Once you become pregnant, treating the symptoms of a cold requires taking your baby into consideration. You can treat symptoms using non-medicinal techniques, and there are some over-the-counter medications that are safe for use during most pregnancies. As with any illness that occurs during pregnancy, contacting your physician is a good idea.
Step 1
Control the fever. According to Lisa Rodriguez and Marjorie Greenfield on the Dr. Spock website, a fever during pregnancy can adversely affect the fetus. Using acetaminophen according to the package directions is recommended. This will also help minimize the aches and pains associated with the cold. Ibuprofen is considered safe for most pregnant women during the first two trimesters. Aspirin, however, should be avoided. If you can't get the fever down, call your physician.
Step 2
Use a menthol chest rub to help minimize congestion.
Step 3
Control nasal congestion with a saline nasal spray. Medicated nasal sprays aren't recommended for use by pregnant women.
Step 4
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to minimize the risk of dehydration due to fluid loss.
Step 5
Rest as much as possible to reduce the fatigue and muscle aches that are common while suffering from a cold during pregnancy.
Step 6
Take over the-counter-medications approved for use during pregnancy, if necessary. Pseudoephedrine can help reduce nasal congestion; use after the first trimester of pregnancy. Chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine or clemastine can be used to treat watery or itchy eyes, hay fever, runny nose and sneezing during a cold. You can treat a cough with dextromethorphan.
Things You'll Need
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Saline nasal spray
- Plenty of fluids, especially water
- Pseudoephedrine
- Chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine or clemastine
- Dextromethorphan
