Cold during pregnancy is one of the most common ailments you can experience during the 9 months.
It’s not uncommon for an expectant mother to find herself with a stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat right during one of the most important periods of her life.
But are there dangers with a cold when you’re expecting? What are the safe remedies to alleviate symptoms? And most importantly, when should you worry and consult a doctor?
Cold during pregnancy: Why are you more vulnerable?
During pregnancy, your immune system undergoes significant changes to protect the fetus. This adaptation, while essential for the baby’s growth, can make your body more susceptible to common infections like colds.
According to a study published on NCBI, “the maternal immune system during pregnancy modifies itself to tolerate the genetically different fetus, leading to reduced cellular immunity that can increase vulnerability to some viral infections” (Kourtis AP, Read JS, Jamieson DJ. Pregnancy and infection. N Engl J Med. 2014;370(23):2211-2218).
This vulnerability doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get sick more often, but it could make your body less efficient at fighting certain viruses, including those causing the common cold.
Additionally, other factors like fatigue, stress, and hormonal changes can contribute to weakening your immune defenses.
How to Recognize Cold During Pregnancy
Cold symptoms during pregnancy are generally the same as those that occur at any other time in life:
- Congested or runny nose
- Frequent sneezing
- Sore throat
- Dry or productive cough
- Mild fever (generally below 38°C)
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Mild muscle aches
It’s important to distinguish a common cold from other conditions like influenza or COVID-19, which may present similar symptoms but be potentially more risky during pregnancy.
If you notice more severe symptoms like high fever (over 38°C), intense pain, breathing difficulties, or significant general malaise, it’s essential to consult your doctor immediately.
Effects of Cold on the Baby in the Womb
One of the most common concerns for expectant mothers is whether a cold can have negative effects on the baby.
The good news is that, in most cases, a simple cold doesn’t pose a risk to the fetus.
“Common cold viruses rarely cross the placenta to infect the fetus,” states a review published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine.
However, it’s important to properly manage symptoms and monitor the cold’s progression, since a prolonged viral infection can cause fever and dehydration, conditions that could have an indirect impact on the baby’s wellbeing.
If fever persists, it’s advisable to consult a doctor for appropriate treatment.
Safe natural remedies for Cold During Pregnancy
When you’re expecting, it’s understandable to worry about taking medications. Fortunately, there are numerous effective and safe natural remedies to alleviate cold symptoms:
1. Abundant hydration
Drinking plenty of water is essential during a cold, especially in pregnancy. Liquids help thin mucus, relieve sore throat, and prevent dehydration. Besides water, you can consume:
- Hot vegetable or chicken broths
- Herbal teas made from pregnancy-safe herbs (like camomile, ginger, mint)
- Fresh citrus juices for vitamin C intake
2. Adequate rest
Rest is a fundamental ally to allow your body to fight the infection. Try to get enough sleep and, if possible, give yourself some relaxation time during the day.
3. Air Humidifier
Using a humidifier in the bedroom can help keep airways hydrated, reducing nasal congestion and sore throat during the night. Make sure to clean it regularly to prevent mold growth.
4. Salt Water Gargles
To relieve sore throat, you can prepare a solution of warm water and salt to use for gargling. This simple but sufficiently effective remedy helps reduce inflammation and eliminate germs (although obviously it can’t be a panacea for all ailments).
5. Nasal Washes with Saline Solution
Nasal irrigations with physiological solution are particularly effective for decongesting the nose. “Nasal washes with saline solution can significantly reduce nasal congestion symptoms in pregnancy without side effects,” according to a study published on NCBI.
6. Honey for Cough
A teaspoon of honey in a warm drink can help alleviate cough and sore throat. Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can be more effective than some cough syrups. It’s important to remember that honey is safe in pregnancy, but should not be given to children under one year of age.
Cold Medications: Which Are Safe During Pregnancy?
Despite natural remedies being the first choice, sometimes it might be necessary to resort to medications to alleviate the most bothersome symptoms. It’s essential to always consult a doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy, but here are some general guidelines:
Medications Generally Considered Safe:
Acetaminophen: for fever and pain. It’s considered the safest painkiller in pregnancy. • Topical nasal decongestants: nasal sprays based on saline solution.
A systematic review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology concluded that “acetaminophen remains the first-choice antipyretic and analgesic during all pregnancy trimesters.”
Medications to Avoid or Use with Caution
- Aspirin and other NSAIDs: could increase the risk of complications, especially in the third trimester
- Oral decongestants: like pseudoephedrine, which could reduce blood flow to the placenta. •
- First-generation antihistamines: like diphenhydramine, which could cause drowsiness and mucous membrane dryness.
- Multi-ingredient combinations: often present in over-the-counter cold and flu medications, could contain unsafe ingredients.
Research emphasizes that “multi-ingredient cold medications should be avoided in pregnancy in favor of single components targeted to specific symptoms, after medical consultation.”
When to consult a doctor?
Not all colds require a medical visit, but there are situations when it’s appropriate to consult your gynecologist or family doctor:
- Fever above 38°C that persists for more than 24 hours
- Symptoms that don’t improve after 7-10 days
- Breathing difficulties or wheezing
- Chest pain
- Persistent and intense cough
- Ear pain
- Severe headache
- Decreased fetal movements
- Presence of green or yellow mucus (could indicate a bacterial infection)
If you have doubts or concerns, it’s always better to contact your doctor who can examine you in person.
Cold prevention During Pregnancy
Prevention is always better than cure, especially when you’re expecting. Here are some effective strategies to reduce the risk of catching a cold:
- Wash your hands frequently: with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places.
- Avoid contact with sick people: maintain a safe distance from those with cold or flu symptoms.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: a balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, can strengthen the immune system.
- Stay hydrated: drinking plenty of water helps keep mucous membranes hydrated, creating a barrier against viruses.
- Do moderate physical activity: with your doctor’s approval, regular exercise can boost immune defenses.
- Get enough sleep: adequate rest is fundamental for an efficient immune system.
- Reduce stress: relaxation techniques like prenatal yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help.
Everything I need to know?
Cold during pregnancy, while bothersome, is generally a manageable condition that rarely poses risks to the baby. The best approach is to rely primarily on natural remedies and, when necessary, on safe medications recommended by the doctor.
Feel free to avoid homeopathic remedies, unless you’re trying to activate the placebo effect.
Remember that your wellbeing is also fundamental for your baby’s health, so don’t underestimate persistent symptoms and don’t hesitate to ask for medical support when necessary. With the right precautions and care, you can overcome the cold and return to peacefully enjoying your pregnancy.
We are with you
In Informed Parent, we believe that every parent deserves maximum support in their journey. For this reason, in addition to guides and courses, we offer personalized consultations and practical resources to accompany you through every phase, from pregnancy to raising your children.
We are with you.
SOURCES
1. Kourtis AP, Read JS, Jamieson DJ. Pregnancy and infection. N Engl J Med. 2014 Jun 5;370(23):2211-8. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1213566. PMID: 24897084; PMCID: PMC4459512.
2. Silasi M, Cardenas I, Kwon JY, Racicot K, Aldo P, Mor G. Viral infections during pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol. 2015 Mar;73(3):199-213. doi: 10.1111/aji.12355. Epub 2015 Jan 13. PMID: 25582523; PMCID: PMC4610031.
3. Rabago D, Zgierska A. Saline nasal irrigation for upper respiratory conditions. Am Fam Physician. 2009 Nov 15;80(10):1117-9. PMID: 19904896; PMCID: PMC2778074.