Everything alters when you become pregnant. Everything you do influences your body and your unborn child. This realization makes getting a cold or flu more complex.
If you get a cold or become ill with the flu, you may fret about the infection influencing your unborn child. And what if you struggle with a fever, or diarrhea? Could those symptoms injure your kid?
In the past, you may have taken a non-prescription decongestant, but now you might wonder: Is it safe? Although medications can alleviate your symptoms, you do not want the drug causing issues for the infant.
Fortunately, many medications can be taken while pregnant, so dealing with a cold or flu during pregnancy doesn’t have to be a frightening experience.
Things You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk
Pregnant females have a higher risk of getting a cold or the flu since their body immune system is weakened throughout pregnancy, according to the Cleveland Center. A weaker body immune system helps stop the woman’s body from rejecting the unborn child. But it likewise leaves anticipating moms vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections.
Pregnant women are likewise more likely than non-pregnant women their age to experience problems of the flu. These complications can include pneumonia, bronchitis, or sinus infections. Getting a flu vaccination lowers the risk of infection and issues.
According to the Centers for Illness Control and Avoidance (CDC), getting a flu vaccination helps safeguard pregnant females and their babies for up to 6 months after birth. So, it is essential for pregnant females to be updated on their vaccination schedule. Ask your physician about a preservative-free vaccine if you’re concerned about trace quantities of mercury utilized as a preservative in the majority of vaccines.
Others things you can do to minimize your risk of getting ill consist of:
- cleaning your hands frequently
- getting adequate sleep
- consuming a healthy diet
- avoiding close contact with sick friend or family
- exercising routinely
- lowering stress
Treatments for a Cold or Flu During Pregnancy
Particular tried-and-true cold treatments can be relied on while pregnant:
- getting lots of rest
- consuming a great deal of fluids
- gargling with warmer seawater for an aching throat or cough
A few house remedies consist of:
- Saline nasal drops and sprays for loosening up nasal mucous and calming inflamed nasal tissue.
- Breathing warmer, humid air to help loosen up congestion. Try making use of a facial steamer, a hot-mist vaporizer, and even a hot shower.
- Chicken soup helps relieve swelling and soothe blockage.
- Adding honey or lemon to a warm cup of decaffeinated tea to help alleviate an aching throat. Raising your go to help you sleep much better.
- Using hot and cold packs to relieve sinus pain.
What About Medications?
According to the University of Michigan Health System and the majority of OB-GYNs, it’s best to avoid all medications in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. That’s a critical time for the advancement of your infant’s crucial organs. Lots of physicians likewise recommend caution after 28 weeks. Consult with your physician prior to taking any medication if you’re pregnant, or attempting to get pregnant.
Several medications are thought about safe after 12 weeks of pregnancy. These include:
- Robitussin (dextromethorphan) and Robitussin DM cough syrups
- Vicks plain cough syrup
- Vicks or other menthol rub on your chest, temples, and under the nose
- Nasal strips (sticky pads that open congested air passages).
- Hall’s cough drops or Cepacol lozenges.
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) for aches, pains, and fevers.
- Cough suppressant at night.
- Expectorant during the day.
- Mylanta, Tums, or similar medications for heartburn, queasiness, or indigestion.
Prevent “all-in-one” medications that integrate components to tackle many signs. Instead, pick single medications for the symptoms you’re struggling with. You need to likewise prevent the following medications while pregnant unless recommended by your medical professional. These medications enhance the dangers for issues:
- ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, and others).
- codeine.
- Bactrim (an antibiotic).
- naproxen (Aleve).
- aspirin.
When Should I Call My Doctor?
Although a lot of colds do not cause issues for an unborn child, the flu should be taken more seriously. Flu complications increase the risk of premature delivery and abnormality. Get immediate medical help if you experience the following symptoms:
- dizziness.
- trouble breathing.
- chest pain/pressure.
- vaginal bleeding.
- confusion.
- severe vomiting.
- high fever that isn’t reduced by acetaminophen.
- reduced fetal movement.
The CDC recommends that pregnant females with flu-like signs be treated instantly with antiviral medications. As always, if you have any questions, call your medical professional’s workplace.
