What Cold Medicine Can I Take While Pregnant? - Verywell Health
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Many over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), are safe during pregnancy.
Along with medications, several natural remedies can also help alleviate cold symptoms. These include rest, fluid intake, a balanced diet, and stress reduction.
The article below will discuss some medicines and natural remedies you can adopt to treat colds during pregnancy.
However, consult your healthcare provider about all your medications and supplements.
What Natural Approaches Are Safe for a Cold While Pregnant?
The immune system changes during pregnancy, making some pregnant people more vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections.
But specific natural ways can help improve the immune system and reduce cold and flu symptoms.
First and foremost of the most important natural ways is to boost your immune system to protect yourself from catching the disease.
Ways to boost the immune system include but aren't limited to the following:
- A healthy, balanced diet
- Adequate rest
- Movement
- Reducing stress
Inadequate nutrition compromises the immune response.
A compromised immune system can increase the risk and severity of infections and possibly result in pregnancy complications.
Successful pregnancy outcomes and healthy maternal immune systems also rely on adequate intake of micronutrients. These include the following:
- Vitamins (ex., A, C, D, E)
- Minerals (ex., iron, selenium, zinc)
Micronutrients are vital in sustaining a healthy immune system and preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Manufacturers formulate products containing a micronutrient profile balanced specifically for pregnant people. Some of these products also contain probiotics, deemed safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
But it is essential to consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements. Some natural or herbal treatment options are not suitable to use during pregnancy.
Natural approaches that support your immune system and/or provide relief from congestion also include the following:
- Stay hydrated
- Use nasal saline sprays
- Gargle warm salt water
- Drink honey with lemon in hot water
- Try a humidifier at home and clean it daily
- Eat vitamin C-rich foods
- Take vitamin D supplements with a healthy fat
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Pregnancy-Safe Cold Medicines
Over-the-counter cold medications are usually safe to use. However, most labels advise pregnant people to speak to their healthcare provider before taking any medicine.
Some of the most commonly used cold medications that are safe for pregnant people are:
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Claritin (loratadine)
- Dextromethorphan
- Guaifenesin in expectorants to clear mucus
- Topical menthol rubs
- Nonsteroidal nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline
OTC-inhaled decongestants are considered relatively safe. However, practice caution in pregnant people regarding rebound effects from overusing these products.
Which Cold Medications Should I Avoid While Pregnant?
Please avoid the following cold medications while pregnant unless your healthcare provider recommends them.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Bayer (aspirin)
- Advil (ibuprofen)
- Motrin (ibuprofen)
- Aleve (naproxen)
- Naprosyn (naproxen)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also warns against NSAID use around 20 weeks or later in pregnancy. It may cause the following:
- Premature fetal blood vessel closure
- Rare but severe fetal kidney problems
- Low amniotic fluid levels surrounding the fetus, causing complications
Aspirin use has been associated with delivery complications and adverse effects in newborns.
However, studies showed no increased risk of major malformations associated with aspirin use during the first trimester.
Avoid taking these medicines in the late trimesters (pregnancy weeks 20 to 40) if possible.
Codeine
Codeine can cause the following:
- Emergency cesarean delivery
- Postpartum hemorrhage (heavy bleeding after childbirth)
- Respiratory depression (shallow breathing) in the fetus
Caution is advised when administering codeine toward the end of pregnancy.
Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim)
Trimethoprim is a folic acid antagonist.
Its use during the first trimester has been associated with the following structural defects:
Trimethoprim is also associated with jaundice in the fetus after 32 weeks.
Therefore, if possible, avoid trimethoprim drug during pregnancy.
Pseudoephedrine- and phenylephrine-based decongestants
- Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
- Sudafed PE (phenylephrine)
In some studies, using pseudoephedrine in the first trimester was associated with a slight increase in defects. These include the following:
- Gastroschisis: A congenital disability causing a hole in the abdominal wall may cause the fetus's intestines to extend outside its body
- Small intestinal atresia: A blockage or narrowing of the fetus's intestines
- Hemifacial microsomia: One side of the fetus's face is underdeveloped
Nonsteroidal nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline
OTC-inhaled decongestants are considered relatively safe.
However, practice caution during pregnancy. Rebound effects are possible from overusing OTC-inhaled decongestants.
Can I Prevent a Cold While Pregnant?
Fighting infections can sometimes be more challenging for the immune system during pregnancy.
Pregnant people may be more likely to get the cold or flu.
However, there are ways in which you can protect yourself from getting infected.
If you are pregnant, try avoiding contact with people with symptoms such as sneezing, cough, runny nose, and secretions.
If you have to be in contact with people who are ill, consider wearing a mask.
Wash your hands frequently to get rid of bacteria and viruses.
If possible, use sanitizer on your hands to kill germs.
It is essential to have a flu vaccine when you are pregnant.
The flu vaccine lessens the chances of acquiring the disease and reduces the risk of complications for the pregnant person and fetus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, "A pregnant person should get vaccinated against whooping cough and flu during each pregnancy to protect herself and her baby, with immunity for the first few months of life."
Flu vaccines are usually available at most healthcare provider offices and health clinics.
Summary
During pregnancy, the immune system changes.
This helps protect the fetus from the pregnant person's antibodies.
However, these changes can make pregnant people more vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections such as colds.
Cold medicines you can take while pregnant include some over-the-counter cold medicines, such as the following:
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
However, other medicines are contraindicated for pregnancy or are safe only in a particular trimester.
Always ask your healthcare provider before taking any medicine.
Apart from cold medicines, you can try natural remedies to ease cold symptoms. These include the following:
- Getting adequate rest
- Drinking enough fluids
- Eating a balanced diet
Do your best to avoid contact with people who are ill by adopting hygienic measures and getting a flu vaccine.
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