Pregnancy And Cold Medicine: Evaluating The Safety Of Cheston Cold For Expectant Mothers

It is generally recommended that pregnant people avoid taking medication to treat a cold unless necessary. This is because the baby will be exposed to any medication taken by the pregnant person, and not all over-the-counter medicines are safe for pregnant people to take. However, some medications are considered safe to take during pregnancy, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Natural remedies for cold symptoms during pregnancy

Pregnant and suffering from a cold? Here are some natural remedies to help you feel better:

• Get plenty of rest. Your body needs rest to fight off the infection.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of fluids can help thin out mucus and reduce congestion. Aim for at least 8 to 12 cups of water or other liquids per day.
• Gargle with warm salt water. This can help soothe a sore throat and wash away post-nasal drip.
• Sip honey in hot water. Honey has been shown to help suppress the kind of dry cough that often comes with and after a cold.
• Use saline nasal sprays. These can help moisten your nasal passages and provide relief from congestion.
• Try a humidifier. Adding moisture to the air can help relieve a stuffy nose and thin mucus.
• Take vitamin C. Vitamin C can help boost your immune system and fight off the infection. Try citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.
• Eat zinc-rich foods. Zinc may help boost your immune system. Fill up on turkey, beef, pork, eggs, yogurt, and oatmeal.
• Try chicken soup. It's not just an old wives' tale! Chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe congestion.
• Use nasal strips. These can help open your nasal passages, making breathing easier.
• Take vitamin D, vitamin A, and probiotics. These can help support your immune system. Just be sure to get the thumbs-up from your doctor first.
• Try natural antimicrobials. Garlic, honey, raw onion, lemon, and certain types of mushrooms have antimicrobial properties that may help fight off the infection.
• Drink ginger or turmeric tea. These spices have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that may help soothe an irritated throat and reduce congestion.

Safe over-the-counter medications for pregnancy

It is important to consult a doctor or midwife before taking any medication during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, which is a crucial time in your baby's development. While some medications are considered safe to take during pregnancy, the effects of others on your unborn baby are unknown.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is considered safe during the entire pregnancy. It is recommended as the safest pain reliever to take during pregnancy, even in the first trimester. It can be taken to treat headaches, muscle aches and pains, fever, symptoms of cold or flu, and allergies.
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is safe in the second and third trimesters but should be avoided in the first trimester due to a small risk of abdominal wall birth defects. It should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or a history of heart disease.
• Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) is safe during pregnancy but should be avoided while breastfeeding.
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is safe throughout pregnancy. However, it may cause uterine contractions, so it should be used with caution in the third trimester under the direction of a doctor.
• Antihistamines, including loratadine (Claritin) and fexofenadine (Allegra), are considered safe during pregnancy.
• Steroid-based nasal sprays are generally considered safe during pregnancy. Nasal strips, saline nasal sprays, and Neti pots are the safest options as they don't contain any medications.
• Cough medications, including expectorants, cough suppressants, and most cough drops, are generally considered safe during pregnancy. Dextromethorphan, a common cough suppressant found in over-the-counter cold medicines like Robitussin, is considered safe for pregnant women.
• Saline nasal drops or sprays are safe and can help relieve congestion.
• Menthol chest rubs like Vicks are generally considered safe if used on the skin as directed, although they are not effective decongestants.

It is important to note that even though these medications are considered safe during pregnancy, they should be taken only when necessary and according to the package directions. It is always best to consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy.

Medications to avoid during pregnancy

Pregnant people are advised to consult their doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, as some drugs can be harmful to a developing baby or cause a miscarriage or stillbirth.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has implemented a labelling system for drugs, which includes a "Pregnancy" subsection with relevant data about the risks and effects of the medication. However, this system does not apply to over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

The following types of medication should generally be avoided during pregnancy:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), aspirin, and naproxen (Aleve).
• Antibiotics, including fluoroquinolones (e.g. Cipro) and tetracyclines (e.g. Doxycycline).
• Antifungal medications, such as high-dose fluconazole (Diflucan).
• Oral retinoids, such as isotretinoin (Absorica, Claravis).
• Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).
• Antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine and tripelennamine.
• Opioids, such as codeine.
• Blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin (Coumadin).
• Anti-seizure medications, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol).
• Statins, such as Lipitor.
• Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).

It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other medications that are unsafe during pregnancy. Pregnant people should always consult their healthcare provider before taking any medication, even if it is available over the counter.

Preventing colds during pregnancy

Pregnant people tend to be more susceptible to colds and other illnesses due to changes in their immune system. However, there are several precautions one can take to avoid falling sick during pregnancy.

Hygiene practices

• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Don't share eating utensils.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitiser for quick sanitising on the go.

Lifestyle choices

• Get a flu shot.
• Get enough sleep.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Take your prenatal vitamins.
• If you smoke, quit.

Other precautions

• Wear a mask in public.
• Avoid shaking hands with others.
• Keep your distance from people with obvious cold symptoms.
• Stay away from crowds and crowded indoor locations.

It is important to note that even with these precautions, one might still fall sick due to the highly contagious nature of certain viruses. If you do fall sick, consult your doctor and take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the illness.

Risks and considerations of catching a cold during pregnancy

Catching a cold during pregnancy is unlikely to harm the parent or the fetus. However, it is important to distinguish a cold from the flu, which can be more severe and cause complications that affect fetal development.

Distinguishing a Cold from the Flu

The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract, caused by a virus. Symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, sore throat, and cough. The flu, or influenza, is also a viral infection, but it can cause whole-body symptoms such as a high fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches.

Risks and Considerations

While a cold during pregnancy is usually harmless, there are some situations that warrant a call to the doctor:

• A high-grade fever (generally considered 103°F or higher)
• The cold is not improving or is getting worse after 5 days
• Difficulty breathing
• Over-the-counter medicine is not providing relief and symptoms are becoming increasingly uncomfortable

It is also important to be cautious of medications taken during pregnancy. While some over-the-counter medications are considered safe, others may have risks. It is always a good idea to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any cold medications.

Preventing Colds During Pregnancy

To reduce the risk of catching a cold during pregnancy:

• Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay away from crowds and crowded indoor locations
• Wear a mask in public
• Maintain a healthy diet and stay active
• Get the flu shot

Frequently asked questions