The common cold zaps your energy and causes a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including runny nose, congestion, coughing and sore throat. The symptoms add to the discomfort you may already feel from pregnancy, such as morning sickness and fatigue. The pregnancy also limits your use of over-the-counter medications. The safest approach is to use natural methods to ease cold symptoms. Consult with your physician if your cold becomes worse, or if you feel the need to use medication.
Step 1
Rest your body while you recover from the cold. Take time off work if possible to stay at home and rest. Lie with your head elevated, if possible, but avoid lying on your back -- it's risky during pregnancy because it slows blood flow, especially late in the pregnancy.
Step 2
Drink more water than usual to make up for the water lost through nasal discharge. The water also thins mucus and helps relieve congestion. Keep up your water intake throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
Step 3
Use a steamer to break up congestion without exposing your baby to cold medications. Apply warm compresses to your face to relieve pain.
Step 4
Set up a humidifier to moisten the air and relieve dry nasal passages. Keep the machine and filter clean with daily water changes.
Step 5
Apply non-medicated saline spray to your nasal passages to moisturize them. Avoid medicated nasal sprays unless your health care provider approves them, to avoid negative effects on your baby.
Step 6
Take acetaminophen for body aches. This is the one pain reliever that is considered safe throughout pregnancy.
Step 7
Take over-the-counter medications only when necessary to avoid negative effects on the baby. Avoid medications that contain either pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, as they are linked to birth defects. Ask your physician for specific recommendations of medications that she approves for pregnant women.
Step 8
Talk to your obstetrician or midwife if you have a fever of 102 Fahrenheit or higher, pain in your chest, difficulty breathing or a persistent sore throat.
