During pregnancy we take care of ourselves to the fullest, but the cold arrives and with it the colds increase, so it is not strange that a good day begins the itchy throat, cough, mucus ... I am pregnant and I have a cold: what can I do (and what not)?
At any other stage of life we turn to certain drugs to mitigate the symptoms of the cold (not to cure it), but during pregnancy it is important not to self-medicate. Because while a cold does not affect the health of the fetus, the fact that you take medicine on your own can harm you.
What about analgesics, cough suppressants, antihistamines ... and other products to relieve symptoms? None of these medications can be taken without a prescription during pregnancy. Many drugs (eye to paracetamol or ibuprofen, for example) could affect the fetus.
In the case of paracetamolIt could affect the baby's neuronal development and anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) increase the risk of abortion. Nor can you take some antihistamines, cough syrups, decongestants ... Always consult a doctor.
In Babies and more Flu in pregnancy: how to take care of yourself if you have been infectedOf course, antibiotics do not work for cold or flu, so avoid them. They do not work against viruses and, taken unnecessarily, can make it harder for the body to fight against bacterial infections in the future.
Also, remember that no medication cures the cold but that it will follow its natural process. The common cold does not usually last more than seven days (maybe a little longer during pregnancy).
Relieve cold symptoms during pregnancy
So, many of you will be wondering, Do I have to pass the cold without any "help"? If the symptoms are mild, with a runny nose and discomfort in the throat, there are certain tricks that will help you get the best possible cold.
- Drink plenty of water and liquids to help replenish fluids and eliminate the virus.
- Rest what you can and don't let stress affect you: this will help you feel better.
- Drink warm milk with honey or lemon and warm water with honey to relieve itchy throat and cough.
- Avoid excessively dry or smoke-laden environments.
- Fog eucalyptus or use a humidifier in the bathroom to promote the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract.
- Use nasal cleaners of physiological serum or seawater sold in the pharmacy.
- If the smell doesn't bother you, you can try a classic remedy: place a cut onion next to the bed at night.
- Rest with your upper body somewhat elevated to help you breathe better.
In Babies and more Paracetamol in pregnancy: uses, tips and precautionsIf your head aches, we repeat that during pregnancy it is better to avoid medications as much as possible, but certain natural remedies could help you: maintain a healthy diet and a good rest, take a relaxing bath with warm water, stay well hydrated ...
If the symptoms are acute, go to the gynecologist to see if they can prescribe any suitable drug to relieve the symptoms, although many doctors are in favor of not giving medications in pregnancy unless they are absolutely essential.
Prevent the cold
How there is no cold vaccine globally (the flu vaccine prevents only certain strains), what we can do is try to prevent it.
A preventive strategy is to avoid exposure to people who are cramped so as not to infect us.
Frequent and thorough hand washing is one of the best habits to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. The viruses that cause colds can enter the body in this way and make us sick.
Avoid sudden changes in temperature and do not remain exposed to the cold for a long time.
Finally, remember that a cold is not the same as a flu, and while there is no vaccine for the cold, there is a flu, which is recommended for pregnant women. If you have fever and muscle pain along with the discomfort mentioned, you will most likely have the flu. Go to the doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment that does not harm the baby.
We hope you don't have more serious symptoms and that what you're going through is simply a cold in pregnancy: you know how to act to feel better and what cannot be done during the catarrhal process. Patience, because in a few days you will start feeling better ...
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In Babies and more | Cold during pregnancy? Tips to relieve symptoms, colds are not cured with medicines
