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Nothing can be quite as miserable as having a cold and cough except having one when you are pregnant. You may be already battling morning sickness, constipation, and heartburn, but a cold or flu during your pregnancy can bring you to your knees in no time at all. The irony of it is that in order to prevent the baby from being rejected by your body, your immunity naturally falls during a pregnancy. This makes mums-to-be all the more prone to frequent sniffles, a sore throat and / or a cough. Since medication is rarely recommended during a pregnancy, there is not much you can do to alleviate the symptoms except wait for them to disappear or control them with the help of some safe home remedies. Remember, when you have a fever or a cold, it is in fact a reassuring sign that your body is fighting an infection efficiently. So, just be patient, rest adequately and try some of the following natural remedies to support your immune system. These can also help reduce the severity of your symptoms while the illness follows it natural course.

Natural Cold and Cough Remedies

Here are some answers on how to reduce cough during pregnanacy

• There are some herbs that are considered safe during pregnancy. Echinacea is one such herb that is a potent fighter of germs and infections. Echinacea angustofolia in particular is the most effective to boost your immunity and can be had in the form of a tincture mixed with a little water thrice a day until your cold disappears.
• If you are not suffering from nausea or morning sickness and can stomach spices and herbs in your food, try adding garlic, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom to your meals. These contain powerful germ-fighting properties and help clear congestion and clogged nasal passages.
• One way of soothing a sore throat is by gargling with warm water mixed with a pinch of salt. Alternatively, mix lemon juice with hot water and a tablespoon of honey and gargle with this solution.
• Steam inhalations are also an effective home remedy to reduce cough and chest congestion. To improve the effects of inhalation, try mixing a few drops of essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil. Hot showers and vaporizers also help to reduce a cough.
• Saltwater rinses and helps treat stuffed up nasal passages and remove harmful bacteria and viruses from your nose. Mix a quarter teaspoon each of salt and baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water. Use a bulb syringe and inject this solution into one nostril. Drain and repeat with the other side.
• Some good foods to eat that may help fight a cold are bananas, bell peppers, carrots, mustard, onion, and tea.

Other Tips For Cold

• Stay hydrated when you have a cold as viruses thrive in the dry membranes of the mouth and nasal passages. Drink plenty of liquids such as water, diluted and fresh fruit juices. Hot clear soups and broths are also excellent options. Herbal teas such as peppermint and ginger can be had in small amounts when pregnant and can help soothe a sore throat. Avoid drinks that are high in sugar when you have a cold as these can reduce your body's ability to fight an infection. This would entail laying off on the sodas, juice concentrates and ready made mixes that contain high levels of fructose, sucrose, and glucose.
• Increase your intake of vitamin C and mineral supplements such as zinc and iron to boost your immunity but always check with your doctor or midwife before starting any new medication or treatment.
• Reduce your intake of foods that increase congestion and nasal secretions such as dairy products. Substitute these with pulses and green vegetables to ensure you get the necessary nutrients for your baby and yourself.
• Do not take any over-the-counter cold or cough medications. Popular antihistamines, decongestants and cough syrups may have dangerous side effects for the baby. Ibuprofen and aspirin should also be avoided when pregnant.
• If your cold and cough symptoms do not reduce after a week or are accompanied by any other symptoms, contact your doctor immediately as this may be a sign of a secondary infection or a more serious underlying medical condition.

How to Avoid Cold

• Eat a balanced healthy diet rich in fresh fruit, vegetables, proteins and whole grains.
• Get regular exercise to boost your immunity.
• Wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of germs and infections.
• Speak to your doctor about a course of prenatal vitamins and supplements to improve your overall health.
• Quit smoking immediately.
• Flu shots are important for pregnant women and can protect both you and your child for up to six month after he is born.
• If you have any doubts regarding the safety of any type of traditional or alternative medication, consult your health care provider before beginning any new therapy.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.