Pregnant women experiencing a cold can find relief through safe and effective home remedies. While over-the-counter drugs are typically avoided during pregnancy, natural remedies offer comfort amidst the discomfort of hormonal and physical changes. Explore why pregnancy may increase susceptibility to colds, common symptoms, and solutions to manage them.
Pregnancy can bring its own set of challenges, including dealing with colds and discomfort. Many home remedies can help ease symptoms, but it’s important to ensure safe treatments during this time. If you’re looking for professional advice and support, you can view here for services in Lebanon, OR, that prioritize your health and well-being throughout your pregnancy journey.
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey but comes with challenges, including the common cold. This article explores increased vulnerability during pregnancy, symptoms, remedies, and prevention tips. Use our BMI Calculator for women for a healthy pregnancy.
Understanding the Common Cold
The common cold is an enormously contagious upper respiratory tract infection caused by various viruses, including rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. These viruses don’t grant long-lasting immunity, making recurrent infections common, affecting millions of people in the USA yearly.
Why Pregnant Women Are Prone to Colds
Pregnancy brings about changes in your immune system. Your body’s defence mechanisms may lower to protect the growing foetus from potential attacks. While this immunosuppression safeguards your baby internally, it leaves you more susceptible to viral infections, like the common cold.
Symptoms of a Pregnancy Cold
A pregnancy cold can manifest with typical symptoms, including a scratchy or sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, cough, tiredness, and a mild fever below 100℉. While the virus doesn’t reach the womb, you’ll experience the discomfort associated with a cold.
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial during pregnancy and even more so when battling a cold. It helps thin mucus and reduces congestion. Warm liquids, such as herbal teas and hot water, may relieve cold symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, sneezing, and cough.
- Immune-Boosting Micronutrients: Incorporating micronutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, selenium, and zinc into your diet can boost your immune system. These nutrients help shorten the duration and severity of a cold. Opt for a prenatal vitamin or nutrient-rich foods like carrots, bell peppers, and strawberries.
- Chicken Soup: The age-old remedy of chicken soup isn’t just a comforting tradition; it may help minimise cold symptoms by inhibiting specific immune responses. Hot chicken soup, in particular, can relieve nasal congestion effectively.
- Pineapple Juice: Pineapple contains bromelain, known for its anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties. This ingredient can soothe a sore throat and reduce airway congestion. Mixing pineapple juice with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and honey creates a natural cough remedy.
- Ginger: Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant. While further research is needed to establish its effect on colds, ginger is a widely used traditional remedy for coughs and colds. You can chew on ginger with honey or make ginger tea.
- Turmeric: Turmeric, like ginger, boasts anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, primarily due to its active ingredient, curcumin. Mixing turmeric and black pepper with warm milk creates a soothing, immune-enhancing drink.
- Rest: Adequate sleep, between 7 and 9 hours, supports your immune system and aids in fighting off infections, including the common cold. Elevate your head with pillows for better sleep quality.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If your symptoms persist for over 10 days or worsen, consult your OB-GYN. Also, contact your doctor immediately if you experience flu-like symptoms, high fever, difficulty breathing, confusion, dizziness, or vomiting.
Preventing Colds During Pregnancy
Preventing colds during pregnancy is crucial for your health and comfort. Incorporating calcium-rich foods into your diet and other precautions helps bolster your immune system and protect both you and your growing baby.
- Practise good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
- Stay away from sick individuals.
- Engage in light to moderate pregnancy-safe exercises to boost your immune system.
- Maintain a healthy diet and prioritise rest.
In conclusion, while a pregnancy cold can be uncomfortable, it’s typically manageable with natural remedies. Remember to consult a doctor for any remedies or medications. By taking preventive measures, embracing these natural remedies, and considering the benefits of Giloy, you can navigate the common cold during pregnancy with confidence and ease.
