Being sick with a cold while you’re pregnant is no fun. This post from an L&D RN will talk about how it can affect the baby, medications you can/can’t take and what to do at home to try to feel better!
Colds during Pregnancy
Colds during pregnancy seem to happen so frequently. Your immune system is somewhat suppressed during pregnancy, so it is likely you’ll experience a cold at some point during your 9 months.
** DO NOT take the advice on this blog over the advice of your physician, and please check with them before using any medications or remedies mentioned**.
You will likely be pretty miserable, as your nose is already stuffed-up regularly. Let’s talk about what to do if you have a cold while pregnant:
What can I take for a cold while pregnant?
{sigh}
Guys — I wish I had better advice here.
First off, you 100% need to talk to your doctor. Cold medicine can be problematic for a lot of people due to blood pressure concerns, etc. You SHOULD be able to just call their office and ask what you can take. Hopefully, they let you know.
I also found this handy guide on the internet for what medications you can take. BUT, I would still check with your doctor at your next appointment (or call now, if you’re suffering).
**In reality, especially in the first trimester, you want to keep your body as benign as possible. This is something I strongly advocate for in my marijuana in pregnancy post, and I’ll say it again here.
As you progress in your pregnancy, the baby has all their parts and you’re less likely to do damage, the further along you are.
That’s why you’ll find many recommended against in the first trimester, and restrictions loosen as you progress in your pregnancy.
Sudafed while pregnant
This is a hard one, because I don’t usually find Sudafed to be all that helpful when I have a nasty cold. Sudafed is a category B — so, it’s along the same lines as Tylenol. They don’t recommend it during the first trimester. They also don’t recommend it when you’re breastfeeding (it can dry up your milk, just like your mucous).
Mucinex or Robitussin while pregnant
Mucinex is Dextromethorphan – a category C, which I try to avoid when possible. But, it’s considered fairly safe.
Robitussin is Guaifenesin — is also a category C — and not recommended in the first trimester.
Pain relief for a cold during pregnancy
I recommend Tylenol. While a lot of people think it isn’t helpful at all, it is about as good as you can have, especially during the first trimester. Tylenol is a pregnancy category B.
Ibuprofen can also sometimes be taken (but keep in mind to make SURE you eat something with it, as it can mess with your stomach) in the 1st and 2nd trimesters, but check with your doctor to be sure.
{sidenote: The only things that are category A (the safest) are prenatal vitamins, and things that promote a healthy baby}
Having a cold during pregnancy second trimester
Again, restrictions on medications are looser. However, I would still try to take the least amount of medication that you can.
Having a cough and cold during pregnancy third trimester
It’s just so miserable. You can barely breathe! This far along your baby is taking a lot of fluids from you. Make sure you’re drinking a TON of fluids, and if you’re super miserable, you might ask your doctor for some IV fluids.
Does cold and cough during pregnancy affect the baby
It can, if you’re not drinking enough.
But, mostly your body just pulls from you what it needs to supports the baby, and makes you miserable.
Things to watch for:
- Baby movement — if baby is moving less while you’re sick, maybe call your doctor and just get seen to be sure. Do those kick counts!
- High fevers — over 100.4, I’d call your doctor. Babies are even warmer in the womb.
- Make sure you’re getting enough hydration, so blood flow stays good to the baby (and to you).
- If you’re wheezing or unable to catch your breath, you should be seen by a medical provider.
Home remedies for cold during pregnancy
I recommend using a Netti pot, or something like this— especially if you’re super stuffed up.
TONS of water, and I do mean TONS. You can also try teas that have lemon and honey in them.
You might also ask your doctor about essential oils. I have found lemon to be helpful when I’m plugged up.
Oh, and did I mention water? Just drink, and drink, and drink. It really is the best cure for you right now!
5 weeks pregnant with a cold
While it’s possible that you just have a stuffed nose from pregnancy, if it’s an actual cold I would recommend taking nothing. Your baby is in such a fragile stage of growth. I’d just drink a ton and rest.
Cough drops while pregnant
It depends on what’s in them. It depends on if you’re diabetic. Check with your doctor.
However, ones that mostly just have honey and lemon should be fine.
Sometimes, a hard candy works just as well as a cough drop as it’s just helping to keep your throat moist — but, if you’re diabetic, be careful on that too!
How to clear a blocked nose when pregnant
Pregnancy increases the blood flow to your mucous membranes, so it’s not unusual to have a stuffy nosed for most of pregnancy (that will resolve).
But, if regular nose blowing doesn’t help, you can try a nasal rinse. However, if done too frequently, I think they can irritate the mucous membranes, so be thoughtful about how much/often you’re doing it.
Flu during pregnancy
First off, all pregnant woman should get a flu shot. We have had a death at my hospital from the flu, and it was SO horrible. Prevention is key.
However, if you think you have the flu and are pregnant, call your doctor. They may want to order fluids and possibly antibiotics for any secondary infections.
Also, watch for fevers.
That’s that for colds & flu during pregnancy. Other than that, I feel your pain. It’s SO miserable. Extra miserable to cough when you can hardly breathe to start with. Hang in there!
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