When a woman is pregnant, her immune system tends to be weaker than that of a woman who is not pregnant. This makes her more susceptible to catching a cold, particularly if she is not eating a balanced diet or taking steps to bolster her immune system with adequate nutritional supplements. Pregnant women should consult their doctors before popping the usual cold remedies during pregnancy as antihistamines, cough medicines, and nasal decongestants could have serious effects on the baby’s development.
Pregnant women should check with their gynecologists about safe medications during pregnancy during their regular check-ups at the clinic. Prenatal vitamin supplements prescribed by medical practitioners prepare pregnant women to face the onslaught for various infections, including coughs and colds.
Pregnant women are as likely as anyone else to catch a cold.
In fact, the slightly sluggish immune system and enlarged mucus membranes during pregnancy sometimes make it difficult to get over a cold quickly. During pregnancy cold remedies should be chosen carefully. The one cardinal rule with cold remedies when pregnant (as with any other illness) is DO NOT self medicate - not even with over the counter medication that you're otherwise used to taking. Always, always check with your physician or gynaecologist before taking any cold remedies while pregnant at all as it may affect the foetus.
Having said this, there are many natural, safe cold remedies during pregnancy. A cold is likely to make you feel tired, so try and get plenty of rest whenever you can. A stuffy nose can also mean that you find it difficult to sleep. You need to sleep propped up on at least two pillows to make breathing easier. Saline nose drops, which are completely drug-free and easily available also help with blocked noses and are a suitable cold remedy during pregnancy. Steam inhalation, with plain steam or a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil helps relieve a blocked nose and headache.
Pregnant women are usually advised to increase fluid intake, especially during an illness to prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of water as well as juices rich in vitamin C, which helps in fighting colds. Check with your doctor or healthcare worker about zinc and vitamin supplements which are not only essential for your growing baby, but also help you to fight and prevent colds. Drinking hot water with lemon and honey will soothe a sore throat and stuffy nose and is a safe cold remedy when pregnant. Saltwater water gargles are also extremely effective in treating the same. Consuming garlic and onions is also said to help one get over a cold faster (if the flavours don't make you sick).
Bolstering the immune system is the best way to prepare the body for the onset of winter, particularly when a woman is pregnant, as the likelihood of catching a cold in fall or winter is more. Natural cold remedies for pregnant women can help alleviate the symptoms and provide some relief, but maintaining a high level of vitality with adequate exercise and a nutritious diet will go a long way in avoiding medications during pregnancy.
Cold remedies during pregnancy could include the consumption of garlic or ginseng or capsules with their extracts. Drinking plenty of fluids such as lemon juice and honey in warm water and hot soups will help relieve some of the symptoms like a sore throat. Gargling with salt water also helps ease the pain in the throat. Drinking hot ginger tea and warm milk with turmeric are also natural remedies that can be safely used by pregnant women.
Coughs, colds, and fevers may make the mother feel miserable and wear out her body, but they will not affect the baby. Even severe bouts of coughing will not harm the baby, so the mother does not have to hunt for cold remedies during pregnancy if she can manage the symptoms with sufficient rest and a healthy diet. It is best to keep the fever under control with medication, as indicated by the doctor.
Herbal teas, mentholated lozenges, capsules of echinacea, and combination supplements of vitamins and micronutrients are all considered to b e suitable cold remedies during pregnancy. Vitamin C is considered a natural antihistamine as it helps to reduce the secretion of mucus and clears the sinuses. Aromatherapy oils such as peppermint, lavender, and elder flower can be used to alleviate nasal congestion.
Finally, remember that prevention is better than cure; particularly when pregnant cold remedies are not as effective as taking some precautionary measures. Colds spread through contact, so your best bet is to keep away from people who are infected. Women who are most at risk are school teachers and health care workers. If you belong to these professions, keep in mind simple rules of hygiene such as washing your hands frequently and especially after handling an individual with a contagious infection. However, most pregnant women do usually come down with a cold at least once, so don't worry about it. If any pregnancy cold remedies do not work for over a week, do consult your doctor to rule out allergies, sinusitis, bronchial infections etc.
