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Cold Remedies While Pregnant

When you are pregnant and sick with a cold, it is important to watch what you put in your body. This leaves out most over-the-counter cold medicines, though there are safe remedies you can use to alleviate cold symptoms. As always when it comes to a cold, getting plenty of rest and fluids, and eating plenty of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables is important. A warm bath or shower can help relieve small aches and pains as well as clear your airways.

  1. Nasal Congestion

    • Getting enough rest is important when you are pregnant but a cold can cause a runny nose and nasal congestion. There are a few safe things you can do to help relieve nasal congestion during a cold. Saline solution is great for breaking up mucus and soothing inflammation in the nasal passages. You can purchase saline in the form of a nasal spray or drops, but be sure to check the ingredient list. Salt and water should be the only main ingredients listed on the label. You can also make your own by adding 1/4 tsp. of salt per cup of water. Sleeping slightly propped up can help you get some relief during the night by making it easier for mucus to drain naturally. Another option is to purchase nasal strips to put on your nose and help open up nasal pathways, making it easier to breathe. If you are suffering from sinus congestion, try alternating hot and cold compresses over the sinuses.

    Cough and Chest Congestion

    • If you have cough or chest congestion, try breathing in some steam. You can use a facial steamer or vaporizer or just boil a pot of water and lean over it to breathe in the steam. A chest or nasal rub containing menthol will also work to relieve congestion and cough. If your cough is severe, it is usually safe to take Robitussin during pregnancy, although you should consult your physician before doing so.

    Sore Throat

    • For a sore throat, try gargling some saltwater or making a soothing drink by adding some honey and lemon to a glass of hot water. The hot beverage can also help alleviate chest and nasal congestion. Throat lozenges containing menthol or eucalyptus are good for relieving a sore throat as well as a cough, but try to get lozenges containing a lower level of menthol.

    Fever

    • A high fever can be harmful to a fetus. A safe and quick remedy to bring down a fever is acetaminophen. If the fever does not let up after taking acetaminophen, contact your physician.

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