Having the common cold when you’re pregnant is tough. It may be a challenge to eat well and get enough sleep. You also have to avoid some of the treatments that you’d otherwise be able to reach for.
In this article, you’ll learn why you may get sick more when you’re pregnant, what symptoms may affect your baby, what treatments are safe, how to take care of yourself, and how to prevent the cold.
Pregnancy and Your Immune System
Pregnancy temporarily changes some aspects of your immune system function. These changes protect your growing baby.
But they don’t protect you from certain infections, including the common cold. Also, it’s not just one change. Immune function evolves over the course of your pregnancy.
The Common Cold and Your Baby
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says having a cold while pregnancy typically won’t harm you or your baby. When you’re sick, your baby is protected by:
Your susceptibility to certain illnesses may change during the course of your pregnancy. Studies suggest that you may be most likely to get sick during the first trimester and least likely during the second.
- Your immune systemTheir own immune systemThe placenta
The one symptom to watch out for is fever. Early in pregnancy, a fever may increase the risk of certain birth defects. Contact your healthcare provider if you have a fever while you’re pregnant.
The common cold doesn’t typically cause a fever. So a high temperature may be a sign that you have a different illness, such as the flu or COVID-19.
Safe Cold Treatments
Many medications aren’t safe while pregnant or breastfeeding. Don’t take over-the-counter (OTC) cold or cough medications without an okay from your healthcare provider.
Drugs to avoid include:
- Decongestants pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. In the first trimester, they slightly increase the risk of an abdominal wall birth defect.
- Analgesics like aspirin, Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen), and Aleve (naproxen).
- Combination cough and cold medications that contain any of these drugs.
Check all labels for the product’s ingredients. Only use products specifically approved by your provider.
Pregnancy-safe cough and cold treatment options include:
Acetaminophen, which is in Tylenol and many combination drugs, is considered the best pain reliever and fever reducer to use while pregnant.
- OTC steroid nasal sprays like Flonase (fluticasone)
- Neti pot
- Saline nasal spray
- Humidifier
- Honey (for cough)
- Natural throat lozenges
- Menthol rub
- The antihistamines Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine)
If you’re using a Neti pot, be sure to use sterile water and a clean container. With a humidifier, change the water frequently and clean it thoroughly. This can keep the devices free of contaminants.
Taking Care of Yourself
Self-care is important when you have a cold. Do your best to:
Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy.
- Get enough restDrink plenty of clear fluidsEat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
To soothe a sore throat, you can:
- Drink hot water or herbal tea with honey and lemonGargle saltwaterSuck ice chips
Tell your healthcare provider about any severe or persistent symptoms.
Cold Prevention
It’s hard to avoid the cold. But your best defense is to:
- Get enough sleep.Eat a balanced diet.Wash and sanitize your hands often.Get regular exercise.Consider a mask and social distancing in public or around sick people.Take prenatal vitamins as recommended.
Summary
Your immune system is changing to protect your baby. That can leave you open to illnesses like the common cold. The cold doesn’t pose a threat to your baby.
If you’re a smoker, quitting is imperative. It boosts your immune system and protects your baby.
Don’t take any medications not approved by your healthcare provider. Opt for natural and home remedies like honey, saline spray, and a Neti pot.
Getting enough sleep, eating right, and simple prevention measures (hand washing, masks) can help keep you healthy during your pregnancy.
A Word From Verywell
Pregnancy is a scary time. It’s normal to worry if you get sick. Don’t feel bad about calls to your healthcare provider—you won’t be the first expectant parent to be concerned.
It can help to have a conversation about what medications are and aren’t okay before you get sick. That way, you can have the right things on hand if you suddenly need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can having a cold when pregnant hurt the baby?
- No, it won’t harm your baby. They’re protected by the placenta, your immune system, and their own immune system.
- Does a cold last longer when you are pregnant?
- It might. Pregnancy changes your immune system, so it may take longer to fight off a cold. Typically, colds last for less than two weeks.
- What cold medicine is safe to take during pregnancy?
- Safe medications include: Tylenol (acetaminophen)Antihistamines like Claritin (loratadine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine) Steroid nasal sprays like Flonase (fluticasone propionate)
- What cold medicines should you avoid if pregnant?
- Don’t take: Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen)Aleve (naproxen)AspirinSudafed (pseudoephedrine)Sudafed PE (phenylephrine) Read labels carefully. Most combination cold medicines include one or more of these ingredients.
- How can I ease cold symptoms naturally during pregnancy?
- Natural treatments for sinus pressure include a humidifier, saline nasal spray, or a Neti pot. For a cough, try tea with lemon and honey, a menthol chest rub, or natural lozenges.
No, it won’t harm your baby. They’re protected by the placenta, your immune system, and their own immune system.
It might. Pregnancy changes your immune system, so it may take longer to fight off a cold. Typically, colds last for less than two weeks.
Safe medications include:
Don’t take:
Natural treatments for sinus pressure include a humidifier, saline nasal spray, or a Neti pot. For a cough, try tea with lemon and honey, a menthol chest rub, or natural lozenges.
