It’s so exciting to think about your exciting bundle of joy on the way! However, while pregnancy is a time of joy, it’s also a time of adjustment where you must respond to every situation differently. One of those adjustments is how you, as an expecting mother, can tackle a cold without impacting your baby. Today, we’ll answer a popular question many expecting mothers have during cold and flu season: “What pregnancy-safe cold medicine can I take?” 

Let’s explore those options together.  

What to Do If You Catch a Cold While Pregnant

Cold symptoms can strike when you least expect them. Suddenly, you’ve got a runny nose and a scratchy throat, and all you want to do is crawl under a blanket to block everything out. We’ve all been there, but when you’re expecting, it’s not just about you anymore. That’s why it’s essential to tackle your cold head-on.

First of all, don’t panic! Colds are a part of life, even during pregnancy. But there are established steps you can take to make this time a little easier.

• Rest, Rest, and More Rest: Pregnancy alone can be tiring. Add a cold to the mix, and you have the perfect recipe for fatigue. Be sure you’re giving your body plenty of rest and relaxation to heal quickly.
• Stay Hydrated: Just like when you aren’t expecting, drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, and broths can help soothe cold symptoms during pregnancy.
• Consult Your Healthcare Provider: You may be eager to calm your symptoms with natural or over-the-counter (OTC) remedies. But before diving in with any pregnancy-safe cold medicine, always check with your healthcare provider. What’s safe for one person might not be safe for another.

Natural Cold Remedies

Once you have the go-ahead from your healthcare provider, it’s time to find some cold treatments that work for you. Happily, nature has a cornucopia of remedies that can act as pregnancy-safe cold medicine alternatives. Here are a few popular options.

• Ginger Tea: Not just for morning sickness! Ginger can also help soothe a sore throat and reduce nausea.
• Honey and Lemon: This age-old remedy works wonders for that scratchy throat and cough. And guess what? It’s safe during pregnancy!
• Salt Gargle: It’s not the tastiest, but a salt gargle can help reduce inflammation in your throat and kill harmful bacteria.
• Steam: Got congestion? Breathing in steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water can help clear those nasal passages.

Pregnancy-Safe OTC Options

Are natural remedies not enough for your stubborn cold? If that’s the case, it’s essential to know which over-the-counter options qualify as pregnancy-safe cold medicine. But remember the golden rule: always check with your healthcare provider first! They’ll let you know which of the following medications are appropriate for your unique situation.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): It can help with fever and aches. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin unless your healthcare provider specifically gives you the green light.
• Cough Drops: Opt for brands that don’t contain menthol or alcohol.
• Saline Nasal Sprays: A great way to relieve nasal congestion without medication.
• Guiafenesin (Mucinex): This can help break down mucus. However, avoid brands that mix multiple active ingredients, and always stick to the recommended dose.
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): This is a cold medication of last resort. While this antihistamine can be used occasionally, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider first.

While it’s tempting to grab the first cold medicine you find, ensuring it’s a pregnancy-safe cold medicine is paramount. Your baby’s health — and yours — are top priorities. Listen to your body, consult your healthcare provider, and you’ll be on the road to recovery in no time!

Support a Healthy Pregnancy with 2Me Healthcare

Having a cold is no fun, especially while you’re pregnant. But remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. With the right support, you can enjoy the healthiest and most comfortable pregnancy experience possible.

Interested in working with a midwife or doula who offers holistic pregnancy support? OB2Me is here to help. At OB2Me, we offer private in-home or in-office concierge midwifery care to support you with comfortable prenatal and postpartum care for you and your family. We are also available to help you throughout your labor and delivery at the hospital.

OB2Me provides multiple packages and services to fit your needs best and make your transition from pregnancy to motherhood as stress-free as possible. Contact our team today and see how working with a dedicated and passionate healthcare provider can make all the difference!

Carson

Carson Ragan, CNM is a Certified Nurse Midwife with more than 25 years of experience in Labor & Delivery, Neonatal ICU, and women’s healthcare. After becoming a mother at a young age and experiencing the birth of her premature second child, she was inspired to pursue nursing and ultimately midwifery.

She earned her nursing degree from Columbus State University and graduated as an RN in 1999. After years of experience as an L&D and NICU nurse, charge nurse, educator, and clinician, she earned her graduate degree from Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing in 2010 and became a Certified Nurse Midwife.

Her personal experiences as both a mother and healthcare provider inspired her vision for a more personal, convenient approach to women’s healthcare. She created a concierge model designed to give women more time, individualized attention, and quality care in the comfort of their home or office.

Outside of work, Carson enjoys spending time with her husband and five children, volunteering with her daughter’s volleyball teams, traveling, and scuba diving.