Cold In Pregnancy: Symptoms, Treatments And Prevention

Despite all the precautions during pregnancy, it is possible to catch a cold during pregnancy. Especially during cold seasons, when the chances of getting respiratory diseases and phlegm increase. Also, when a woman is pregnant, her immune system is primarily concerned with protecting the baby. This can make a woman more vulnerable to viruses, germs and bacteria.

The main drawback is that medication intake is limited during this period. That is why it is necessary to know everything about colds during pregnancy. Although it is not a serious disease, it can generate numerous discomforts.

A cold is usually not a serious illness.

A cold during pregnancy is usually not a very serious problem. Complications arise in very exceptional cases. However, it is necessary to know that self-medication can pose a serious risk to the baby.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen, commonly used for colds, can affect your baby’s health. Ibuprofen is associated with the risk of miscarriage and acetaminophen with neural diseases in the fetus. Nor should antihistamines (antiallergics) or cough syrups be administered. Much less antibiotics, which are not effective for this type of disease.

Medicines have different effects depending on the stage of pregnancy, so they should only be prescribed by a specialist doctor.

Cold symptoms in pregnancy

The symptoms are the same as the common cold:

• Itching or sore throat.
• Nasal congestion.

• Moderate fever.
• Headache.

If symptoms get worse, it is necessary to consult a doctor. When there are no complications, usually no medication should be taken.

What to do and what to take?

During a cold in pregnancy there are certain measures that can help alleviate the condition.

1. Hydration. Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water. Sugar-free natural juices are also a good option. Fruits that contain vitamin C are the best. Vegetable soup is also recommended.
2. Rest. A pregnant woman must heed the body’s warnings. If you feel the need to rest, you must rest. It also helps to avoid stress or emotional tension.
3. Inhale steam. This method is used to combat nasal congestion. The simplest way is to turn on hot water in the shower and wait for the bathroom to fill with steam. Then stay in the bathroom with the door closed for approximately 10 minutes.
4. Another way to do this is to put very hot water in a container and add 3 or 4 drops of eucalyptus. Then, you have to lean over the container with a towel that covers your head so that the steam does not escape. Lastly, you need to inhale this vapor.
5. Saline. Apply to the nose to decongest. The marine water they sell at the pharmacy for these purposes also works.
6. Hot beverages. Hot lemonade with honey relieves sore throat.
7. Gargle with salt water. Fights throat infection.
8. Light clothing. It is not recommended to put on too many clothes, as it is necessary to try to bring the temperature down in a natural way.
9. Hot baths. It’s a sure way to make the fever go down.

How to prevent colds in pregnancy?

Since the cold can be a nuisance for the pregnant woman, bearing in mind the impossibility of taking medication, it is best to try to avoid them. The best way to prevent colds is to put the following advice into practice:

• Good nutrition. A balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is essential. These foods contain nutrients that boost the immune system.
• Water. Drinking fluid helps to clean the body and contributes to the proper functioning of the body. It is recommended to avoid drinks with sugar or caffeine.
• Exercise. Activates circulation and boosts the immune system.

• Wash your hands often. Prevents the spread of viruses and bacteria.

Is it necessary to go to the doctor?

A cold in pregnancy usually affects the baby, although the discomfort that the pregnant woman feels makes her think otherwise. However, any woman should be aware of changes in her health status during pregnancy.

If the fever is high, there may be an airway infection. In this case, the doctor should consider what kind of antibiotics to prescribe. It is also necessary to pay attention to fainting, unconsciousness or any other symptoms that the pregnant woman feels that could indicate that her health is at risk.