During your pregnancy there are so many rules to follow. Knowing what is good and bad for the you and the baby inside of you is paramount and it gets to be, frankly, a little overwhelming. In this article we are going to discuss some of the best home remedies for a cold during your pregnancy so that you can rest your worries for a moment and focus those nervous energies towards a little relief. If you are ready, let’s discuss!
Cold remedies that you can NOT use when you are pregnant
First we are going to address the over-the-counter variety that you probably have stocked at home. Which ones should definitely be avoided? You will want to stay away from the following:
- Ibuprofen -Found in over the counter medications such as Motrin or Advil, some studies show that Ibuprofen during the first month of pregnancy can increase chances of miscarriage. While rare, it is better to avoid Ibuprofen altogether during this time.
- Aspirin – Bayer and other varieties of aspirin are sometimes prescribed by doctors to help with blood clots and other conditions. That said, it is best to only take aspirin if your doctor recommends it. Some studies have shown that high dosages of aspirin can increase the chances of birth defects.
- Naproxen -Found in brands such as Naprosyn and Aleve, Naprozen use can increase the chances of miscarriage as well and should be avoided.
Home remedies for a cold in pregnancy: Safe over-the-counter varieties
There are still some medications that you can take safely for cold symptoms if you like. Some examples of over-the-counter medications that are acceptable if you have been pregnant for at least 12 weeks are as follows:
- Acetaminophen – The active ingredient in Tylenol, you can take this safely for pain or reducing fevers.
- Dextromethorphan – The active ingredient in Robitussin, this may be used safely in treating the symptoms of your cold.
- Guaifenesin – An expectorant, this may safely be used for congestion.
- Menthol rubs – Menthol rubs such as Vicks are safe for rubbing under your nose or on your chest just like you would normally during a cold.
Natural cold remedies for use during your
pregnancy
Now that we’ve gone over the over-the-counter meds, let’s discuss some more natural ways of dealing with that pesky cold. Sometimes the natural solutions are the best ones and we’ve collected a few tried and true favorites for you to use if you’d like a non-chemical alternative solution for your aches and pains. Here are some natural cold remedies you can use when you are pregnant:
- Apple cider Vinegar – Taken as a preventative, apple cider vinegar can help to make your body a place where the common cold is simply not welcome. A teaspoon a day is good for this. It can also help as an expectorant if you are already sick, diluting your mucus so that it is more easily expelled for a speedier recovery. If the taste is a bit much, drop a teaspoon or two in a small glass of juice and drink it down!
- Ginger root tea – Slice up some ginger and boil it with honey or a little syrup. When the water turns golden then it is ready. Ginger root tea is soothing on the throat and can relax your troubled stomach naturally.
- Garlic – Garlic boosts your immune system and has great anti-bacterial properties. You can eat it raw in salads or if you don’t like it raw, take some foil and dribble a little oil on a few garlic cloves and bake it slowly in your oven until soft. After this you can squeeze them and mix with some butter or margarine that will taste delicious as a dip or even just on some bread. Who says medicine has to taste bad?
” A good combination to use for a cold during your pregnancy.”
- Honey and Lemon juice – Honey and lemon are a good combination to use for a cold during your pregnancy. Mix together a teaspoon of honey with a tablespoon of lemon juice as a quick cough syrup. The honey helps to make sure that the mixture coats your throat to give you some much-needed relief.
- Blueberries – Berries are good for you in general whether you have a cold or not. Blueberries are one of the best, containing vitamins and a high level of antioxidants to get you to feeling your best in no time.
‘Spartan’ remedies if you don’t like medications OR natural alternatives
Yet a third option exists if you prefer that no medication be involved at all. Here are a few home remedies that fall under the ‘mildest of the mild’ category:
- Salt water rinse – A teaspoon of salt in a small glass of water makes a rinse that you can gargle to help clear up a sore throat. Mix it up and use 3 to 5 times a day for best results.
- Steam from an inhaler – Natural steam can help to un-stuff your nose and give you a little relief. Drape a towel over the back of your head and inhale a little warm steam. You’ll breathe better and give your body a chance to beat that cold through sheer immune system goodness.
- Chicken soup – Chock full of vitamins and minerals from the chicken and veggies, the broth is also warm and delicious and will soothe your aching throat at the same time that the soup is nourishing your body.
Some final words
In this article we have discussed some medications and home remedies that you may safely use when you are pregnant. If you are unsure about any of these solutions we encourage you to check with your physician on your next check-up. Not only can they verify the efficacy of these tips but if you need something a little stronger then they will know what will be safe and effective for you. We hope y that you feel better soon!
