Can i take meds for a cold while pregnant




















According to one source , it is safe to take decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, when directed by a healthcare provider. However, research has not yet established that decongestants are safe during pregnancy. Some studies suggest that some decongestants, including pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, may increase the risk of birth abnormalities. The overall evidence suggests that people use decongestants sparingly during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.

Resting while sick is important to give the body time to focus on recovery. Lying down with the head elevated may help with breathing and stuffiness. Drinking plenty of water can help people recover from a cold. Juices and smoothies can also provide nutritional intake when people have no appetite.

Many people also use room humidifiers to help clear a stuffy nose and promote a productive cough. Applying warm compresses to the head, sinuses, and shoulders may help reduce pain and congestion. Read more about natural remedies for a cold or flu here. People are also more likely to catch colds and the flu during pregnancy, so it is important to take steps to prevent illness. To prevent the common cold, the CDC recommend:.

Light to moderate pregnancy-safe exercises, such as swimming and indoor cycling, can boost the immune system and increase metabolism. Healthful eating is another important factor in preventing a cold. Focusing on eating a variety of fresh foods can help ensure the body gets the nutrients it needs. Taking a prenatal vitamin that includes zinc and vitamin C may also help support the immune system and prevent colds.

This occurs due to inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose, extra fluid in the body, and changing hormone levels.

Some people may find it difficult to distinguish rhinitis from a common cold. A cold during pregnancy is the same as any other cold. The common cold is not likely to not harm the mother or fetus. People may catch a cold or flu from being around others who are sick. The CDC provide guidance on how to avoid catching the flu. It is important to know the difference between a cold and the flu.

The two have similar symptoms, but the flu tends to be more severe, and a person will usually have a fever. Read more about pregnancy and the flu here.

If someone experiences a fever during pregnancy, they should contact their doctor to see what steps they can take to reduce the fever to safe levels as quickly as possible. Having a cold during pregnancy will not usually affect the fetus. If a person is experiencing a fever or other signs of infection, it is essential to speak with a doctor immediately to find the best way to reduce these symptoms.

When a person is pregnant, their body deals with a cold in much the same way as it does at any other time. Avoid late meals right before bedtime. Sleep with your head elevated at night. Eat small meals throughout the day. Mild and severe allergies. If you need some extra help, the following OTC oral antihistamines are generally considered safe: diphenhydramine Benadryl; category B chlorpheniramine Chlor-Trimeton; category B loratadine Claritin, Alavert; category B cetirizine Zyrtec; category B If your allergies are more severe, your doctor may suggest taking an OTC corticosteroid spray at a low dose along with an oral antihistamine.

Options include: budesonide Rhinocort Allergy; category C fluticasone Flonase; category C mometasone Nasonex; category C You may also try the following lifestyle changes: Avoid going outdoors or opening windows on high pollen days.

Rinse off pollen from skin and hair with a quick shower. Wear a mask while completing outdoor chores or enlist the help of someone else for tasks like mowing. Rinse nasal passages with saline spray or a neti pot. Other treatment options for constipation include the following: Drink more water and fluids. Prune juice is another good choice.

Add more exercise to each day. Eat more fiber. You can find fiber in fruits and vegetables with skins, if possible , beans, and whole grains.

Ask your doctor about fiber supplements, like Metamucil. Nausea and vomiting. Safe treatment options include: Tucks pads or other witch hazel pads Preparation H Anusol You may want to try other methods first: Soak the hemorrhoids by filling a tub with warm water. Stand or lie on your side when possible. Try a ring cushion or hemorrhoid pillow for when you must sit. Treat constipation by taking stool softeners, drinking more fluids, getting more exercise, and eating more fiber.

Yeast infections. Safe medications include: miconazole Monistat; category C clotrimazole Lotrimin; category C butoconazole Femstat; category C Home remedies and natural treatments are generally not recommended for yeast infections during pregnancy.

Skin rashes, cuts, scrapes. Difficulty sleeping. Lifestyle changes you can try include the following: Schedule sleep for consistent wake and bedtimes. Get regular exercise. Limit napping to no more than 30 minutes per day.

Skip caffeine and other stimulants. Create a nighttime ritual. For example, take a bath, listen to music, or do yoga. Explore alternative treatments, such as meditation or acupuncture. Supplement use during pregnancy. Alternative therapies. Examples include: acupuncture acupressure chiropractic care massage therapy Certain complementary and alternative medication methods, especially those involving herbs or supplements, may not be safe , however.

The takeaway. Parenthood Pregnancy Pregnancy Health Cat 1 prepostnatalvitamins. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M. Medically reviewed by University of Illinois. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Medically reviewed by Carolyn Kay, M. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Medically reviewed by Fernando Mariz, MD. Controlled studies on pregnant women show no risk to fetus in first trimester or later trimesters.

Animal studies have shown adverse effects on fetus. Evidence of fetal risk exists with animal or human studies. While many medications are off-limits during pregnancy , there are some remedies to relieve your symptoms. Before you consider taking drugstore medicines for the common cold , you might want to consider some good old-fashioned home remedies, says Elisa Ross, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist on staff with the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. The reason: No over-the-counter medicines are really treating the cold or helping you get better, they just control symptoms.

Herbal medications in particular aren't regulated, so it's difficult to know exactly what ingredients they contain and whether they're safe. Herbs can cross the placenta and reach the baby, so it's best to avoid them. The best option is always to talk to your doctor before taking any medication during your pregnancy, but here are some medications that have been found to be generally safe for pregnant women:.

Of these possibilities, Ross recommends Sudafed the most for the common cold.



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