Being pregnant, unfortunately, doesn't make you immune to getting a cold. The common cold virus can make you uncomfortable and during pregnancy your symptoms may last longer. During pregnancy you may also experience excessive nasal congestion due to hormonal changes and the extra fluid that comes with pregnancy. If you don't have other cold symptoms---you likely don't have a cold.
Over-the-Counter Medications
When we're not pregnant, our first line of defense is often to take over-the-counter medications to help control the symptoms of a cold. The University of Michigan Health System discourages the use of any medications before 12 weeks gestation and after 38 weeks. In the second and part of the third trimester, over-the-counter medications are considered safe. The University of Michigan Health System recommends Sudafed nasal decongestant, Robitussin and Robitussin DM as well as Tylenol. Using an expectorant during the day and a suppressant at night is also OK, check with your health care provider before choosing one. No medications should be taken without first consulting with your health care provider, whether they are considered safe or not.
Eating and Drinking
It's important for pregnant women to take in six to eight 8-oz. glasses of water a day at a minimum. While you're ill, increasing your fluid will help your body fight off the virus more efficiently and ward off dehydration that can happen when you're sick. Drinking water, juices and teas will help keep you hydrated while you're feeling under the weather.
Other Remedies
If you are trying to avoid medications, or the medications your health care provider has suggested are not working, you may want to try a few other remedies. When lying down, prop your body up at a 30 to 45 degree angle. This will help with feeling overly congestion and may help alleviate sinus pressure---it will also help ease heartburn related to pregnancy as well. Use a vaporizer to help break up secretions, lay a warm wash cloth across your sinus area on your face and increase your rest periods and be sure to keep an eye on your temperature. Any temperature over 101 degrees should be reported to your health care provider.
When All Else Fails
If your symptoms are becoming worse, or you are experiencing lightheadedness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, severe headache, fever or you find yourself uncomfortable with how you're feeling, contact your health care provider immediately.
