Cough and cold in pregnancy – is it safe, treatment options during each trimester, when to see a doctor

Cough and Cold in Pregnancy – An Overview

Due to a weakened immune system during pregnancy, there is a larger likelihood of getting a cough and cold.Acquiring a cough or cold won't harm an unborn child and that the pregnant woman will usually feel better in a week or so.Pregnancy also increases a person's risk of contracting potentially more harmful diseases, such as the cough and cold Therefore, it's crucial to take precautions against disease while pregnant.

Typically, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are used to treat colds. However, many expectant women are concerned about how medicines will impact the fetus.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source advises against using any painkillers while pregnant and urges you to always consult a doctor first.To treat cold symptoms, the majority of OTC medications use the same few chemicals. The safety of various cold therapies is examined in the sections that follow.

First Trimester: Risks and Safe Treatment

The baby is not harmed by coughing during pregnancy because the baby cannot feel it and it is not an unfavorable symptom. Some coughing-related conditions, including

• asthma
• bronchitis
• pneumonia etc.can hurt the unborn child.
• Coughing can also be brought on by some teas
• over-the-counter medicines
• pharmaceuticals that are consumed without consulting a doctor.

In order to safely manage the use of drugs during pregnancy, pregnant women should consult a doctor anytime they develop a persistent cough or if symptoms of a respiratory ailment appear.Even though intense coughing doesn't make the uterus contract or move the placenta, it can be quite painful and hurt the abdominal muscles if it happens repeatedly. Therefore, it is always best to get medical help if you cough and to get as much rest as you can.To prevent yourself from coughing when pregnant, stay out of the cold for a long time and stay out of areas that are excessively polluted or dusty.

Additionally, pregnant women are advised to consume 2 liters of water per day and warm teas with honey and lemon (which can naturally treat coughs).Because of hormonal changes, coughing is common and can happen at any time throughout pregnancy. A woman may become slightly more sensitive to allergies or more susceptible to respiratory viruses as a result of these changes.

Second Trimester: Managing Symptoms Safely

Coughs usually go away within a week or so and frequently get better on their own. So a cough during pregnancy (or really anytime) is a waiting game. Fortunately, there are several natural therapies you can use to improve your health temporarily. These consist of:

• Drink a lot of water.
• Employ a humidifier
• Add lemon and honey, sip tea or hot water.
• Gargling with warm salt water can help to ease a cough and sore throat.
• If the cough is caused by postnasal drip or congestion, use saline drops.
• Try to avoid large meals and instead eating numerous smaller pieces throughout the day if you think your cough is being caused by GERD.
• Aside from avoiding hot foods, avoid resting flat after eating them.
• If your cough is brought on by allergies, try to avoid any irritants.According to research, “many antihistamines are safe during pregnancy.”

Third Trimester: Precautions and Treatment Options

Take the appropriate precautions to prevent catching a cold or cough while pregnant and to cure it if you do.

• Get enough sleep; take naps; stay in bed all night; and relax. These are excellent methods for providing your body with much-needed rest. Find out more about how crucial bed rest is during pregnancy.
• Drink plenty of liquids, such as water, juice, or broth, to replenish your body's lost fluids.
• Despite your inability to digest larger meals, try eating little quantities frequently.
• Use nasal strips, keep your head raised on your pillow while you sleep, or install a humidifier in your room to lessen congestion.
• Suck on ice chips, sip warm tea, or gargle salt mixed with warm water to ease a sore throat.The best course of action is to take less over-the-counter drugs.

Many of the drugs you typically take to treat cold symptoms while pregnant should not be taken. The following is a list of drugs that are generally safe for your unborn child to use while you are pregnant. It is advisable to talk to your doctor before taking any drugs to treat your symptoms, though.Fever, headaches, and body aches can all be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol).Your throat can feel better after using anesthetic sore throat lozenges.Cough suppressants like dextromethorphan and codeine are frequently used.

When to Seek Medical Advice

• A person's body responds to a cold during pregnancy in much the same manner it does at other times. The cold will often pass in 7–10 days, and the symptoms are just brief.The following signs and symptoms of pregnancy should be discussed with a doctor straight away:
• a fever that exceeds 100.4 °F
• unexpected or severe symptoms more than ten days.
• symptoms and signs of influenza
• severe coughing that restricts airflow

Conclusion: Taking Care of Your Health During Pregnancy.

In conclusion, colds are fairly frequent during pregnancy and are unlikely to cause any harm to the mother or fetus.Although there are some questions over the safety of over-the-counter cold medications during pregnancy, the majority of people can get relief from their symptoms with mild home remedies. In about a week, most people will feel better.