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During pregnancy, your immune system is usually suppressed — and not all medications are safe to use. Here’s how to treat colds while you're pregnant. Back to Top In This Article
When you’re expecting, your immune system runs at a lower speed than usual — which is actually a good thing, since it keeps your growing baby protected and stops your body from thinking that the fetus is a foreign entity. The downside of this immune suppression, though, is that your body doesn't ward off many of the viruses that cause the common cold, which can make you more vulnerable to symptoms including a stuffy nose, cough and sore throat. The upside to even the nastiest cold symptoms is knowing your baby isn’t experiencing any of them. In fact, the womb’s environment keeps baby completely sheltered from cold bugs. As for you, colds are mostly an uncomfortable annoyance best managed with rest, fluids, patience and a quick call to your practitioner to make sure he or she is aware of all your symptoms, including any fever. If necessary, your doctor can also steer you towards cold medications that are considered safe during pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know to feel better. What are the symptoms of a cold during pregnancy?A cold usually begins with a sore or scratchy throat that lasts for a day or two, followed by the gradual appearance of other symptoms, including:
What causes colds during pregnancy?Colds are most commonly caused by a type of virus known as a rhinovirus, which is easily passed from person to person. There are 200 or more cold viruses, which is why may get them frequently. How long does a cold during pregnancy last?Cold symptoms generally last 10 to 14 days. And yes, sorry to say, you can get a brand new cold just as the last one is ending, so if it feels like you always have the sniffles, you may be right. Continue Reading Below Read This NextHowever, if your symptoms persist past 10 to 14 days, or seem to be getting progressively worse, let your practitioner know. He or she will want to make sure your never-ending cold isn’t evolving into something more serious, like COVID-19 or the flu. Is it a cold — or the flu?You can usually tell the difference between a cold and the flu by taking stock of the symptoms:
COVID-19 symptoms — including fever, cough, chills and fatigue — can mimic those of the cold and flu. If you’re sick with COVID-19 or think you may have COVID-19, stay home and call your doctor for next steps. What can you do to feel better if you get a cold during pregnancy?Although many of the medications that relieve cold symptoms are typically off-limits during pregnancy, you don’t have to suffer with a runny nose and hacking cough when you’re pregnant. Some of the most effective cold remedies don’t come from the pharmacy shelf. Here's how to feel better faster:
What can pregnant women take for a cold? Safe medications for colds during pregnancyBefore you reach for anything in your medicine cabinet when you’re in bed with a cold, reach for the phone to call your practitioner so you can ask which remedies are considered safe in pregnancy, as well as which will work best in your case. Be sure to double-check any prescription or OTC medication or supplement recommended by a different health care provider, such as a therapist, nutritionist or pharmacist, with your practitioner to make sure it’s safe. And watch out for multi-tasking meds, like general pain relievers, which could contain ingredients that aren’t cleared for pregnant women. Some remedies you’re used to taking may not be safe during pregnancy. So what cold medications are generally considered safe during pregnancy? Here's a list:
Always check with your practitioner before you take any medication — prescription, over the counter or homeopathic. And don’t put off calling the doctor or refuse to take a medication he or she prescribes because you think all drugs are harmful in pregnancy. Many are not. But do be sure the prescribing doctor knows you’re expecting. COVID-19 symptoms — including fever, cough, chills and fatigue — can mimic those of the cold and flu. If you’re sick with COVID-19 or think you may have COVID-19, stay home and call your doctor for next steps. Medications to avoid during pregnancySome of the medications that could help with cold symptoms are off-limits to moms-to-be because they may complicate pregnancy and cause harm to their unborn baby, although further research needs to be done. Don’t panic if you happened to inadvertently take one of these medications. It’s probably fine, but just let your doctor know. Off-limit meds include:
How to prevent a cold during pregnancyBesides avoiding anyone who is visibly sick, wash your hands with soap and water a little more often — and scrupulously — than you did before. Don’t just wash and shake; use a towel to make sure your hands are completely dry when you’re done. In a pinch, carry an alcohol gel with 60 percent alcohol on the label for quick sanitizing on the go. But don’t blame yourself if you still come down with a cold — or several — during your pregnancy, despite your best efforts. Viruses are almost impossible to avoid, especially in the winter. There are many joys of being pregnant, but alas, being even more vulnerable to nasty cold bugs isn’t one of them. And just remember: This, too, shall pass. When to see a doctorCall your doctor if:
From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
Was this article helpful? What sinus meds can I take while pregnant?If a runny nose is more of a problem than a congested one, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, loratadine or cetirizine are all safe to take during pregnancy.
Which cold medicine is safe during pregnancy?Expectorants like Mucinex, cough suppressants like Robitussin, vapor rubs like Vicks VapoRub, and cough drops are all considered safe during pregnancy.
Which decongestant is best during pregnancy?The American Pharmacists Association's Handbook of Non-Prescription Drugs recommends using oxymetazoline as the preferred nasal decongestant during pregnancy. Appropriate doses of oxymetazoline can be advised for patients during pregnancy provided that the patient does not have any contraindications to the drug.
Can you take Sudafed while pregnant?Benadryl, Claritin, Sudafed PE, Tylenol and Zyrtec are all safe, over-the-counter medications to relieve allergies while you're pregnant. Eye drops and nasal sprays are not recommended, but you can use saline to help clean pollen out of your eyes and nose.
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