreases at the earliest stages of gestation. If you are in a position, then listen to yourself carefully. If you notice the symptoms of SARS, immediately consult a doctor. The following changes in health will indicate to you that you have a suspicion of ARVI: ▪ the body temperature has risen sharply, and against this background a runny nose has developed; ▪ nasal congestion and active lacrimation began; ▪ the throat began to hurt severely, a cough appeared; ▪ some, against the background of an actively developing infection, lose their voice and enlarge their lymph nodes; ▪ You begin to feel weak and lethargic. Seemingly harmless symptoms that you have repeatedly encountered, but this can only be said if you are not pregnant. For women in an interesting position, ARVI is a direct threat at all times. So how to protect yourself and your child from such a dangerous virus? It is best to immediately seek help from a specialist who, in turn, will prescribe a course of treatment, taking into account the individual characteristics of your pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy, the expectant mother may be prescribed some medications: immunomodulators, nose drops, throat sprays.In the middle of pregnancy, medications are mainly used, which we described in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections in the early stages. However, a few more can be added to this list of treatment methods: vasoconstrictor nasal drops, mouthwash, antipyretics. The 3rd trimester is the safest for both mother and child. If a woman in a position gets sick with a cold, then she will not have to worry about the consequences, because at this time the baby is fully formed. All viruses from the body of the expectant mother, with effective and correct treatment, disappear by themselves, without exerting any negative effect on the fetus.However, according to experts, ARVI can negatively affect a woman’s body in the last weeks of pregnancy. The expectant mother needs to prepare for childbirth, gain strength, and ARVI will only take away these forces, creating a great burden on the pregnant woman’s body. In addition, if childbirth occurs at a time when the infection is especially rampant, the baby can also pick it up, and for the newborn this is a direct threat to life. Recommendations for the treatment of ARVI in pregnant women in the 3rd trimester are generally the same as in the 2nd, but you should never forget that the treatment procedure should always have an individual approach.Like any other ailment, ARVI is easier to prevent than to treat during pregnancy. Prevention will bring overall health benefits to the woman and prevent colds. Now you know how dangerous ARVI is during pregnancy. Try to protect yourself from infection by following simple preventive measures and leading a healthy lifestyle. If, for some reason, a cold could not be avoided, then immediately consult a doctor in order to quickly and effectively cure an acute respiratory virus. Good luck!

90,000 Treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections and influenza in pregnant women in the clinic. Territory of Health

The first signs of acute respiratory viral infections – what should the expectant mother do?

How to help your body cope with malaise, how not to harm the unborn child, and when serious help from specialists is needed? To help mothers, the specialists of our Center (obstetrician-gynecologist, midwives, homeopaths, ENT, naturopath and aromatherapist) offer an algorithm of actions that is consistent with all modern data of international recommendations.

But, most importantly, remember that an expectant mother, like no one else, is very important emotional attitude – positive emotions will help you to quickly cope with all the troubles.

Let us repeat, following our experts: “Word and thought are material!”

• At the first sign of a cold (sore throat when swallowing, hoarseness or sore throat, runny nose, headache, body aches, weakness) – stay at home, observe a gentle regimen, put on masks on all family members, remind everyone more often to wash hands.
• If it is impossible to get to a homeopath for the exact prescription of an individual preparation, you can take complex homeopathic preparations: “Oscillococcinum” once (!) Or homeopreparations “Agri” (according to the scheme in the instructions), “Gripp-Heel” (also according to the instructions).
• For sore throat drugs – “Tonsilotren”, “Tonsilgon” or “Angin-Heel” will help. Be sure to regularly gargle with herbal infusions (eucalyptus, calendula, chamomile) three to seven times a day.
• In case of a cold – “Corizalia” (at the first symptoms of a cold with strong discharge).You can use nasal drops – hypertonic sea water solutions, “Pinosol” (if there is no allergy). With nasal congestion – alkaline inhalations. If breathing over boiled potatoes helps you, then you can breathe.
• For coughs and colds, you can drink ginger tea – pour half a glass of ginger grated on a coarse grater with good honey to the top, leave for 24 hours. Drink, adding 1-2 tsp. mixture in a cup of hot water. Cranberry juice is useful. For dry cough, you can use homeopathic medicines “Bronhalis-Heel” and “Tartefedrel”.
• If hypothermia occurs and you feel chilly, drink hot tea with dry raspberries or raspberry jam. Chicken broth (strictly fresh) also helps.
• Aromatherapy will help not only alleviate symptoms, but also cope with bacteria. Possess antiviral and antibacterial effect – laurel, peppermint, eucalyptus. Oils can and should be mixed (up to 8 drops per “serving”). To the listed ones, you can add orange or lemon oil.And for evening and night spraying, add a soothing – lavender oil or mandarin oil to the antiviral and microbial ones. For the treatment of a runny nose, cough, sore throat, you can prepare the following mixture: 4 tablespoons of peach oil (used as a base), 1 drop of lavender, 2 drops of eucalyptus, 1 drop of tea tree. This mixture should be instilled into the nose in 1-2 drops after rinsing the nose with a spray with sea water.
• Motor mode (at the first sign – stay at home, but if you feel well, do not refuse a short walk in nature, in a park (not in a shopping center!).
• Mood. To improve your mood, you can hang garlands of Christmas trees (a variant of natural aromatherapy), pine twigs, and cones. Let a lot of sun into the house – light candles, and put bright fruits in prominent places – in the bedroom, for example – oranges, lemons, grapefruits, pomelo (again, natural aromatherapy) or pineapples – any of your favorite fruits. To wake up in the morning and immediately see a lot of bright “suns” by the bed, which have accumulated all this joyful energy for us. “
• And most importantly – be sure to inform your doctor about your health! The doctor will recommend you what is especially important for you.
• “If the temperature does not exceed 38.5, do not take antipyretics. At a very high temperature, severe weakness, bad breath, severe cough and any deviation from the course of a common cold, as well as if there is no improvement within THREE DAYS, be sure to consult a doctor “(head physician of the Health Territory, obstetrician-gynecologist Alexander Sergeevich Gavrilenko).

For help in preparing the material, we thank the obstetrician-gynecologist of the Health Territory Irina Stepanovna Arefieva.

Additions and recommendations of our specialists:

“If the cold penetrates deeply, then a watery runny nose or sore throat appears, and then a cough. Then you can drip into the nose “Derinat” (not contraindicated for pregnant women, but recommended after consulting a doctor) or “Pinosol”. Gargle with calendula, and I also recommend gargling with NATURAL (!) Apple cider vinegar (2 teaspoons per glass of water) 3-4 r / d.it is necessary to treat the whole body, to understand the cause of the cough! Is it just hypothermia? Then it will pass quickly. But, if there is a “weak link” in the respiratory (lungs) or genitourinary (kidney) systems, or there may be a problem in the intestines, then the treatment must necessarily be comprehensive.

• Olga Bannikova, obstetrician.

“You can turn on the aroma lamp for a long time (for the whole night, for example). But if you are not sure of the body’s response, try turning it on for 2 hours, then wait a few hours and turn it on for another 2 hours.It is better to use ultrasonic aroma lamps (they are more effective and, unlike those heated by a candle, are designed for a large area of ​​application – 20-30 sq. M.) “.

• Yulia Krushanova, microbiologist, Ph.D., specialist in medical aromatherapy and Ayurveda:

“You can prepare a universal solution for an aroma lamp: 5 ml of alcohol, 200 ml of water and 10 drops of a mixture of oils: pine oil, lemon oil, leuzea, bergamot, grapefruit. This aroma mixture is good for both prevention and treatment. There is some oil correction for the aroma lamp: you cannot evaporate thyme in the lamp (too active oil, can give bronchospasm), the orange aroma raises the appetite (it would be more optimal to use lemon, grapefruit, bergamot), Leuzea oil can only be used cold (that is, without heating in an aroma lamp with candles). In general, cold water spraying is preferable to heating, since when heated in an aroma lamp, some components of essential oils undergo changes and are destroyed without having a beneficial effect.For the same reason, an ultrasonic aroma lamp is preferable to an aroma lamp heated by candles. It is very important that the aroma lamp heated by candles does not run out of water in the bowl, since it is clear that oil should not burn, it should evaporate from the surface of the water. ”

• Laima Lankmane, Naturopath and Phytotherapist:

“It is especially important for a pregnant woman to carefully read all the instructions for phyto-drugs – first of all, this concerns the first trimester, when the body of the expectant mother is extremely sensitive to everything and undergoes a strong hormonal change. But throughout pregnancy, it is necessary to be careful with phyto-drugs and it is better to consult with your doctor before using. With hypothermia, the first signs of the disease, you can – ginger with lemon, honey (better with a bite, because when heated above 40-50 degrees, it not only loses many of its nutritional properties, but can also harm a sensitive stomach), green teas and all natural drinks with a large amount of vitamin C (for example, rosehip decoction works well).Linden leaves and dry raspberries – yes, but raspberry jam (if it is, of course, not a frozen berry) will not bring much benefit. Unfortunately, with prolonged cooking, the berries lose many of their antibacterial and phyto-properties. Besides, besides the taste “from childhood” in the jam, there is a lot of excess sugar you don’t need now. However, if a cup of tea with a spoonful of such jam lifts your spirits and spirits, then it is definitely a medicine! And do not forget that word and thought are material! ” Source: Bone, K. (2003), A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs, Churchill Livingstone, USA

Doctors of the Health Territory will always be happy to answer your questions! 8 (495) 988 52 52

90,000 Colds during pregnancy: how to treat colds at all stages – Mom

Many remedies that can cure a cold in a normal state are contraindicated for pregnant women.Aspirin is considered especially dangerous – it causes fetal malformations. Therefore, medications based on aspirin are strictly prohibited for the expectant mother. Also, a cold during pregnancy is not treated by overheating: you cannot soar your legs, take a hot bath, or wrap yourself in a blanket. This can have the most negative consequences for mom and baby. In case of a cold, do not self-medicate and be sure to consult with your doctor.

Colds in early pregnancy are most undesirable

The most dangerous for the fetus is considered to be a cold in early pregnancy.Therefore, try to take special care during this period, do not overcool, do not drink or eat cold, do not sit in drafts, avoid crowds of people, etc. But if you are still caught up with a cold during pregnancy in its early stages, approach its treatment as responsibly as possible. A mother’s cold during this period is fraught with various complications and pathologies of the organs of the developing child.

A common cold can be confused with ARVI during pregnancy, because their symptoms are quite similar: fever, cough, runny nose, rash, swollen lymph nodes.Among viral infections, flu, rubella, bronchitis and pneumonia are especially dangerous. their treatment will require a woman to take potent drugs that are far from safe for the fetus.

How to treat a cold in early pregnancy? In the first trimester, treatment with many drugs has contraindications, including traditional aspirin, galazolin, naphthyzine, etc. Most likely, you will have to treat colds, runny nose and cough with the help of the following means:

inhalations,

rinsing the nose with saline,

air humidification,

drinking plenty of herbal teas with honey, milk and dried fruit decoctions,

bed rest . ..

Colds during pregnancy: 2nd trimester

Compared to the initial period, colds during pregnancy in the second trimester are already a little less dangerous for mom and baby. By this time, the fetus is already formed and protected by the placenta. However, a cold transferred during these periods can cause dysfunction of the placenta, which can cause fetal hypoxia, developmental delay, miscarriage or lead to premature birth.

As in the first trimester, the treatment of colds during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester requires timely and gentle treatment.And since the majority of medicines for colds and flu are contraindicated for pregnant women, treatment again comes down to bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids, gargling with herbal infusions and soda, rinsing the nose with saline, as well as teas with honey, linden and raspberries.

Cold during pregnancy: 3rd trimester

If the illness overtook the expectant mother in late pregnancy, this is also unpleasant, but not as scary as at the beginning of the gestation period. A cold during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester is much less dangerous for the baby than in the first two, since all the baby’s organs are already fully formed. Nevertheless, among the complications are fetal hypoxia, fetoplacental insufficiency and even premature birth, which can lead to manifestations of weakness, pallor, and respiratory failure in the infant.

Treatment of colds during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester, in addition to the above methods, allows the use of drugs: paracetamol (to combat fever), herbal syrups (to relieve cough), but now it’s time to be careful with excessive drinking to avoid possible edema.

Uzlovskaya regional hospital | Prevention of ARVI in pregnant women

How to protect an expectant mother from ARVI and influenza

Prevention of colds in the autumn-winter period is very important, especially if you are expecting a baby, because during pregnancy a woman’s immunity is greatly weakened, and the body is working at the limit of its capabilities. During pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, even a mild cold can cause serious complications.Therefore, it is very important to prevent illness.

According to research, the virus is most dangerous in the early stages of pregnancy. At this time, the organs and tissues of the future baby are laid, therefore, favorable conditions for bearing are especially important during this period.

But in the second and third trimesters, ARVI is a dangerous disease that can pose a threat to the mother and her unborn child.

It is not for nothing that the World Health Organization, on the basis of epidemiological data in recent years, included pregnant women in the risk groups for developing a severe course of influenza.

According to statistical studies, there is a connection between birth defects of the fetus and acute respiratory viral infections in the early stages.

Infections that a woman contracted during pregnancy can subsequently cause a child to develop blood diseases and various neurological diseases.

In order to protect an expectant mother from influenza, you must adhere to simple rules:

1. The first rule is the simplest: you need to wash your hands with soap and water after each return home.Do not touch your face with your hands when visiting public places.
2. Do not forget about rinsing the nose with a solution of sea water. Firstly, this procedure moisturizes the mucous membrane. After all, if it is dry and dehydrated, it is much easier for viruses to penetrate through it into the body. Secondly, these solutions do not contain chemical additives harmful to pregnant women, and useful substances and minerals contribute to the formation of bioactive substances in the nasal mucosa, which increase local protection. It is advisable to do the procedure every time you return home from the street.
3. Use disposable or gauze dressings as a protective barrier. They need to be changed as often as possible.
4. As a general prevention of viral diseases, expectant mothers are advised to take multivitamins for pregnant women, monitor nutrition, including in their menu a large amount of vegetables, fruits rich in vitamins and microelements, natural antibiotics (onions, garlic). Protein foods are also needed.
5. During a period of mass morbidity, it is advisable not to use public transport, replacing it with walking, and also try to avoid crowded places.
6. If someone in the family gets sick with ARVI, at the very first signs of the disease, they need to wear a gauze mask, change it often and, if possible, limit communication with a pregnant woman.
   It is desirable for a woman to use separate cutlery and ventilate the room.
7. Regularly do wet cleaning, ventilate and humidify the area where you are, because dry air promotes the spread of infection.
8. Maintain a normal room temperature, avoid drafts.
9. Dress warmly, avoiding hypothermia.
10. Regularly wipe down frequently touched items with disinfectants: telephones, switches, remote controls.

Traditional methods of preventing colds and flu during pregnancy

During pregnancy, especially in the first half of it, when the fetal protection system is just being formed, the use of drugs is considered dangerous to its health, therefore, the prevention of influenza and ARVI in pregnant women is mainly carried out with the help of individually selected folk remedies.

To prevent a runny nose, you can instill in the nose diluted with boiled water 1: 1 aloe juice or a weak solution of salt, and to prevent coughing – gargle with decoctions of herbs of eucalyptus, chamomile, sage. Drink plenty of fluids, especially lemon tea and milk with honey. Add garlic and onions to food.

Safe medicines for the prevention of colds during pregnancy

Any drugs with a chemical composition are contraindicated for pregnant women, especially antibiotics and synthetic immunomodulators.However, there are a number of medicines that are made on a natural basis and are intended for expectant and nursing mothers and newborns. It is they who can become a good means of prevention during epidemics of influenza and viral diseases. What should pregnant women take to prevent influenza? Here are some of the remedies:

1. Grippferon. A broad-spectrum antiviral drug that increases immunity. Available in the form of nasal drops. It is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of several types of viral infections and influenza, can be used during pregnancy and lactation.
2. Aquamaris. Natural preparation, nasal spray. Prevents the penetration of viral agents into the nasopharynx by moisturizing and enveloping the nasal mucosa.
3. Infagel. Immunomodulating drug in the form of an ointment with the active substance interferon. Stimulates immunity, has an antiviral effect, is used to prevent infection with viral diseases and their treatment.
4. Viferon, Oxolin. Preparations for external use, similar to the previous one. The release form is a nasal ointment that can be used even from the first trimester of pregnancy.

If the temperature rises, the pregnant woman should call a general practitioner at home, to prevent infection of other pregnant women, visit the antenatal clinic only after recovery.

At the first signs of a cold, it is necessary to consult a doctor – therapist in order to prescribe the correct treatment in a timely manner, identify indications and contraindications for certain drugs, prevent the transition to a more severe course and the addition of a bacterial infection. Only a specialist will select drugs that will not harm the baby and contribute to the mother’s quick recovery.

Remember: during pregnancy it is very important to take good care of your health, since the well-being of the little man that grows inside you depends on you.

# to give birth in Tula # to give birth in the Tula region # Knot district hospital # maternity hospital Dubovka

how to treat, and how is it dangerous

What can be dangerous for a cold during pregnancy?

Adversity for the mother

• Threat of termination of pregnancy (threat of spontaneous miscarriage or premature birth).
• Complications (sinusitis, otitis media, bronchitis, pneumonia, inflammatory lesions of the heart muscle, gestational pyelonephritis, gestosis of varying severity, etc.).
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases (bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, etc. ).
• Increased risk of injury and blood loss during childbirth.
• Activation of chronic intrauterine infection, the development of postpartum infectious diseases of the internal genital organs.

Danger of a mother’s cold for the baby

• Formation of fetal malformations.
• Fetal growth retardation.
• Oxygen starvation of the fetus due to the development of a complex of disorders on the part of the fetus and the placenta (fetoplacetal insufficiency).
• Intrauterine infection (septic condition, congenital pneumonia, etc.) and fetal death.
• Abnormalities in the physical and mental development of the baby.

If you have signs of a cold (general weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, headache, fever, sore throat and sore throat, cough, runny nose), be sure to consult a doctor! Do not self-medicate! Own treatments and lingering colds can actually affect the fetus.

We adopt folk remedies

With a mild course, it is possible to treat a cold during pregnancy, starting not with medicines, but with the use of folk remedies.

Drinking

Warm, plentiful drink is recommended. As with a common cold, pregnant women can and should drink green tea with lemon, raspberry jam, honey, lingonberry and cranberry fruit drinks, infusion of chamomile flowers, linden, berries and black currant leaves.

Source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) – rose hips and black currants.Rosehip drink effectively helps in the treatment of colds during pregnancy.

It is prepared from a proportion of 5 tablespoons of crushed dry fruits per 1 liter of boiling water. The mixture is infused in a thermos for 8-12 hours. Warm infusion is consumed in 1 glass 3-4 times a day.

In late pregnancy, drinking plenty of fluids can cause edema.

Nutrition

During a cold, the nutrition of pregnant women should be high in calories and easily digestible (carbohydrates are preferred).The diet should include cereals (semolina, oatmeal, buckwheat, etc.), mashed potatoes and vegetables, honey, jam, jam, fruits (kiwi, oranges, bananas, etc. ). Spicy, fried, salty foods are excluded. Fresh onions and garlic can be useful additions to meals.

Onions and garlic should be used at the first sign of illness. If for some reason it is impossible to eat these vegetables inside, it is enough to decompose these fragrant products in the room finely chopped into pieces and inhale the vapors that contain phytoncides that have a detrimental effect on viruses and bacteria.

Aromatherapy

If there is no allergy, then for the treatment of colds, pregnant women are recommended to carry out aromatherapy using essential oils, the vapors of which kill pathogens, freshen breath, and reduce swelling of the mucous membrane.

Stimulation of immunity

Horseradish is well suited as a plant immunostimulant. Its root can be grated on a fine grater, mixed in equal proportions with sugar. Put the mixture in a warm place for 12 hours, squeeze out the released juice and take in the first 2 days of illness, 1 tablespoon every hour.

Bath for hands

A warm bath for the hands helps to fight the cold during pregnancy, it acts on the receptors in the palms. In this case, the woman inhales water vapor, thereby moisturizing the respiratory tract. To heighten the effect, it is recommended to add sea salt, herbal infusions to the water. After taking a bath, you must put on mittens and woolen socks.

Inhalations

For sore throat, nasal congestion and cough, it is useful to prescribe inhalations with Borjomi, soda solution, with an infusion of chamomile flowers, calendula, sage leaves, eucalyptus, etc.using a nebulizer or wide containers. Inhalation is recommended to be done 2-3 times a day for 7-10 minutes.

Rinsing

If a cold is accompanied by a sore throat and sore throat, it is recommended to rinse with an infusion of herbs (chamomile, eucalyptus, calendula, oak bark), a solution of soda, salt and iodine (for a glass of warm water 1 teaspoon of salt or soda and 2-3 drops of iodine).

Ventilation

In case of a cold, regular ventilation and humidification of the room, rinsing the nose with saline sodium chloride solution, which you can prepare yourself (dissolve half a teaspoon of kitchen or sea salt in a glass of warm boiled water), or buy in a pharmacy is mandatory.During pregnancy, to treat colds, you can use medications made from sea salt and water, such as Salin, Aqua Maris, Humer, Dolphin, etc. Washing must be repeated 4-6 times a day.

When the temperature rises above 38 °, cool water compresses on the forehead, rubbing the areas of the armpits and popliteal cavities, wrists, elbows with a vinegar solution will help (one part of vinegar is taken three parts of water).

Be sure to take into account the presence of allergic reactions to medicinal herbs, honey, lemon, etc.

What is prohibited during a cold for a pregnant woman?

Remember that pregnant women cannot:

• soar legs,
• apply mustard plasters,
• visit baths and saunas,
• take hot baths,
• Use licorice root when coughing (licorice (licorice) causes swelling and a rise in blood pressure).

Active treatment with honey and raspberries is not encouraged. This can lead to an increase in the tone of the uterus, to the development of allergies in the child.

What pills can pregnant women have for colds?

If treatment with folk remedies was ineffective, you can use some medications that are allowed during pregnancy. But only with the permission of the doctor! What medications can be used by pregnant women for colds?

We remind you once again: before prescribing self-medication with pills (even if it is written that they are allowed during pregnancy), consult a specialist!

Can antibiotics be taken?

The doctor decides on the appointment of antibiotics for pregnant women for colds. During pregnancy, antibacterial agents of the penicillin and cephalosporin series, as well as macrolides, are allowed for administration.

Tetracyclines (doxycycline), fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), co-trimoxazole, sulfonamides, aminoglycosides (kanamycin, gentamicin, amikacin) are contraindicated in pregnancy.

A cold during pregnancy is an unpleasant reality that many pregnant women will have to face due to a decrease in immunity. Despite the danger of the condition for the mother and child, the symptoms of a cold are well removed by both folk remedies and medications permitted during pregnancy.The main thing to remember is that you need to deal with the treatment of colds and taking medications only under the supervision of a doctor. Seemingly insignificant nuances can lead to the most serious consequences dangerous for the mother and child.

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90,000 ARVI during pregnancy.Why is it dangerous and how to treat it?

Of course, every prudent expectant mother tries to take care during pregnancy, but nevertheless, many catch colds – after all, the immunity of pregnant women is very significantly reduced. Therefore, even those factors that we are used to not noticing can have a negative impact.

What is ARI and ARVI?
The diagnosis of a cold is not. The doctor writes ARVI. What is it?
ARVI is an acute respiratory viral infection. All familiar flu refers specifically to ARVI.
The main symptoms of ARVI are general intoxication of the body and damage to the respiratory tract.
Intoxication of the body is manifested by fever, weakness, muscle pain, joint aches.
Respiratory tract damage – runny nose, pain and sore throat, cough, change in voice.
The nature of the manifestation of these symptoms, for example, the color of the sputum, the nature of the cough, etc., depend on the causative agent of the disease.

What is the danger of acute respiratory infections during pregnancy?
Viral infections (ARVI) are the most dangerous.The degree of danger depends on the duration of pregnancy.

The most dangerous period is first trimester . At this time, the baby is still not protected by anything and the virus can cause malformations, including those incompatible with life, and cause a miscarriage.

In the second and third trimester during the normal course of pregnancy, the baby is reliably protected by the placenta, which is an insurmountable barrier for most infections. But with concomitant complications of pregnancy, leading to a violation of placental metabolism (for example, histosis, the threat of termination of pregnancy, exacerbation of various chronic diseases), serious consequences can be in the second and third trimester.

So, until the middle of the second trimester , a viral infection can disrupt the formation of organs of the central nervous system – the brain and spinal cord, as well as other systems.

From the second trimester , intrauterine infection of the fetus is possible with the development of an infectious and inflammatory process in various organs, for example, meningitis, encephalitis, pneumonia, etc. Fetal malnutrition may also occur and, as a result, lag in its physical development.

If the mother caught a cold shortly before the birth of , then the child may show signs of hypoxia at birth: the baby is lethargic, pale, the cry is weak, there may be breathing disorders. Then the child needs urgent treatment, it may even have to stay in the intensive care unit. In addition, after suffering hypoxia, the child is more susceptible to birth trauma.

But do not panic if you have contracted acute respiratory infections or acute respiratory viral infections. According to statistics, 80% of women catch a cold in one form or another, and most of them at the beginning of pregnancy, but most of them have a successful pregnancy, and, despite their illnesses, they give birth to healthy babies.

How to treat acute respiratory infections?
First, it is worth listing what in no case should be done during pregnancy. No antibiotics, dietary supplements! Also forget about hot tubs, steam rooms, foot baths. Never use aspirin or preparations containing it (for example, Coldrex or Efferalgan). To lower the temperature, do not use rubbing alcohol. Wool socks are also not a good idea.

With a runny nose , you cannot independently prescribe and use drugs containing vasoconstrictor components, such as SANORIN, FORNOS, NAZIVIN, GALAZOLIN, OT-RIVIN, NAFTHIZIN, etc.They can only be prescribed by a doctor and only if there are strict indications.

And what can be used to treat acute respiratory infections during pregnancy?

Paracetamol and preparations based on it can be used to relieve temperature . You can also wipe off with water at room temperature, in extreme cases, to quickly lower the temperature, you can add a little vinegar essence to the water, but just a little.

It is advisable to bring down the temperature with medication only if it has risen above 38 degrees.Temperatures up to 38 degrees indicate that the body is fighting infection – after all, this is a protective reaction of the body. It is at elevated temperatures that the production of interferon, a substance necessary to combat infectious agents, in particular viruses, increases. In addition, an increase in body temperature causes the death of a number of pathogens.

But it is not worth exposing the fetus to high temperatures for more than two days – an increased temperature can lead to disruption of metabolic processes.

With a runny nose and sore throat , it is worth using folk remedies. Rinses and inhalations based on eucalyptus tincture, sage decoction, soda, calendula tincture, malavite are suitable.

For inhalation, you need to bring the water to a boil, lean over a distance of 25-30 cm from the surface of the water and breathe through your mouth or nose, depending on whether you are treating a cough or a runny nose. Inhalations are carried out every 2-3 hours.

With a runny nose you can clean your nose with AQUA-MARIS – 1-2 injections into each nostril 3-6 times a day.You can use homeopathic spray Euphorbium Composites, EVA-MENOL ointment, oxalic ointment, PINOSOL ointment and drops.

For sore throat , aerosols STOPANGIN, HEXORAL can be used. From the second trimester – CAMETON. You can also use medicated lozenges with essential oils, such as NEO-ANGIN and DOCTOR THIS ANGI-SEPT, which have mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Nutrition in case of illness should be balanced – do not forget about vitamin complexes, fermented milk products, low-fat broths and soups.Appetite during illness usually decreases, but care must be taken to ensure that the baby receives a sufficient amount of nutrients.

It is necessary to drink more water – at least 2 liters per day. Water very well removes toxic substances from the body that poison it. It is best to drink such drinks as weak tea with lemon, rosehip broth, cranberry or lingonberry juice, dried fruit compote, alkaline mineral water. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that about the same amount of water is excreted from the body per day as you drank.But if you have severe edema or gestosis, then in order to remove toxins from the body, you will have to go to the hospital – there, under the supervision of a doctor, you will be detoxified. You cannot prescribe medicinal diuretics yourself!

Prevention
Of course, it is better not to get sick than to be treated. How to protect yourself from colds?

• Watch your diet. Do not forget to take vitamin complexes.
• Dress for the season – you shouldn’t be cold or sweaty.
• Avoid being in a confined space with a large number of people (transport, shops, etc.)
• lubricate your nose with oxalic ointment before visiting public places.
• Ventilate the room frequently and leave the room yourself.
• carry out frequent wet cleaning, humidify the air in all possible ways.
• You can arrange plates with chopped garlic and onions around the apartment.
• If someone in the household is sick, isolate him, and wear a gauze bandage yourself.

We hope that with our advice you can avoid ARI or ARVI! And if you do get sick, you will endure the disease as easily as possible!
Prevention department

Cold acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections during pregnancy, consequences, treatment

Colds can suddenly catch our wonderful expectant mothers by surprise.

What to do if you catch a cold (ARI / ARVI) during pregnancy?

Is it possible to protect yourself from ARVI?

What medications are allowed and what are not?

Is it dangerous for the baby?

Pregnancy is a wonderful condition, but, unfortunately, even this wonderful period in a woman’s life can be overshadowed by an exacerbation of pre-existing chronic diseases of the respiratory system (almost 10% of the population suffers from one or another pathology of the respiratory organs and do not go to the doctor for treatment).

What threatens inattention in ARI / ARVI during pregnancy:

• Pathogens of viral and infectious diseases can contribute to miscarriage, increased blood loss during childbirth.
• Viruses can also activate the existing in the body and other “dormant” infection, contributes to the development of inflammatory diseases of the internal genital organs.
• There is no particular predisposition to infection in pregnant women, but respiratory diseases of an infectious and viral nature in pregnant women are often more severe and give significantly more complications if treatment is not started on time.
• The most common illness in pregnant women is SARS and influenza.
• Colds are dangerous during pregnancy both in the 1st trimester, 2nd trimester, and in the 3rd trimester.

ARVI is an acute respiratory viral infection, i.e. the source of the disease are viruses that a sick person secretes in large quantities when coughing, sneezing, talking. We are especially susceptible to viral infections in the cold season, as well as during the transitional periods of autumn and spring – when it is hot during the day, cold in the morning, and sometimes we dress not at all for the weather.

The onset of acute respiratory viral infections is usually gradual with a general malaise of lethargy, a slight increase in temperature and a runny nose or sore throat.

Influenza, in contrast to ARVI, is more severe and poses a great danger to both the mother and the fetus. Influenza epidemics recur almost every year, during which 30-40% of the population fall ill.

This is an acute viral disease transmitted by airborne droplets. The influenza virus penetrates the respiratory tract, affects the mucous membrane, increases the permeability of the walls of blood vessels.The influenza virus lowers immunity, which can exacerbate chronic diseases. The beginning of the Flu is acute, sudden: 30 minutes ago, everything seems to be fine, but now there is already a temperature, chills, fever.

What to do if you get sick with ARVI during pregnancy?

Necessarily treat !!!

Do not hope that it will pass by itself and somehow manage to lie down. Even with a slight malaise, the likelihood of complications in a pregnant woman is high.

Be sure to visit a doctor, a competent therapist or general practitioner will give you comprehensive recommendations on drug therapy, as well as the use of home remedies that will not harm you and your baby.

Do not self-medicate, antiviral drugs, herbs, lozenges, antibiotics and antibacterial drugs should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription.Your body may react differently during pregnancy than in normal life.

Can you protect yourself from ARVI during pregnancy?

ARVI prevention measures are simple and affordable:

• Pregnant women should limit visits to crowded places with a large crowd of people in closed rooms, wash their hands more often (personal hygiene), beware of hypothermia, i.e. dress for the season and weather.
• Proper balanced nutrition, vitamin intake and more positive emotions are of great importance.
• After returning from the street or working at home, it is a good idea to rinse your throat with seawater and use a nose toilet.
• Before work, lubricate the nasal cavity with oxolinic ointment or peach oil.
• At work and at home, take care of proper air humidification (ionizers, humidifiers)
• Important! Do not forget about regular walks in the fresh air, a full sexual life (if there are no contraindications) and sports (taking into account the physiological characteristics of a pregnant woman)

What medications can you take during pregnancy if you get SARS?

• Medicines are prescribed individually, based on the situation, the doctor himself selects.
• You can bring down the temperature with Paracetamol (both tablets and suppositories).
• Warm alkaline fortified drink is shown to absolutely everyone.