Pregnant with a Cold: When It's Normal and When to Worry

Got a runny nose? If you're pregnant and worried that your cold is going to affect your baby, fear not. Catching a cold during pregnancy is pretty common because mums' immune systems are way lower than normal. Your baby is safe as long as you know how to properly treat your symptoms.

Pregnant mums cannot take the typical medicine we take for colds, because it might not be safe for your baby. Plus, no matter how common colds may be during pregnancy, we ought to do our best to prevent symptoms from getting worse; otherwise, we catch more serious infections.

So, in this article, we will give you the low-down on the medications and home remedies that you can try to suppress the mighty Achoos and give you the relief that you deserve. 

What Causes Colds While Pregnant

While the cold virus doesn't discriminate, certain factors can make pregnant individuals more susceptible. Let's explore some common causes of catching a cold during this special time.

1. Weakened Immune System: The immune system undergoes changes during pregnancy to accommodate the growing baby, making moms-to-be more susceptible to infections.

2. Increased Blood Flow: The increased blood flow can lead to nasal congestion and changes in mucous membranes, creating an environment favourable for cold viruses.

3. Close Contact: Being around individuals with colds or in crowded places increases the likelihood of exposure to viruses.

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4. Stress and Fatigue: Pregnancy can bring its share of stress and fatigue, which may contribute to a weakened immune response.

Are colds worse during pregnancy?

While pregnancy doesn't necessarily make you more susceptible to catching a cold, it can feel more challenging to cope with due to changes in the immune system. Pregnancy hormones can affect the mucous membranes in the nose and make you more congested, and the immune system naturally weakens to accommodate the growing baby.

Although colds aren't inherently worse during pregnancy, the discomfort may feel more pronounced.

Colds While Pregnant: Complications

Does cold and cough during pregnancy affect the baby?

In most cases, a common cold or cough during pregnancy does not directly harm the baby. The baby is well-protected in the uterus, surrounded by amniotic fluid.

However, the discomfort and stress associated with illness can impact the mother. Prolonged or severe illness, especially if accompanied by high fever, may pose risks, so seeking prompt medical advice is crucial.

Dealing with a cold during pregnancy is no fun, but most cases don't lead to serious complications. However, it's essential to be aware of potential issues that may arise. Here's a brief look at complications that may accompany a cold during pregnancy.

1. Respiratory Infections: In some cases, a simple cold can progress to more severe respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

2. Dehydration: Cold symptoms like fever and sweating can lead to dehydration, which is a concern, especially during pregnancy.

3. Impact on the Baby: While common colds generally don't directly harm the baby, complications like high fever may pose risks. Seeking medical advice is crucial for proper guidance.

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4. Worsening Underlying Conditions: If a pregnant individual has pre-existing conditions like asthma, a cold can exacerbate symptoms and require careful management.

It's important to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations to ensure both your and your baby's well-being.

How to Prevent Colds While Pregnant

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," they said, so let's begin there. What are the ways pregnant women can avoid catching a cold? 

1. Hygiene

• Always wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitiser. The germs that transfer to your hands and into your body are often a big reason why you would get a cold. So, the more you get used to properly and frequently cleaning your hands, the better. 

• Avoid going out or hanging out with people who are sick. No, it does not matter if you have not seen your bestie in a long time. If she has a cold, stay away. You can always just video call if you cannot wait to see each other.

2. Diet & Exercise

• Hydration is key. Drink plenty of fluids - may it be water, juice, or soup - drink up. The more liquid you have in your body, the less likely you are to get dehydrated.
• Eat healthy food. Stock up on nutrients, so your body has an army of defence when an unattended virus or germ enters your body.
• Exercise regularly. Like healthy food, exercise aids in keeping your body strong and fit. It's added defence. Plus, exercising regularly prepares your body for an easier or even quicker delivery. If that's not a plus to go and hop on a treadmill now, we don't know what will.

• Sleep well. Yes, technically it's not a form of diet nor a form of exercise, but it's another way of caring for your body. When you give your body enough time to sleep or rest, you give it the time it needs to strengthen your immune system. So, make sure to get your full 8 to 10 hours of sleep.

3. Vitamins & Supplements

• Take your prenatal vitamins. There is a reason why that is the first order of business when you make your first visit to your obstetrician. Your body needs all the Vitamin C and Zinc it needs to fight off any sickness that can interrupt your pregnancy.

Don't wait until you catch a cold before you start doing all these things. It's smart to adopt these tips into your daily routine, so you can prevent catching a cold.

But, of course, prevention can only do so much. Even if you have mastered, sleeping early, drinking tons of fluids, exercising day and night, and many more, you can still catch a cold. So, what do we do then?

What Medications Are Safe for Pregnant With Cold Symptoms

How can I treat a cold while pregnant?

Here we are: the biggest question that pregnant women may ask upon noticing symptoms of a cold - can they take medicine for their cold? The answer is: it depends on which medicine. Let's talk about them one by one:

• Pain-relievers (Acetaminophen/Paracetamol)

Taking pain relievers to treat your cold is safe, as long as you take them in the lowest allowable dosage in a short amount of time. Also, do not consume them together with other cold medicines.

The only caveat is that pain reliever also means nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, more popularly known as naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. You may run the risk of pregnancy loss when you take this type of pain reliever during the first term of your pregnancy.

So, if you really need a strong drug to suppress your cold, best if you consult your doctor if taking NSAIDS is safe for you.

• Cough Suppressants (Dextromethorphan and Guaifenesin)

Cough and colds are often a package deal. So, when you start noticing symptoms of a cold if you don't treat those symptoms well, a cough may well come after.

So, when you do experience coughing, taking cough suppressants is safe. But, to be extra safe, get ones that are drug-free or herbal or mentholated lozenges to help relieve coughs or sore throat. This medication can help thin out the mucus that's blocking your airways. 

• Antihistamines (Loratadine or Cetirizine)

If you're part of the allergic rhinitis gang, you might already have this medication in your first aid cabinet or box. If you don't have allergies, it would help to know that antihistamines help relieve runny nose, watery eyes, and non-stop sneezing.

The good news is they are relatively safe to consume during pregnancy, as soon as your OB approves of them. Some of the most well-known antihistamine brands are Benadryl, ChlorTrimeton, Claritin, Zyrtec. 

• Decongestant (Pseudoephedrine)

Some studies appear to show that decongestants can cause birth abnormalities. So, doctors often would recommend nasal sprays instead, as they are safer for relieving congestion. However, should nasal sprays fail to decongest, you can consult your OB if taking a decongestant is safe.

Some experts have suggested avoiding decongestants during the first term of your pregnancy, so once you move on from one-third of your journey, you can ask your OB if you can take one to relieve your congestion.

Home Remedies for Colds During Pregnancy

If you are paranoid about taking any of the medications listed above, that is totally fine. When you're pregnant and battling a cold, it's essential to prioritise remedies that are safe for both you and your baby.

You can try these home remedies to help relieve your symptoms:

• For congestion and breathing problems - elevate your head when you're lying down; doing so will make breathing easier. Unmedicated nasal sprays, as mentioned above, are another remedy you can try. You can also try having a humidifier around your home, which can help loosen your nasal passages.
• For your cold - water therapy or carrot juice - when you have a runny nose, you can easily get dehydrated if you don't have enough fluids in your body. So, drink up. Carrots also have dietary supplements that help fight cold-causing viruses.
• For your sore throat - try drinking some ginger tea or infusing some turmeric in warm milk. These drinks are supposedly helpful in relieving sore throat. If that does not work, you can always try a saltwater gargle. 
• For coughs - honey is said to be effective in relieving dry cough.

ALSO READ:

Pregnant With Cough? 9 Ways To Cope Without Losing Your Cool

Mums, Don't Make These 7 Common Health Mistakes During Pregnancy

Watch Out For These 7 Signs of Flu During Pregnancy

Cold vs. Flu: When to Call the Doctor

• a fever of over 100.4° F
• severe or unusual symptoms
• symptoms that last more than 10 days
• symptoms of the flu
• shortness of breath
• violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe
• decrease in foetal movement