Show While catching a cold is a hindrance at the best of times, becoming unwell during pregnancy is especially complicated. After all, everything that happens to you during pregnancy affects not just your body but that of your baby. Given this, you want to be careful with the medications you use to alleviate symptoms. Although cold and flu are both highly common illnesses, pregnant people are at increased risk since the immune system is suppressed to protect the baby from the body’s defences. As such, pregnant people are more likely to experience worse cold symptoms, take longer to recover and are more vulnerable to cold complications, such as bronchitis, sinus infections and pneumonia. If you are pregnant and suffering from a cold, here is our guide to managing your symptoms. Do I have a cold or the flu?A cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. Symptoms of a cold may include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and cough. A cold usually comes on gradually and is much milder than the flu. You can expect a cold to last for around a week. On the other hand, the flu is much more severe and usually comes on more suddenly than a cold. Symptoms may include a high fever, headache, chills, muscle soreness, sore throat and fatigue. If you develop the flu during pregnancy, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Relieving symptomsIdeally, you should not take any medication during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimester. However, if you require relief from cold and flu symptoms, the following methods are safe during pregnancy: ACHES AND PAINS
COUGH
SORE THROAT
NASAL CONGESTION
Reducing the riskWhen it comes to illness during pregnancy, prevention is better than a cure. Some of the simple things you can do to avoid coming down with the cold or flu include:
Flu vaccinationsAs mentioned, pregnant people are far more likely to experience adverse flu complications. Given this, it is highly important that pregnant people remain up-to-date on their vaccination schedule. Getting the flu vaccination will reduce your risk of infections and complications and is safe during any stage of pregnancy. In fact, the flu vaccine even passes some protection on to their unborn child, which lasts for up to six months after birth. Speak to our obstetricians about how you can organise your flu vaccination. Learn more about influenza in pregnancy here. When to see a doctorWhile the common cold or flu may not cause too much concern when you aren’t pregnant, it should be taken more seriously when you’re expecting. If you experience any of the following, please seek medical advice:
See a O&GCG ObstetricianAt O&GCG, our obstetricians are here for you through every step of your pregnancy and beyond. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to get in touch. Do you have any concerns or would like to ask our doctors a question? Please fill in the form below. |