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).

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.

-->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).

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.