When you get pregnant, everything that happens to you affects not only your body, but also the fetus.... Because of this, the treatment of diseases during pregnancy becomes a little more complicated.... Before pregnancy, whenever you have a cold, you can easily use over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.... But taking some of these medicines to treat colds during pregnancy may be dangerous for the fetus.

In this article from GCORP LLC magazine, we talk about the steps you can take to quickly treat a cold during pregnancy.... We also explain why pregnant women catch colds more than others and how to prevent this disease.... Stay with us until the end of this article.

The effect of pregnancy on the immune system

Pregnancy temporarily changes some of the functions of the immune system in a way that protects the developing fetus.. In other words, when you are pregnant, your immune system becomes weaker to prevent the body from rejecting the fetus.. This increases your vulnerability to viral and bacterial infections... The findings.

Symptoms of a cold in pregnancy

Colds are often caused by a virus called rhinovirus, which spreads easily from person to person....It usually starts with a sore or itchy throat that lasts for a day or two...but after that, you may gradually experience other symptoms.. Including:

• Running nose and then nasal congestion
• sneezing
• Mild fatigue
• Dry cough (especially late in a cold that may last a week or more.)
• Low-grade fever (usually less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 7.37 degrees Celsius)

Learn more: 11 cases of facial changes during pregnancy

Does a cold during pregnancy harm the fetus?

A cold during pregnancy will not harm you or your baby.. because the fetus is protected by your immune system, your own immune system and the placenta.... However, fever is one of the most important symptoms to watch out for.... According to research, fever in early pregnancy increases the risk of congenital heart defects, cleft lip, spina bifida and other serious problems.

A cold does not cause a fever in most people... Therefore, an increase in body temperature may be a sign of a more serious illness such as the flu or the coronavirus (COVID-19).... If you develop a fever during pregnancy, be sure to contact your doctor for treatment.

Read more:Healthy pregnancy guide for mothers

When should you see a doctor?

A cold does not cause any problems for the fetus, but the flu should be taken seriously.... The flu increases the risk of premature birth and birth defects.... Therefore, it is recommended to seek medical help immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

• dizziness
• Difficulty in breathing
• feeling of pain or pressure in the chest
• Vaginal bleeding
• Confused
• Severe vomiting
• High fever is not reduced by acetaminophen
• Fetal movement reduction

If you have questions or are unsure whether your symptoms are concerning, consult an online doctor.

Learn more: What is the cause of fever in pregnancy?

The best treatment for a cold during pregnancy.. What to do with a cold during pregnancy?

Many cold medicines contain ingredients that are not considered safe for pregnant women.... Taking help from home remedies is the surest way to relieve cold symptoms during pregnancy. In general, it is recommended to:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Rinse your sinuses with a neti pot or saline nasal spray.
• If you have a cough or sore throat, gargle with warm salt water. To make salt water, mix a quarter teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water.
• Sleep as much as possible.
• Use a humidifier or take a warm shower because breathing warm, moist air is helpful for reducing nasal congestion.
• Mix honey with hot water and drink it to relieve your sore throat.
• Eat chicken soup to reduce inflammation and congestion.
• Focus on foods that contain vitamin C, such as citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit), strawberries, kiwis, mangoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, papayas, broccoli, and spinach. These foods can help boost your immune system naturally.
• Increase zinc (zinc) intake as it helps strengthen the immune system....Pregnant women should get 11 to 15 milligrams of zinc daily...Turkey, beef, eggs, yogurt, wheat germ, and oatmeal are some of the best sources of this important nutrient.
• Continue taking special supplements during pregnancy... These supplements usually contain vitamin C and zinc and therefore help to treat colds... Of course, it is important to mention that you should not use any other supplement without consulting a gynecologist.

Read more:Types of ultrasound during pregnancy

Drugs you can take during pregnancy

According to many gynecologists and obstetricians, it is better to avoid taking all medicines in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy... because the vital organs of the fetus are growing during this period.... Medicines that you can use after the twelfth week are:

• Oxymetazoline nasal spray
• Diphenhydramine
• Chlorpheniramine
Loratadine
• Dextromethorphan
• Fluticasone
Menthol cough drops
• Gaiafenzin
• Sudoephedrine (only in the second and third trimesters)
• acetaminophen
• Citrizine

Learn more: Tea for colds during pregnancy

Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever and fever reducer for pregnant women.. However, new research has shown that its use can increase the risk of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by about 20%...

Before taking any medication during pregnancy, consult your obstetrician-gynecologist to make sure that the drug of choice is safe for you.

Read more: How much caffeine is safe to consume during pregnancy?

Drugs that are not recommended during pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you should not use the following medicines to treat colds:

• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Aspirin
• Codeine
Benzocaine tablets Benzocaine throat spray
• Phenylephrine
Pseudoephedrine (should not be used in the first trimester of pregnancy... This drug is not a suitable option for women with high blood pressure.)

Learn more: Treatment of runny nose in cold

Prevention of cold in pregnancy

During pregnancy, the possibility of catching a cold may increase.... It is difficult to prevent colds during pregnancy, but the following solutions can help:

• Get enough sleep.
• Follow a balanced and varied diet.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Exercise (consult your gynecologist before starting a new exercise program).
• Use a mask in public places or in the presence of sick people and observe social distance.
• Use supplements during pregnancy as prescribed by your doctor.
• If you are a smoker, try to quit.... Because this work strengthens the body's immune system.
• Reduce your stress.

Read more:All about pregnancy care

Endword

The body's immune system changes during pregnancy to protect the developing fetus.... This can increase the chance of catching a cold... Colds are not dangerous to the fetus, but some of the medicines used to treat them may harm your baby.... Before you use medicine to treat a cold during pregnancy, ask your doctor if it is safe... See GCORP LLC website.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources: verywellhealth, healthline, whattoexpect