The common cold is a viral infection that is often treated symptomatically with over-the-counter medications. Some cough medicines contain multiple active ingredients, including alcohol, which should be avoided during pregnancy. Most cold medicines present some risk or potential risk to a fetus. The Food and Drug Administration has categorized drugs for use in pregnancy based on their safety. A mother must consider the risks and benefits to determine whether medication is necessary. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before taking cold medicine.
Expectorants
An expectorant is taken during the common cold to help thin mucous secretions in the respiratory passages. Pregnant women should avoid these drugs during the first trimester. A common expectorant used during pregnancy is guaifenesin. According to American Family Physician, it is classified as a category C risk, which means that adverse effects have been documented in animal fetal studies, but the same studies have yet to be replicated in humans.
Cough Suppressants
Cough suppressants are drugs that suppress the urge to cough. Dextromethorphan is a common medication used to treat an unproductive, or dry, cough caused by a cold. OB Focus indicates that this drug is a category C medication. Given this category of risk rating, a woman should take this medication only after discussing it with her medical care provider and determining that the potential risk to the fetus is worth the benefit of the medication.
Pain Relievers
Pain relievers treat aches and pains that accompany the common cold. The pain reliever acetaminophen is generally considered to be safe for use during pregnancy. Safe Fetus reports that acetaminophen has a category B rating, which means that animal reproductive studies have revealed no adverse effects or that harmful results demonstrated in animal studies were not found human fetal studies. This medicine is effective in diminishing pain as well as reducing fever. Pregnant women should avoid all other pain medicines, including aspirin and ibuprofen, unless directed otherwise by a medical professional.
Decongestants
A decongestant helps shrink the blood vessels in the sinus passages and can relieve the stuffy nose sensation and sinus pain of a cold. American Family Physician points out that pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is a category B drug considered safe for use during pregnancy.
