Common Cold While Pregnant

September 14th, 2022 | Pregnancy

Are You Ready for Cold and Flu Season?

Pregnancy is already enough to deal with. Contracting the common cold while pregnant adds to the stress your body is under. Now that you are caring for yourself and your baby, you must make sure you are healthily caring for yourself. Here is how to handle a common cold while pregnant.

Is a cold harmful to your baby?

Although some studies caution that fevers can cause small defects in your baby, most studies have found that the common cold is not harmful to your baby. They are protected by your immune system, the nutrition provided through the placenta, and their immune system. Taking care of yourself is the best way to make sure that your baby is taken care of as well.

Plenty of Fluids

One of the best things you can do when you contract the common cold while pregnant is to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated helps your body fight back against the cold and nourishes your body with any resources lost during your cold. Drink plenty of water, electrolyte drinks like Gatorade, and tea. All of these will help you stay hydrated and kick your cold faster.

Natural Remedies

Many over-the-counter medications used to treat the common cold are not the safest options for pregnant women. Natural remedies that are safe for your baby are the best option when you get a cold. Try natural remedies like ginger to reduce nausea and discomfort, and honey and lemon tea to reduce congestion.

Steam and Humidifiers

One of the best ways to clear up congestion in your nose, throat, and sinuses is to use heat and moisture to break up mucus. Inhaling steam from a shower or a store-bought humidifier can help naturally break up all that blockage that sits in your sinuses, ears, nose, and throat during a cold. This method is completely safe for you and your baby and can have you feeling better in no time.

Warm Salt Water Gargles

Gargling salt water can be beneficial for several different maladies. When you have a common cold, your throat is most likely filled with mucus and virus cells that are making you sick. Warm-up some water to a comfortable temperature and mix in a good amount of salt. Gargle the salt water near the back of your throat to clear out any mucus or phlegm that may be there. This can also help clear out any germs in your throat that are making you sick. If you have a sore throat, gargling with salt water can also help relieve pain and shorten the time of sickness.

Plenty of Sleep

The best thing you can do to get over the common cold while pregnant is to get plenty of sleep. Sleep helps your body fight your cold, so getting plenty of it can help. Your body can allocate more effort into clearing your body of dangerous cold cells when you are sleeping. Sleep is also great for the growth of your baby.