How Can I Treat The Flu Naturally While Pregnant
For symptoms, try these four natural flu remedies:
Medication: How To Alleviate Sinus Congestion While Pregnant:
Medications used to treat acute sinus infections include cefprozil and amoxicillin-clavulanate. Acetaminophen is also regarded as safe to use during pregnancy for pain relief and/or headaches. Additionally, short-term use of decongestants, antihistamines, expectorants, and cough suppressants for upper-respiratory infections are generally regarded as safe during pregnancy in limited amounts.However, you will need to avoid aspirin, and ibuprofen . You may want to talk with your doctor for specific information on which medications pose the least risk for you and your baby. Overall, while there are some safe medications to take during pregnancy, it is best to limit your use of medication while pregnant and opt for other safer remedies.
What Is Safe To Take For Sinus While Pregnant
SinusWhile Pregnantsinussafeduring pregnancy
. Besides, is a sinus infection dangerous during pregnancy?
Sinusitis during pregnancy can be triggered by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. In some cases, a sinus infection is a complication of the common cold. You’re also at higher risk for a sinus infection if you have allergies. Although it can make you feel worse while pregnant, relief is available.
Secondly, are any decongestants safe during pregnancy? Over-the-counter are, for the most part, safe during pregnancy, physicians advise. If a runny nose is more of a problem than a congested one, antihistamines such as Diphenhydramine, Loratadine or Cetirizine are all safe to take during pregnancy.
Keeping this in consideration, is Sudafed safe while pregnant?
Sudafed 30-60 mg every 4-6 hours can be used in the second and third trimesters in women without HTN. Avoid use in the first trimester and with breastfeeding. Sudafed PE should be avoided because its uncertain efficacy and safety in pregnancy.
How do I get rid of congestion while pregnant?
Some measures you can take to deal with congestion during pregnancy include:
Read Also: How Yk If You Pregnant
Can I Take Mucinex Dm While Pregnant
Mucinex is likely safe to take while breastfeeding and during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Before taking any medication while pregnant or breastfeeding, its a good idea to talk to your doctor first. You may want to review this article with your doctor and ask any questions you have.
Tips To Consider Before Taking An Otc Drug
- Try nondrug measures. For complaints commonly handled by OTC products, nondrug measures can help alleviate symptoms without the risk. For example, stress busters such as massage, meditation, relaxation exercises, or even a walk around the block, can help with tension headaches. And rest, fluids, and chicken soup are a much safer way for pregnant women to deal with symptoms of a cold than antihistamines and decongestants.
- Consult your healthcare provider. Don’t take anything without first discussing it with your practitioner. There are trade-offs with OTC products, Mitchell said. You have to balance your need to take something with any possible risks.
- Avoid combination products. Multi-symptom cold and allergy medications typically contain ingredients from the off-limits list. For example, while Tylenol pain reliever is relatively safe for occasional use during pregnancy, Tylenol Sinus Congestion and Pain and Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom liquid contain the decongestant phenylephrine, which is not.
- Read labels.Ingredients such as alcohol and caffeine turn up in surprising places. For example, Vicks Nyquil Cold & Flu Liquid contains alcohol. And CVS Aspirin-Free Tension Headache, is indeed, free of aspirin, but still contains caffeine.
Read Also: Does Sore Nipples Mean Your Pregnant
Cold Medications For Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
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.
Where To Find Reliable Information On The Web
An Internet search will turn up lots of websites with advice on safe medications to use during pregnancy. But the advice is inconsistent and recommendations are often based on a lack of data, rather than evidence for safe use according to a study of Web-based information published in 2013.
For up-to-date, reliable information, we recommend www.MotherToBaby.org, the consumer website of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing evidence-based information on medications and exposures to other substances during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. You can also call toll-free at 1-866-626-6847 to talk to an information specialist free of charge.
Read Also: Is It Normal To Have Diarrhea When Pregnant
Cold Medicine And Pregnancy
Coming down with the common cold is always unpleasant, let alone if you’re pregnant. While many medications are off-limits during pregnancy, there are some remedies to relieve your symptoms.
Common Cold Medicine and Pregnancy: Go Natural
Before you consider taking drugstore medicines for the common cold, you might want to consider some good old-fashioned home remedies, says Elisa Ross, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist on staff with the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
The reason: No over-the-counter medicines are really treating the cold or helping you get better, they just control symptoms.
Dr. Ross suggests:
- Chicken soup
Common Cold Medicine and Pregnancy: Whats Safe?
If you can’t get enough relief from those home remedies, its possible to use common cold medicines with a few precautions. First, guidelines say its 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 didnt,” says Dr. Ross. 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.
There are also specific medicines to avoid during pregnancy:
- Aspirin
- Any herbal medications or remedies
Common Cold Medicine and Pregnancy: The Safe List
- Zinc lozenges
- Chloraseptic spray
Is It A Cold Or The Flu
The best way to tell the difference between a cold and the flu is to take account of the typical symptoms.
- A cold is milder than the flu. Its symptoms come on gradually and typically you only run a low-grade to no fever. It generally starts off with a sore throat that goes away after a day or two, a cold ends with the main symptoms of a runny nose and cough.
- Influenza, commonly called the flu, is more severe and the onset is more sudden than a cold. Symptoms include a high fever , headache, chills, a sore throat that typically worsens by the second or third day, intense muscle soreness, and a general feeling of weakness and fatigue. These symptoms, along with sneezing and a cough, can last a couple of weeks or longer.
Recommended Reading: Can I Get Pregnant If I Have Irregular Periods
No Such Thing As A Safe Medication List
The Centers for Disease Control cautions that pregnant women seeking sinus relief should first consult their doctors, because many medicines in online âsafe medication listsâ could have unknown side effects on fetuses.The CDC states, âA conversation with a healthcare provider can help ensure that you are taking only what is necessary.â The trained professionals at the American Sinus Institute can work with a pregnant patient to find the minimal medication needed to provide sinus relief.
Taking Tylenol Cold While Pregnant
18 April, 2017
The common cold causes more than just a little misery. Every winter, it attacks and makes many of us sick with headaches, fever, congestion, runny noses, sinus pressure and more.
Plenty of medications exist to ease the discomfort, but for pregnant women there are doubts about taking anything that might hurt the baby. Tylenol Cold comes in several forms that alleviate symptoms from mild to severe, but it is important to examine the individual ingredients to make an educated decision before taking the medication during pregnancy.
Read Also: Can I Have Laser Hair Removal When Pregnant
A Word About Antibiotics
So many patients call asking for antibiotics for a cold,usually when theyve had symptoms for several days. There are a few times whenantibiotics are appropriate, for instance, strep throat or sinus infectionscaused by bacteria. But antibiotics simply dont work against viruses thatcause the common cold. Overprescribing antibiotics for viral illnesses leads toantibiotic resistance, which means the bacteria grow stronger over time andbecome tougher to beat with antibiotics.If a doctor prescribes an antibiotic for cold symptoms, its usually a short,three-day round of drugs. The patient often feels better after finishing themedication but probably would have recovered in that timeframe anyway withoutthe drug.
More Than Just A Stuffy Nose
Pregnancy rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nose. This causes nasal congestion. Increased blood flow to the nasal passages and enlargement of the nasal veins also play a role.
Symptoms occur during pregnancy. They can last for several weeks. On top of feeling uncomfortable, your sleep may be disrupted. This is because the congestion gets worse when you lie down. This may make you to feel more tired during the day. Long-lasting congestion also can lead to complications. These can include sinusitis and ear infections.
Also Check: What Can I Take To Get Pregnant With Pcos
Be Cautious When Seeking Treatment
Many women use non-prescription, over-the-counter decongestant sprays to open up their nasal passages. Know that these medicines dont work for pregnancy rhinitis. These medicines may give you temporary relief. However, they may actually make your symptoms worse and lead to a complete nasal blockage.
How can you get relief from pregnancy rhinitis? Experts say you can breathe easy with these measures:
-
Dont use OTC nasal decongestants.
-
Drink plenty of fluids.
-
Increase the humidity levels in your home. Use a humidifier.
-
Dont use nasal irritants, such as cigarette smoke.
-
Get moving. Regular, moderate-intensity exercise can reduce congestion. It can also help you sleep better. But first, check with your healthcare provider to see what exercises are safe for you.
-
When you go to sleep, raise the head of your bed. For instance, use an extra pillow or a wedge.
-
Ask your healthcare provider about using OTC nasal strips and saline sprays or drops.
The good news? Even if you dont do anything, you can expect your stuffy nose to clear up soon after your baby is born. It often goes away within two weeks of childbirth.
Online Medical Reviewer: Bowers, Nancy, RN, BSN, MPH Foley, Maryann, RN, BSN
Date Last Reviewed: 4/12/2016
Acetaminophen / Phenylephrine Pregnancy Warnings
This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.AU TGA pregnancy category: B2US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned:-There is no data on use in pregnant women to know this drugs risks, including the risk of fetal harm or reproductive effects.-Acetaminophen is commonly used during pregnancy and has been assumed safe recent data questions the safety, especially with routine use or varying genetics. -Routine use of acetaminophen during pregnancy is not advised.-Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic used in emergencies to treat hypotension and alleviate eye and ear allergic symptoms.-Phenylephrine could cause constriction in uterine vessels , reducing uterine blood flow, potentially causing fetal hypoxia.-Phenylephrine may interact with oxytocic or ergot derivatives to cause persistent maternal hypertension cerebral vessel rupture is possible.-Sympathomimetic amines are teratogenic in some animal models, but are not suspected to cause human teratogenicity.-First trimester exposure to phenylephrine may be linked to fetal abnormalities.-Patients with a preeclampsia history should use phenylephrine with caution due to its vasoconstrictive properties.-Phenylephrine may reduce placental perfusion.
You May Like: What Are The Common Signs Of Pregnancy
Sinus Infection While Pregnant
Pregnancy comes with its own set of challenges that can make dealing with a sinus infection much harder than normal. For one, you are more likely to get sick, as pregnancy suppresses the immune system.
These natural changes in immunity exist to strike a balance between the mothers health and to protect the baby from disease. Additionally, certain parts of the immune system are suppressed to prevent the body from rejecting the fetus as something foreign.
While these are all natural functions, they unfortunately make sinusitis a pervasive threat, particularly for those who have been susceptible to infections in the past. Additionally, several conventional sinusitis treatments are unsafe for pregnant women, so it is important to know what you can and cannot use to treat your sinus infection while pregnant.
The good news is that, despite these challenges, a sinus infection will most likely not affect your unborn child. The first step is to determine whether or not you have sinusitis.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Cold During Pregnancy
A cold usually begins with a sore or scratchy throat that lasts for a day or two, followed by the gradual appearance of other symptoms, including:
- A runny, then later stuffy, nose
- Sneezing
- Mild fatigue
- A dry cough, particularly near the colds end, which may continue for a week or more after other symptoms have subsided
- Low-grade fever
Recommended Reading: What To Do When Pregnant
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 , or gargling warm salt water.1
How To Safely Take Antibiotics In Pregnancy
The best way to take your antibiotics is to follow your doctors instructions. Because antibiotics have been used too much in the past, your doctor might be careful about what they give you.
Your doctor will choose the best type for you. They might think about other factors before giving you antibiotics. These might include:
- Avoiding antibiotics in the first trimester
- Testing to confirm the type of infection
- Giving the smallest dose possible
- Giving antibiotics for the shortest time possible
- Using only one type of antibiotic
- Only giving antibiotics when necessary
Antibiotics can interact with other medications or over-the-counter drugs. Your doctor might tell you not to take antibiotics with any other medicine.
Take as directed. Sometimes when you take antibiotics you start to feel better right away. Its important to take your medicine until its finished and the way your doctor says. This might help stop the bacteria from becoming resistant to the medicine.
Use other safe remedies. If you have a common cold or other minor conditions, your doctor likely wont give you antibiotics. Instead, ask about other over-the-counter medicine that is safe for you to take when you’re pregnant. Other self-care practices for the common cold might be helpful, including:
- Hot shower
- Saline nasal spray
- Warm salt water gargle
If you dont get better or you have new symptoms, make sure to talk to your doctor to rule out more serious conditions.
Don’t Miss: How Long After Your Pregnant Do You Get Symptoms
What Are The Best Treatment Options For Sinusitis During Pregnancy
If you have a sinus infection during your pregnancy, you may feel miserable. You may be tempted to take some medication in an attempt to get some quick relief.
Many mothers-to-be who are suffering from sinusitis are often faced with a difficult decision of what they can do to fight their symptoms without endangering their baby.
You may find that some home remedies are just as effective in alleviating your symptoms and helping you recover while avoiding harm to your baby.
These can include the following:
- Using a humidifier at night
- Drinking plenty of fluids such as water and broth. This helps you stay hydrated and helps thin the mucus.
- Using saline nasal irrigation or saline nose drops
- Using several pillows to elevate your head when you lie down
Some medications are safe to use during pregnancy, while other commonly used medicines may not be safe to take while youre pregnant.
In some cases, such as sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection, it may be safer for the baby if you take an antibiotic. The risk of possible harm to the baby is usually smaller from antibiotics than from the bacterial infection, but talk to your doctor for more information specific to your case.
Medications that are used to treat acute sinus infections include cefprozil and a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate. They are generally regarded as safe to use during pregnancy. So is acetaminophen , which can help with pain relief and/or headaches.
Can I Take Dayquil While Pregnant
Medications to avoid during pregnancy
Decongestants like Sudafed and DayQuil are generally cautioned against after the first trimester and only in a limited amount. Avoid non-steroidal nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline. Dont take supplemental vitamins or herbal remedies without medical approval.
Recommended Reading: When Does The Nausea Start In Pregnancy
Congestion And Allergy Symptoms
For congestion issues, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and loratidine appear to be safe during pregnancy. Avoid pseudoephedrine , since it may be associated with birth defects involving babys abdominal wall. Also, decongestants may affect blood flow to the placenta and should generally be avoided throughout your pregnancy.
