What is a pregnant woman supposed to do when she gets a cold? Colds have another name in the medical world, upper respiratory infection (URI). These infections are common, hence the term “common cold”. The germs causing this condition spread easily because the person who has the illness is contagious from a few hours before to one or two days after the symptoms are evident. Pregnant women are not immune from getting a cold. Let’s look or options they can consider for helping them through an illness.

Personal Story

It was November. I was pregnant and due within two weeks. My two boys and my husband were sick. I was doing everything I could to help them get well so we could bring the baby home to a house free of illness. I was starting to feel like I was coming down with a cold. I didn’t want to have a cold while giving birth. What could I do?

Options for Pregnant Women

There are limited options for a pregnant woman with a cold, due to the pregnancy and not wanting to medicate her unborn child. There are plenty of options to consider which center on nutrition, supplements, and physical interventions.

Note: Please consult with your health care provider to see which options are best for you.

Nutrition

• Increase fluid intake.
• Eat a minimal, fresh diet.
• Add spicy foods to the menu.
• Eliminate dairy products and simple sugars.

Supplements

• Vitamin C is helpful when one has the common cold. Limit amounts of vitamin C during pregnancy.
• Use echinacea to support the immune system at the onset of colds, flu, and sore throats. It is Class 1, which means there are no adverse effects expected in pregnancy or lactation. Note: There is a caution for transplant patients taking immunosuppressive drugs.
• Ginger has medicinal uses which are supported by clinical studies. These include common colds, which are characterized by a runny nose, headache, nasal congestion, or general ache. Ginger enhances expectoration and increasing sweating. Ginger as a fresh root is especially beneficial and is Class 1, which means there are no adverse effects expected in pregnancy or lactation. Cinnamon and ginger are warming herbs that increase body temperature of a low-grade fever, stimulating sweating, which lowers a fever.
• Use elderberry for colds. It is Class 1, but pregnant women should not eat fresh berries because they have some cyanogenic glycosides in them. See Blog #3 for more information on elderberry and making elderberry syrup.
• Lemon Balm Tea may reduce fever. It is Class 1.

Cinnamon Ginger Tea

Peel the skin off an inch of ginger root. Slice or grate it. Boil it in two cups of purified water. Turn off heat. Cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Add a dash of cinnamon. Drink as it is or add some honey.

Physical

• An ultrasonic humidifier can offer some relief for a cold.
• Bed rest is important.

Pregnant women have options to choose from when it comes to the common cold.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. Please encourage others by writing your pregnancy cold tips in the comment section above.