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 isnt uncommonthe 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.
No Drugs If You Caught A Cold Or Flu
You should keep in mind that the immunity of a pregnant woman is lower than of a woman who isn`t pregnant and the explanation is as it follows: The product of conception has genetic and structural components from both parents, the mother`s organism perceiving it as a foreign body and seeking to reject it. Here comes into play the physiological mechanism known as immunological tolerance, which lowers the immune response and makes it in such a way for the mother not to reject the pregnancy.
Consequently, the mother becomes much more vulnerable to infections, like colds or flu . Unfortunately, colds during pregnancy cannot be treated with drugs, but there are certain tricks that you can use to combat it and tips to prevent it.
Can I Prevent It
In short, no. Some pregnant women will experience it, and some won’t, and there’s no way to tell whether you’re more likely to suffer from nasal congestion or not. The best you can do to prepare is stock up on tissue and have a humidifier on hand, just in case.
Oh, the joys of pregnancy!
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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.
Which Cold Medicines Are Safe During Pregnancy
A variety of cough and cold medications are available at your local pharmacy. But it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are safe to take while pregnant. Different medications target different cold symptoms. Pinpointing your specific symptoms can help you decide which medications to take.
Research on cough and cold medications during pregnancy is limited. Some research suggests that certain medications should be avoided during the first trimester. This is because the first trimester is an important time of development for your baby. And you dont want anything to interfere with that process.
Below, well cover different medications that can be used for various cold symptoms. Always ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any medications while pregnant. If you need medications, take the lowest amount needed to relieve your symptoms. And only take them for the shortest period of time possible.
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Signs Babys Congestion Needs Immediate Medical Care
Sometimes infant congestion can impair a babys breathing, which Duda says is a clear signal to take your little one to the doctor no matter the cause. If babies are coughing a lot, and there is no relief, then they should really be seen by a doctor, she says.
Duda encourages parents to watch out for nasal flaring. If babies nostrils are flaring in and out every time they breathe, and they have retraction around the ribs, this means that they are working too hard to breathe and need immediate medical attention, she says. If they are grunting with every breath, this is also a serious concern, and parents should seek out immediate medical attention for their babies.
If youre ever concerned about your babys breathing, make an appointment with your pediatrician.
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.
- Avoid non-steroidal nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline.
- Dont take supplemental vitamins or herbal remedies without medical approval.
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From Cold And Cough To Hemorrhoid And Nausea We Break Down Safe Otc Medications To Take While Pregnant
Its the dead of winter and you cant sleep, because youre 7 months pregnant and your baby has decided to be nocturnal. You know you need sleep, because lack of good rest inhibits your immune system. This stresses you out, because your spouse has a nasty cold, and youd rather avoid it.
Your spouse is resting peacefully in the guest room because he has a plethora of over-the-counter medications at his disposal.
But not you. Youre pregnant, and your OTC medicine choices are extremely limited. So, you hope to stay healthy amid the stress and discomfort of pregnancy. Not to mention its cold and flu season.
Then, you realize. Your nose is running. Your sinuses feel clogged. Youre getting sick.
Your first instinct is to want to grab those great medications your spouse is taking. But you know you have to be careful.
In no time, youre miserable with symptoms of the common cold. Youre desperate for relief, but you know the safety of your baby is paramount.
Advanced Womens Healthcare is here to help with a comprehensive list of safe over-the-counter medications to take during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor for the best personalized choices for you.
Pregnant women: Dont forget to get your flu shot at AWH Dallas!
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.
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What Causes Sinusitis In Pregnancy
Both sinusitis AND rhinitis are caused by the bodys overproduction of oestrogen and the pregnancy hormone progesterone.
Progesterone dilates the nasal passages, causing them to swell and partially block the airways, while oestrogen affects mucus production.
Its also thought that the increased blood supply in your body affects the mucus membranes in your nose.
How To Get Rid Of A Cough During Pregnancy
Have you ever been asked yourself how to get rid of a cough during pregnancy? Maybe not! But better be safe than sorry, right?
Some women know from personal experience that in the last years alternative therapies and natural treatments have gained more and more ground. A special moment in which they focus their attention towards them is pregnancy, because during this period they try to avoid classical treatments for fear of harming the baby. Cough drops might seem harmless at first, especially if they are made from plants, but it`s recommended not to take anything without the doctor`s approval.
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Signs Of A Sinus Infection During Pregnancy
If youre pregnant and havent had much experience with sinus infections in the past, you might wonder what hit you. Chances are you have a sinus infection if you notice:
- Yellow or green drainage from your nose
- Nasal congestion
- Facial pressure
- Headaches
When these symptoms last more than a week to 10 days without any improvement, its probably a bacterial infection instead of a viral one, notes Ahmad R. Sedaghat, MD, PhD, an associate professor in the department of otolaryngology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. In that case you may need to be prescribed antibiotics, so be sure to let your doctor know if your symptoms worsen.
While sinus pressure and pain in pregnancy might leave you feeling pretty under the weather, the good news is that the infection wont affect your baby.
The treatment for a sinus infection depends on the type of sinusitis and the source of the inflammation or infection. You might feel better with treatment for your symptoms as your sinus infection resolves.
Acute viral sinusitis can usually resolve on its own, acute bacterial sinusitis can usually be cured with antibiotics, and anti-fungal medications might be needed for treating fungal sinusitis, Getting treatment for allergies that might be contributing to an acute or chronic sinus infection can help, and endoscopic surgery may be needed in some cases of chronic sinusitis.
Verywell / Tim Liedtke
How Can I Clear My Stuffy Nose
- Boil and cool to room temperature 240ml of water.
- Mix in 1.25ml of salt, and 1.25ml of bicarbonate of soda.
- Stir your mixture with a clean spoon to make sure the dry ingredients have fully dissolved.
- Dribbling the solution into your cupped hand, or a clean cup, and sniffing it into each nostril.
- Using a syringe to squirt a small amount into each nostril. You can get a syringe from your pharmacy.
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Preventing Coughs During Pregnancy
To prevent coughs or colds, you need to the rules of a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you are eating properly, sleeping enough and do exercises. It`s important to take vitamins, but only under the supervision and in accordance with the doctor`s recommendations. Uncontrolled use of vitamins during pregnancy can harm the fetus.
Wash yourself regularly on your hands! Use only utensils and personal hygiene products.
When Do Congestion And Nosebleeds Generally Start During Pregnancy
Nasal congestion is a classic sign of pregnancy so dont be surprised if you develop a case of stuffiness and even a few nosebleeds around week 16. In fact, stopped-up noses are so commonplace that congestion affected a whopping 65 percent of pregnant women enrolled in one study.
And if you think youll get a break from the dripping and blowing in a later trimester, thats usually not the case. Congestion during pregnancy tends to stick with you to the very end. Remember keep the tissues or a few hankies handy!
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Pregnancy Rhinitis: Relief For Ongoing Nasal Congestion Is Possible
If you’re expecting a baby, you may be dealing with a stuffy nose that doesnt seem to go away. This hassle is called pregnancy rhinitis. The cause of this condition isnt really clear. However, it may be caused by hormonal changes.Having a history of allergies or asthma does not raise your risk of getting pregnancy rhinitis.
When To See A Doctor
The cold symptoms tend to persist for 1014 days, and the downside is that just as you are on your way to full recovery, the viral infection might make a comeback. If you suspect that the symptoms are getting progressively worse or notice no sigh of recuperation even after 2 weeks, you might want to fill your doctor in about your condition.
Flu-like symptoms, on the other, should be reported to your healthcare provider right away. The worrisome symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Confusion
- Severe vomiting
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that every pregnant mother receive a preventative flu shot and treated immediately with prescription antiviral medication if flu is suspected.
These actions could prevent serious complications to the baby, the most serious of which is related to the mothers fever. Fever in pregnancy may be associated with neural tube defects and other congenital abnormalities in the unborn child.
If your cold is severe enough to disrupt your regular sleeping and eating patterns, your doctors help is warranted.
The same stands true if you experience symptoms such as throbbing sinuses, vaginal bleeding, and chest pain while coughing or wheezing.
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Sinus Infection While Pregnant: Medication And Natural Remedies
Sinus pressure, a stuffy nose, and a sore throat? Welcome to a sinus infection during pregnancy. Sinus infections while pregnant at the same time makes being sick even worse.Sinusitis occurs when there is an infection in the lining of one of the four nasal cavities, which can cause inflammation and a nasal obstruction inhibiting the proper drainage of mucus. This can result in symptoms such as a stuffy nose and painful pressure around your cheeks and eyes. Such infections may be caused by a bacteria, virus, or fungus, although the cold is the most common contributing factor of sinus infections. Learn more about dealing with a cold during pregnancy.If you have a sinus infection during pregnancy, you may be tempted to take some medication for a quick fix. However, while certain medications are safe to use during pregnancy, other commonly used medications may not be safe to take while pregnant. You may also find that some home remedies may be just as effective in alleviating your symptoms and helping you recover.
Baby Could Have The Common Cold Virus
Most of the time, baby congestion isnt really painful for them, but it can affect their sleeping, especially if they get the common cold virus, says Duda.
What you can do: If baby is really congested and has a stuffy nose at night, Duda suggests elevating their head while they sleep. Putting them in their baby car seat or even swing so they are in an upright, elevated position can help drain some of that mucus, she says.
Still have a baby with a stuffed up nose on your hands? Try saline drops for babies noses that help clear out some of that mucus, as well, says Duda.
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Safe Constipation Remedies During Pregnancy
- Metamucil, Citracel, Fibercon, Benefiber
- Stool softeners colace ,1 tablet 2-3 times a day, pericolace ,1 tablet 1-3 times a day
- Laxatives such as Milk of Magnesia, Correctal, Fleets enema and Miralax
- Imodium liquid or capsules for diarrhea
- Psyllium, which is the basic ingredient in Konsyl and Metamucil
- Colace
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 such as Motrin and Advil , Bayer , and Aleve and Naprosyn , 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 , an antibiotic that can interfere with folic acid metabolism while stimulating the production of bilirubin , 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 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 102o F, call your doctor immediately.
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Can You Take Cough Drops While Pregnant
Cough drops are known to come into 2 different forms: mentholated or non-mentholated. The mentholated ones are known to numb any throat pain, but they most of the time contain oral anesthetic and cough suppressants. Non-mentholated ones have a soothing substance that coats the throat, and they don`t numb throat pain or suppress coughs.
Generally speaking, it may be best to abandon the idea of using cough drops during pregnancy because they mainly contain synthetic ingredients. However, some experts claim that particular brands of cough drops are acceptable but again, not without speaking to a doctor first.
According to Women`s Care, some brands of cough drops are safe during pregnancy:
- Halls Menthol-Cough Suppressant / Oral Anesthetic Plus Medicine
- Ricola Cough Suppressant Throat Drops
- Vicks Menthol Cough Suppressant / Oral Anesthetic Drops
On the other hand, BabyCenter.com claims that they aren`t safer than any other non-natural brands. If you still choose to use them, you shouldn`t eat them as candies no matter if you are pregnant or not. Some drops contain herbs which aren`t safe during pregnancy, so it`s best to avoid them.
