Got a cold? The pesky symptoms of a cold are always a major discomfort and inconvenience, but it's even worse during pregnancy. And, the University of Michigan Health System says that a cold is even tougher to get rid of during pregnancy because the immune system is altered, causing symptoms to last even longer than usual. Though many medications aren't safe to take during pregnancy, a number of over-the-counter common cold medications are considered safe for pregnant women and the developing fetus.
Stuffy Head and Cough
Decongestants help to break up the stuffy nose and tightness in the chest that often accompany a cold. During pregnancy, the University of Michigan Health System notes that Sudafed is recommended as a safe decongestant to help alleviate congestion. The ingredients in Sudafed are safe to take, but the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that it's always best to choose medications with the fewest possible ingredients. Stick with the medication you need for the symptom you have, and avoid multi-symptom medications that include a lot of ingredients.
Robitussin, Robitussin DM and Vicks cough syrups are also safe for pregnant women dealing with a cough, according to the University of Michigan Health System. If you've got a hacking cough (coughing up phlegm), an expectorant cough medicine can help get rid of those secretions and are safe for pregnant women to take during the daytime.
Aches and Pains
Aspirin and ibuprofen are not safe during pregnancy, so be careful when reaching for a medication to manage aches, pains and a fever. But acetaminophen, or Tylenol, is safe for pregnant women to take to manage the aches and pains of a cold, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Take only what is needed and avoid taking too many doses--check with your doctor if you have questions about how much is safe to take, and for how long.
Herbal Cold Remedies
In general, it's best not to take any herbs or herbal remedies to manage a cold during pregnancy. Herbal products are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so it's difficult to know exactly what ingredients are included--and whether they're safe.
Natural Cold Remedies
The safest bet is to manage the symptoms of a cold using natural methods instead of medications if you can help it--particularly during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when taking medications is most dangerous. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends getting some extra rest, as well as increasing the intake of fluids (water and clear broth soups are best).
The AAFP also suggests that gargling with a warm salt water solution can ease a sore throat, and salt water drops in the nose can help ease congestion in the nose.
