Cough and cold during pregnancy

When you become pregnant, your immune system is likely to change. As a result of these changes, you may catch a cold or cough at some point during your pregnancy. In addition, your illness may last longer. The good news is that while you probably feel tired, cold or flu symptoms are usually not dangerous for your child. However, it is important to take the necessary steps to avoid a cold or cough during pregnancy and treat them as soon as you get them.

Get enough rest. Take a nap, sleep through the night and sit down to relax. It's a great way to give your body some much-needed downtime. Learn more about the importance of bed rest during pregnancy.
Drink plenty of fluids. Drink water, juice, or broth to replenish your body's fluid needs.
Eat well. Even if you can't swallow large meals, try to eat small meals often.
Reduce nasal congestion. Put a humidifier in the bedroom, keep your head elevated on a pillow while relaxing, or use nasal strips.
Relieve a sore throat. Suck on ice cubes, drink hot tea, or gargle with warm salt water.

Your best bet is to cut back on the amount of over-the-counter medications you take. Many of the medicines you usually use to treat cold symptoms are not safe to take during pregnancy. Here is a list of medications that pose little risk to your baby during pregnancy; However, it is best to check with your doctor before taking any medication to relieve symptoms.

Acetaminophen can be used to relieve fever, headaches, and body aches.
Pain-relieving lozenges for sore throats can relieve sore throats.
Codeine and dextromethorphan can often be used as cough suppressants.

Should I call the doctor about a cold or cough?

It is important to call your doctor if your symptoms are preventing you from eating or sleeping, or if they last more than two days without improvement. It is also important to see a doctor if you have a fever.

Finally, if you start coughing up discolored mucus or your cough is accompanied by chest pain and/or wheezing, be sure to call your doctor. They may need to prescribe an antibiotic to kill the infection.

Special attention: Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a contagious infection characterized by an excessive and violent cough followed by whooping cough. All pregnant women receive a tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough vaccine during each pregnancy, preferably between the 27th and 36th week of pregnancy.

This will ensure that pertussis protection is passed on to your baby during the first two months after birth. Because your baby will not get their first whooping cough vaccine until they are 2 months old, getting this vaccine while pregnant will protect your baby until that time. Learn more about vaccinations during pregnancy.

How to prevent cough or cold during pregnancy?

In order not to get sick with a cold or cough, the most important thing is to lead a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you eat well, get enough sleep and exercise regularly. In addition to this, it is important that you take prenatal vitamins as well as probiotics.

Wash your hands regularly. If you know you are near someone with a cold, do not touch his hands or eat after him. Make an extra effort to wash your hands more often if you are around people with a cold or cough.