The problem with the common cold during pregnancy
Colds are generally very easy to treat, but when you’re pregnant there are so many medicines and herbal remedies that you can’t take anymore! This makes shifting your cold quite tricky, and when you’re already feeling drained from your pregnancy, the last thing you want is a lingering cold too.
So what natural ways are there to ease your symptoms?
Honey & lemon
I talk about this one all the time, but it’s such an effective natural remedy for the cold! This is especially good if you’ve got a sore throat and dry cough, as the honey can help to coat the throat in a soothing protective layer.
The steam from the drink can help to loosen congestion, while the honey itself is thought to be antiviral and antibacterial.
Steam inhalation
This is a great one for congestion. Simply fill a bowl with hot, steamy water and gently breathe the steam in.
A few drops of essential oil can really help to improve this process. A number of essential oils are safe to use during the second and third trimesters, but speak to your doctor or midwife before you go ahead and add them.
Nasal spray
One of the most annoying cold symptoms is a blocked or runny nose. A nasal spray can help to loosen congestion and flush it out of the nose, but unfortunately, not all are suitable during pregnany.
Our Sinuforce nasal spray, however, can be used during both pregnancy and breast feeding.
It contains a simple saline solution, as well as eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil and chamomile oil to clear congestion and soothe your nasal passages.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is famous for its role in supporting the immune system, so making sure you get plenty is a good idea. You’ll find vitamin C in brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, so fill up on strawberries, oranges, bell peppers and kiwis, as well as leafy greens like kale, Brussels sprouts and broccoli. How about starting your day with a tasty smoothie and having a nutritious soup for lunch?
A vitamin C tablet could be a good idea, just speak to your doctor or midwife first about which ones are suitable.
Rest
People often underestimate the power of rest!
Rest is always important when fighting off a cold or flu, and it’s extra important while you’re pregnant because your body is already under so much extra pressure!
Life doesn’t stop just because you’re pregnant – you might still be at work, rushing around after other children, cooking dinner, seeing friends and shopping for everything you need for the new baby’s arrival, all while carrying said baby around with you! This makes fighting off a cold much harder.
Your body will need some extra rest during this time, so make sure to take it easy and delegate your usual jobs to other family members if you can. Add in an extra nap or two into the day, spend some more time sitting or lying down than you normally would and practise some deep breathing to help you relax. I’d also recommend taking a day or two off work if you can as well!
What about Echinacea?
You might have noticed that our Echinaforce is missing from this list!
While our Echinaforce tablets or tincture are usually our go-to recommendations for colds, flu and other respiratory infections, unfortunately we don’t recommend taking them while pregnant.
When to see your doctor
While you’re pregnant, it’s important that you get any potential health risks checked out.
If you develop a fever then you should definitely see your doctor, as this is a sign that your body is struggling to handle the infection, or an indication that the infection is more serious than a cold.
If your symptoms do not improve after a few days then speak to your doctor or pharmacist about what you can take to help.
Keep an eye out for chest pain, breathing difficulty, discoloured mucus and diarrhoea as these can all be indications of a more serious infection.
