Best Natural Cold Remedies for Pregnancy

When a woman undergoes pregnancy, her immune system works at a slower pace than usual. This is good in one way because the body starts to protect the growing fetus from foreign bodies, rather than thinking of the fetus as a foreign body itself. However, there is also a downside to this. 

The suppression of the immune system doesn’t allow the body to fight off as many viruses as it used to before. The body becomes vulnerable to viruses that cause the common cold, sore throat, stuffy and runny nose, etc. 

If your body gets affected by these viruses during pregnancy, the only upside then is that these viruses do not affect the baby at all. This is because the womb completely shelters the baby from such viruses and bugs.  Colds can be very uncomfortable in general, and they can get even more annoying in pregnancies. 

The only way to manage it is to consume lots of fluids and have lots of rest. Along with this, it is important to make sure that your doctor is informed and updated about the symptoms so that you can be directed towards medications that are safe for the baby. 

You can always try home remedies to help with the cold and suppress the symptoms successfully. Some tried and tested natural cold remedies for pregnancy are listed below:

• Ample rest: One of the first things you should do when you get a cold is making your schedule clear, and getting lots of rest. This won’t put an end to the cold, but it does give your body the rest it needed. 
• Staying active: Keeping your body physically active is just as important as giving it rest. Going for a short walk and getting some light exercise will help you feel better. 
• Eating well: One of the side effects of a cold can be a loss of appetite. But you should keep in mind that your body needs a balanced and nutritious diet to ward off the symptoms. 
• Eat foods rich in Vitamin C: Vitamin C is known to boost the body’s ability to fight with foreign bodies. Eating citrus fruits, melons, strawberries, mangoes, kiwis, bell peppers etc. can help you get rid of the cold.
• Increase intake of zinc: Eating beef, pork, oysters, eggs, yogurt, oatmeal etc. helps to boost the immune system as these items are rich in zinc. 
• Have fluids: Cold usually comes with a runny nose, and this causes your body to lose fluids. Warm beverages like herbal teas and soups make up for the loss of fluids and also have a soothing effect. 
• Sleep well: By using a couple of pillows, elevate your head while sleeping so that you can breathe easy. You can also use nasal strips. They will gently pull the nasal passage making it wider. This will allow you to breathe and help you to have a good sleep.
• Sleep easy: You can breathe easier when you’re lying down or sleeping by elevating your head with a couple of pillows. Nasal strips gently pull your nasal passages open, making breathing easier, may also help. 
• Use a humidifier: Dry conditions can aggravate the nasal passage in a cold. Using a warm air humidifier makes the air around you moist and makes you comfortable. Adults can use either a cold or warm humidifier, but a warm humidifier should never be used in a baby’s room. 
• Use nasal sprays or drops: Nasal drops and sprays moisten the nasal passage and are safe to use as they are non-medicated. Using these two or three times a day can help with a stuffy nose. 
• Gargling with saline water: Gargling your mouth twice a day with lukewarm salt water gives relief from an itchy throat and helps control a runny nose. 
• Have some honey: Honey has antibacterial properties and also has a soothing effect on our throat. A couple spoons of honey can be eaten directly or by mixing it in a glass of warm water.

What causes colds during pregnancy?

Common colds are usually caused by rhinovirus, which easily passes from one person to another. You can catch a cold by being around a person who has a cold already, as it is easily communicated in the atmosphere.

What cold medicines can be taken during pregnancy?

Any medications should be avoided in the first three months of the pregnancy, except the ones prescribed by the doctor. Some things which should be kept in mind are listed below.

Things that are safe

• Pregnancy cold remedies, like the ones listed above
• A low dosage of paracetamol 

Things to avoid

• Aspirins
• Ibuprofen
• Cold tablets and sachets
• Antihistamines.

Consult the best OB-GYN to ensure a safe pregnancy 

Pregnant women become more vulnerable to viruses and flu and their complications. The complications may include sinus infections, Pneumonia, bronchitis, etc. That is why it is always in one’s better interest to get a flu vaccine to reduce the risks of the occurrence of such flu in the first place. 

Flu vaccinations help protect the mother and baby for up to six months after birth, which makes it important for moms-to-be to stay updated on their vaccine schedules. It is always advised to consult a doctor for any complications or health problems during pregnancy. Not every time natural remedies work effectively. 

So, consulting an expert OB-GYN during pregnancy not only safeguards your and your baby’s health but also ensures that you have a healthy and risk-free pregnancy. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Contribute By Pristyn Care.