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.
Skin Rashes Cuts Scrapes
Rashes and itchy skin can be treated with OTC hydrocortisone cream during pregnancy. But mention these symptoms to your doctor to rule out conditions like pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy . You doctor may prescribe steroidal creams for certain conditions.
For cuts and scrapes, clean the area well with soap and water. You may then apply an OTC antibiotic ointment, like Neosporin, for added protection.
Taking Care Of Yourself
If you come down with a cold, self-care will be an important part of your treatment plan.
Do your best to:
- Drink plenty of clear fluids
- Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Drinking hot water or tea with honey and lemon, gargling salt water, or sucking on ice chips are all safe ways to help soothe a sore or irritated throat.
Notify your healthcare provider if your symptoms seem especially severe or persistent.
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Common Cold Symptoms During Pregnancy
Generally, a cold will start with a sore or scratchy throat lasting about a day or two, followed by the gradual onset of other symptoms which may include:
- A runny, then later stuffy nose
- A dry cough, particularly as the cold is ending which may continue for a week or more after the other symptoms have mostly subsided
- A low-grade fever typically under 100 degrees Fahrenheit
Cold symptoms usually last between 10 to 14 days. However, if your symptoms persist longer than that time frame or seem to progressively worsen, you should talk to your primary care physician so they can ensure it hasnt turned into something more serious like an infection or the flu.
Cold Medications To Avoid Or Use With Caution
Your doctor or midwife will likely suggest avoiding the following medications during pregnancy or may recommend skipping them in certain trimesters often because there’s a concern that they could contribute to possible birth defects or pregnancy complications:
Also keep in mind that herbal supplements haven’t been well-studied in pregnant women , so skip them unless you’ve cleared a specific supplement with your provider.
Be aware that some liquid cold medicines contain alcohol in concentrations as high as 4.75 percent. Look for products that are labeled “alcohol-free.”
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How To Treat Your Cold And Flu While Pregnant
Having the cold and flu while pregnant is the worst. What medications can you safely take?
You know that unpasteurized brie is a no-go during pregnancy, and those double martinis and oysters on the half shell are strictly verboten. But what about cold and flu medications? When you inevitably come down with a hacking cough, myriad aches and pains, and a serious case of the sniffles, what can you take? Here, our guide to navigating cold and flu season with a baby on board.
Get the vaccine
YOURE PREGNANT!Sign up to get weekly email updates on your baby »Influenzaa severe respiratory illness that causes fever, cough and congestionis not something to be trifled with. As Laura Magee, an obstetrician and clinical associate professor at the University of British Columbia, says, women who are pregnant and have the flu are at an increased risk of serious complications. And that list of potential repercussions includes pneumonia, kidney failure, swelling of the brain, premature labour and even death. An estimated 10 to 20 percent of Canadians becomes infected with influenza each year, causing upwards of 12,000 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths.
The good news is the vaccine is safe throughout pregnancy. Be sure, however, to request the injection, which is made from an inactivated virus, and not the nasal-spray vaccine, as thats made from a live virus and not recommended for use by pregnant women.
Read more:
Pregnancy And Otc Cough Cold And Analgesic Preparations
Benefits Versus RisksIn the United States, about 150,000 babies are born each year with birth defects.7 Birth defects can occur due to many nonpharmacologic factors. Some of the most common defects are spina bifida, microtia, hypoplastic left heart, cleft palate, cleft lip, esophageal atresia, anencephaly, omphalocele, and limb reduction.7 Practitioners must weigh the benefits versus the risks when recommending OTC analgesics and cough and cold preparations to pregnant women. Since ailments treated with OTC and herbal products in pregnant women are not usually life-threatening, practitioners should also consider suggesting nonpharmacologic remedies, such as rest and fluids.This article presents information on some common OTC analgesic and cough and cold preparations available. Each section discusses the product, pregnancy category, information regarding safety data in pregnancy, dosing, side effects, and contraindications. The comparison of risks and benefits must be considered for each individual patient. Information relating to when patients should refer to a physician is included to assist with the decision-making process.
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Pain Relievers And Fever Reducers
Acetaminophen is considered the preferred medication during all trimesters of pregnancy to treat fever, aches and pains and is safe to use while breastfeeding. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen , are less preferred in pregnancy but can still be used in the first and second trimesters. 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. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid any products that contain aspirin.
Which Drugs Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy
Its best to ask your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy. Even herbal remedies and vitamins either havent been adequately studied. Common medications that should be avoided during pregnancy include:
- ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure or congestive heart failure, which can cause miscarriage or birth defects
- Isotretinoin for cystic acne causes extreme birth defects
- Methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis causes birth defects or miscarriage
- Naproxen , an NSAID used for pain treatment, can cause birth defects, miscarriage, increased fetal blood pressure and can reduce the amount of amniotic fluid
- Valproic acid for epilepsy and bipolar disorder can cause heart defects and cleft palate
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Tips To Prevent Cough In Pregnancy
When pregnant, your body works to sustain and nourish the little life flourishing inside you. This weakens your immune system and you are susceptible to common colds, and coughs. It is not possible to steer clear of every germ that can cause cough, yet you can try and boost your chances of not getting sick by taking the below precautions:
- Stay away from people or children at home suffering from cough and cold.
- Practice hygiene wash hands thoroughly with soap and often.
- Keep your surroundings clean as bacteria thrive in dirty areas.
- Avoid sharing stuff with those suffering from cold.
- Ensure sufficient sleep and rest.
- If you are frequently prone to coughs and colds, consider taking a flu jab after consulting with your obstetrician.
- The best way to avoid coughs during pregnancy would be to help your immune system. Have a balanced diet, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, stay hydrated, rest, and exercise to strengthen the immune system.
All in all, persistent cough should not be ignored during pregnancy. Follow the above home remedies, if the cough still persists, immediately consult the doctor. To sum up, stay stress free and hydrated during pregnancy to avoid unpleasant experiences such as coughs. Eat healthy and live healthy!
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.
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Can You Take Robitussin Dm When Pregnant
Robitussin DM is a cough and cold combination medicine with guaifenesin and dextromethorphan as main ingredients. Guaifenesin loosens mucus while dextromethorphan works to suppress cough. Both ingredients are safe to use during pregnancy.
Robitussin products have not shown an increased risk of major malformations in a fetus, but your doctor may recommend waiting until late pregnancy to take strong combination products such as this.
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Safe Medicines During Pregnancy
Always check with your Womens Care physician if you have questions about taking medications during pregnancy. Listed below are a few recommendations for over-the-counter options that you may take while pregnant.
Medicated Allergy Eye drops not recommended during pregnancy may use Saline only
Nasal Spray
Medicated Nose Sprays not recommended during pregnancy may use Saline
Cold & Flu
Halls Menthol Cough Suppressant / Oral Anesthetic
Vicks VapoRub Cough Suppressant / Topical Analgesic
Cough & Cold: Cold Drops
Halls Menthol-Cough Suppressant / Oral Anesthetic Plus Medicine
Ricola Cough Suppressant Throat Drops
Vicks Menthol Cough Suppressant / Oral Anesthetic Drops
Cough & Cold: Sore Throat Relief
Cepacol Dual Relief Sore Throat Spray
Cepacol Sugar Free Extra Strength Sore Throat Lozenges with Pain Numbing Relief
Cepacol Maximum Strength Sore Throat Lozenges
First Aid: Anti-Itch Cream
Aveeno Active Naturals Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion
Aveeno Calamine & Pramoxine HCl Anti-Itch Cream with Natural Colloidal Oatmeal Steroid Free
Benadryl Original or Extra Strength Itch Stopping Cream or Gel
Calamine Lotion
Cortaid Anti-Itch Cream, Maximum Strength1% Hydrocortisone
Cortizone-10 Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Cream
Eucerin Calming Itch Relief Treatment
Gold Bond Medicated Body Lotion Extra Strength or Anti-Itch Cream
Lanacane Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Cream
Sarna Anti-itch Lotion
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What Can You Do To Feel Better If You Get A Cold During Pregnancy
Although many of the medications that relieve cold symptoms are typically off-limits during pregnancy, you dont have to suffer with a runny nose and hacking cough when youre pregnant. Some of the most effective cold remedies dont come from the pharmacy shelf. Heres how to feel better faster:
What to Expect selects products based on independent research and suggestions from our community of millions of parents learn more about our review process. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
Too Much Of A Good Thing
Its also possible to have too much of a good thing, experts say. Excess water-soluble vitamins are usually excreted through urine, but excess fat-soluble vitamins can stay in your body and have adverse effects.
Long-term use of zinc in high doses, for example, can cause a copper deficiency high doses of vitamin A shouldnt be taken during pregnancy because it can hurt the fetus and excessive vitamin D can lead to high, unhealthy calcium levels.
Some supplements may also interfere with medications.
If youre taking certain medications, you do want to be careful, especially with herbal supplements like ashwagandha herbal supplements like St.-Johns-wort, Moskovitz said. Those can affect psychotropic medication, so antidepressants antianxiety medication. Some can actually interfere with heart medications blood thinners. So thats why its also very important to check with a professional.
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Safe Medications For Pregnant Women
Your obstetrician from Genesee Valley OB/GYN will review any medications you are currently taking to decide what is safe to continue taking during pregnancy. Some medications and herbal supplements can increase your chance of birth defects, and your doctor will review any medication you may need to stop taking if youre pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen, allergy medicine, and cold medicines are generally safe to take, while aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided.
What Medicines Can I Take While Im Breastfeeding
If you need to take medicines while you are breastfeeding, check with your doctor or pharmacist that they are safe for you and your baby. Even when your medicine is considered safe during breastfeeding, it is best to breastfeed your baby before you take your medicine.
While you are breastfeeding, its especially important to maintain good hygiene to reduce the chance of spreading the infection to your baby and other members of your household.
Here are some common medicines and some information about their use while youre breastfeeding.
There is limited scientific information about many herbal or complementary products or medicines and their safety while breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding and want to use a herbal medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist about their safety and effectiveness before you do.
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What Medications Are Safe During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or are planning to be, one of the first questions youll have is, what medications can I take and which ones are not safe during pregnancy? For the best answer to this question, start by having a discussion with your doctor. Discuss what medications you are currently taking and be sure to follow his or her advice. In general, here is a list of common drugs that are safe during pregnancy.
Prescription Medications Youre Already Taking
Before pregnancy, you may already be taking prescription medications for thyroid issues, high blood pressure, or other conditions. Speak with your doctor about continuing these medications, especially if youre already pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the near future.
In many cases, you may safely take your medication during pregnancy. Sometimes you may need to either adjust dosages or switch to another medication thats considered safer for you and baby.
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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 babys. While there are certain drugs to avoid, suffering through your symptoms isnt necessary. Read on for a few tips to consider.
How Can I Treat The Flu At Home While Pregnant
For symptoms, try these four natural flu remedies:
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Treating A Cold While Youre Pregnant
To help relieve your headache and throat pain, and to help reduce a high temperature, you can consider taking paracetamol. Paracetamol is generally considered safe for use at all stages of pregnancy.
As with any medicine, you should take the lowest dose needed, for the shortest amount of time required. If you have any questions, your pharmacist can offer advice.
April 1, 2020 by Lauren Olvera
Theres a global pandemic right now.
The year 2020 will be remembered as the year of COVID-19. But if youre currently pregnant, its also the year your baby will be born.
Or maybe youve had a baby recently and youre still adjusting to this new little life youre responsible for, while worried about keeping them, your family, and yourself healthy.
At the moment, its hard to find anything besides coronavirus news splashed all over your social media. Pregnant and breastfeeding moms, parents of newborns, this is already a challenging time of transition in your life, even without a global pandemic!
Besides coronavirus, there are still plenty of other garden-variety colds, the seasonal flu , and even allergies to contend with this time of year. And being pregnant or breastfeeding while dealing with any of the above can be miserable. So whats a mom to do if she comes down with the crud?
We follow a few simple guidelines for managing cold, flu, allergy and hopefully keeping you away from urgent care or emergency department settings when possible.
What Home Remedies Can I Take For A Cold While Pregnant
breathing warm, humid air to help loosen congestion a facial steamer, hot-mist vaporizer, or even a hot shower can work. chicken soup , to help relieve inflammation and soothe congestion. adding honey or lemon to a warm cup of decaffeinated tea to relieve a sore throat. using hot and cold packs to alleviate sinus pain.
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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
What Supplements And Natural Treatments Are Safe While Breastfeeding
Overall, there are concerns that the regulations arent as strict for supplements and other alternative products as they are for medications, says Michelle Morais, a maternal fetal medicine specialist at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont. That means contents of the supplement may vary from batch to batch or not match whats on the label. In rare cases, incorrectly made versions have harmed people.
Giesbrecht says that, instead of taking over-the-counter medications, supplements or natural cures, you may want to try taking cough drops, breathing in steam, using a neti pot, or drinking tea or hot lemon water with honey, all of which have been shown to loosen mucus buildup, relieve congestion and ease coughs. These remedies are 100 percent safe, and they work, she says. Just be aware that ingesting large amounts of menthol through cough drops can reduce milk supply, and so can peppermint tea, so you might want to avoid overdoing these while youre breastfeeding.
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