Pregnant women get colds, the flu and other common illnesses, just like everyone else. The popular notion is that an expectant mother's immune system is suppressed, but researchers at Yale University have challenged this belief. Instead, pregnancy leads to profound alterations in the immune system that may result in more intense cold and flu symptoms. If you're pregnant, you should always consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter cold remedies. Many drugs have not been extensively studied in terms of their risk to the fetus. Ideally, you should avoid taking any medications, as none can be totally guaranteed as safe.
Classifying Risk
The Food and Drug Administration classifies the risk of over-the-counter and prescription medications for pregnant women on a scale from A to D. Drugs with an A classification are the least risky, while D represents high risk. A classification of X is reserved for drugs that have been proven to cause fetal abnormalities and therefore should never be administered. The first trimester is the most vulnerable period for the fetus, as many tissue structures and organs are just beginning to form. Because of a lack of relevant research, FDA officials cannot describe any medication as undeniably safe.
Safe Medications
The University of Michigan Health System advises against taking any medicines for cold or flu during the first trimester. None of the typical cold medicines earn higher than a B classification on the FDA scale. After the first 12 weeks, cold medicine should be taken sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. Tylenol, sold generically as acetaminophen, is suitable for fever and body aches. Pseudoephedrine, guaifenesin and phenylephrine cough syrups are also acceptable in limited doses. Respective brand names are Sudafed, Robitussin and Vicks. As always, fighting the cold also involves getting plenty of rest, nutrition and fluids.
Medications to Avoid
Pregnant women should generally avoid cold remedies that claim to address multiple symptoms. A single medication targeting a single symptom has more predictable effects. Guaifenesin, a cough suppressant sold under several brand names, has the possibility of causing defects within the first trimester, although further study is needed. Consult your doctor before taking any natural remedies such as herbal extracts or teas, as these substances have not been subjected to the rigorous testing of established medications.
Home Remedies
For the most part, homeopathic remedies are a more sensible treatment for the symptoms of a common cold. Lots of bed rest, warm blankets and plenty of fluids will all help the body fight the infection on its own. Pregnant women have an altered immune system that may lead to symptoms lingering longer than normal. Gargling salt water can safely ease the pain of a sore throat, while saline nose drops can reduce sinus congestion.
References
- OBGYN Associates: Cold Medications During Pregnancy
- American Association of Family Physicians; Over the Counter Medications in Pregnancy; Ronald Black, M.D., and Ashley Hill, M.D.
- University of Michigan Health System: Colds and Flu During Pregnancy
- CNN Health; Expert Q&A; What Cold Meds are Safe During Pregnancy?; Jennifer Shu
- National Institutes of Health; PubMed; The Immune System in Pregnancy: A Unique Complexity; Gil Mor and Ingrid Cardenas
