How To Treat a Cold or Flu When Pregnant

A cold or the flu can be unpleasant at any time. Treating it often means taking cold or flu medicine until you feel better.

“Getting sick when you are pregnant can be more worrisome,” said Jasmine Philip, DO, Catholic Health Primary Care Physician. “You have to be more careful about what you put in your body because it can affect your unborn baby. However, pregnancy also puts you at a higher risk of getting sick.”

Pregnancy suppresses the immune response to protect your baby from your immune system,, which means your body is not as quick to fight off infections when you get sick.

So, what happens if you get sick while pregnant? Cold and flu symptoms can be similar, so it is important to get an early and accurate diagnosis. Your primary care physician (PCP) or OB/GYN can recommend safe treatments during pregnancy.

How can I treat a cold when pregnant?

Dr. Philip explained that colds are common during pregnancy, but they are usually mild and do not harm the baby. You can generally treat a common cold during pregnancy with self-care.

To relieve cold symptoms at home, you can:

• Eat a healthy diet
• Gargle with warm salt water to relieve a sore throat
• Get enough sleep
• Get light to moderate pregnancy-safe exercise
• Stay hydrated
• Take prenatal vitamins, which include vitamin C, for an immune system boost
• Use saline nasal drops to relieve congestion

How can I treat the flu when pregnant?

When pregnant, the flu can increase your risk of premature birth and low birth weight. If you think you have the flu, talk to your PCP or OB/GYN about treatment options like at-home remedies, prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications that the FDA has deemed safe for pregnant people.

Your physician may recommend getting a flu shot at the start of the flu season. The flu shot is safe for most pregnant women, but you should discuss it first with your physician.

What are some concerns about cold and flu treatments during pregnancy?

The first 12 weeks (three months) of pregnancy are critical for developing your baby’s vital organs. Many OB/GYNs recommend avoiding most medications during this time. While medication can relieve your symptoms, some can harm your developing baby.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends avoiding NSAIDs after the twentieth week of pregnancy because they can cause rare but serious kidney problems in an unborn baby, which can lead to low levels of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby and possible complications. Later in the pregnancy, they may also cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus (an opening between the two major blood vessels leading from the heart). If the ductus arteriosus closes before it should, it can cause high blood pressure in the fetal lungs (pulmonary hypertension).

Some decongestants can pose a risk to a fetus. Saline sprays are a safe alternative to treat nasal congestion and sinus pressure during pregnancy.

When should I talk to my physician about cold and flu treatments?

Talk to your physician or OB/GYN before taking any cold or flu treatment to ensure it is safe. They may be able to provide alternatives or suggestions for home remedies. They can also offer a personalized treatment plan for your symptoms. Call them if your symptoms cause you to stop eating or sleeping or if you do not feel better with treatment.

What medications can I take?

“Do not take any medicines without talking to your physician first,” said Dr. Philip. “Some medications may not be safe depending on the trimester of your pregnancy or if you have preexisting health conditions.”

Some over-the-counter (OTC) medications are safe for treating colds and flu during pregnancy. These medicines include:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Claritin
• Zyrtec
• Robitussin

OTC medications to generally avoid during pregnancy include:

• Aspirin, unless your physician specifically prescribes it
• Codeine
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Naproxen (Aleve)

The FDA also recommends avoiding herbal supplements when you are pregnant. The FDA does not regulate supplements, and there is insufficient research on how they affect pregnancy.

How can I stay safe from cold and flu during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant, avoiding getting a cold or the flu is essential to protect yourself and your baby.

A flu vaccination offers the best protection against the flu, especially if you get it before flu season starts. Early vaccination allows your body to build up the antibodies it needs to protect itself from infection. The flu vaccine can also help protect your baby after birth since the antibodies pass to them. You continue giving antibodies to your baby when you nurse them.

Practicing good hygiene can also reduce your risk of getting sick while pregnant. Best practices include:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Cleaning frequently touched surfaces
• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Washing your hands frequently

If you are diagnosed with the flu, early treatment with pregnancy-safe antiviral medications can make your symptoms milder and prevent flu-related complications.

“There are many ways to find relief from a cold or the flu when pregnant,” said Dr. Philip. “Talk to your physician about which options may be right for you.”