Safe Cold Remedies During Pregnancy

If it is necessary for you to alleviate your cold or flu symptoms while you are pregnant, doctors recommend that you only ingest medications that are safe during pregnancy, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), Tylenol Cold, Sudafed or Robitussin. Other safe cold remedies include Vicks cough syrup and Halls.

Considerations

• From the list of safe medications, there are a few exclusions. Doctors suggest that if you take Tylenol, Sudafed or Robitussin products, only the single-symptom products should be used. Do not ingest the "sustained action" versions of these medications.

Effects

• Prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications that are not deemed as safe to ingest during your pregnancy can cause birth defects.

Misconceptions

• Although there are medications not deemed as safe to take while pregnant, sometimes not taking the medications will present worse problems. These medications include those prescribed for mental illness or fevers. You should check with your doctor to determine if the medication you've been prescribed is safe during pregnancy.

Prevention/Solution

• If you feel uneasy about taking over-the-counter cold remedies, home remedies such as warm salt water to gargle, nasal spray made from saline solution, or vapor rub can be used to ease symptoms.

Benefits

• Taking over-the-counter cold medications will bring down fevers, which are dangerous to your fetus, as well as help you to relax and get the necessary rest during your pregnancy.