A mother's actions have a tremendous affect on her baby when she is carrying a child. This means even simple factors -- like the foods eaten, activities done and even the stress levels experienced -- are influential on your child. Fortunately, suffering from mild illnesses like the common cold is of no great risk to your baby, as long as you keep your body temperature in check.
Illness When Pregnant
In most cases, basic colds pose no threat to your baby. You may feel more uncomfortable than normal due to the baby you are carrying, but your child will be safe as your body battles a cold. It is not abnormal to get sick when pregnant, or to get sick more often -- pregnancy often weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.
Effects of Fever
One exception to illnesses is a high fever. While your baby is safe from most symptoms of a cold, developing a high fever can increase your body temperature and threaten your child's health. A temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher can put your baby's life at risk. If you develop a fever this high, contact your doctor or visit the hospital immediately.
Treatment
You can treat a cold safely in many ways. Try to rest as much as possible and keep your body temperature low. Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the cold out of your system, particularly ones featuring vitamin C. Try to eat small amounts of nutritious foods like whole grains and dairy. Avoid taking medications without consulting a doctor first to make sure they are safe for your baby.
Prevention
According to obstetrician Russell Turk of BabyCenter, vaccinations like a flu shot are recommended for pregnant mothers. This introduces a small amount of the virus into the body, but the dosage is not strong enough to cause a full-on sickness. Maintaining clean habits like washing your hands can reduce your contact with germs, helping you avoid colds and other illnesses.
