EmaxHealth Health News
Home » Pregnancy » Pregnancy and Health

Colds and Flu During Pregnancy

Ads by Google

All About:
  • Pregnancy and Health

By Armen Hareyan on July 29, 2005 - 6:35am for eMaxHealth

Pregnancy

Taking good care of your health during pregnancy becomes even more important because of the presence of the upcoming baby, who needs help and good care.

Why are pregnant women more prone to colds and flu? The immune system is lowered slightly during pregnancy in order to stop a pregnant woman's body from rejecting the unborn baby. Pregnant women may be more vulnerable to infections, such as coughs, colds and flu.

What can I do to reduce my risk of getting a cold or the flu during pregnancy?

You can help to boost your immune system by eating a healthy diet including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. These contain antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C, which help to fight infections. Your doctor probably will prescribe a vitamin and mineral supplement specifically formulated for pregnant women. Make sure you get plenty of rest. Try to minimize stress as much as you can. Your immune system is stronger when you do not smoke. Of course, it also is healthier for baby when the mother avoids tobacco during pregnancy.

Is it safe to take over-the-counter cough and cold remedies during pregnancy?

You should never buy cough or cold remedies over the counter (OTC) without first checking with your doctor about the safety of products. Many OTC products have not been tested for safety during pregnancy and could affect your baby's development and health.

Is it safe to take antibiotics during pregnancy?

There are many antibiotics that are safe to take during pregnancy, but some are not. Make sure that your doctor knows that you are pregnant. Never take antibiotics that are left over from a previous prescription and always finish the medication that is prescribed to you.

How can I treat coughs and colds safely while I am pregnant?

It is safe to use a salt water throat gargle and a saline nose spray. Vapor rubs and cough lozenges are both safe. For fever and pain, use only regular or extra strength Tylenol. Do not use aspirin, Motrin or Ibuprofen.

Source: 
The Cleveland Clinic

eMaxHealth welcomes yourcomments and feedback on this story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.

  • Add new comment

Comments

#1 Re: Colds and Flu During Pregnancy

Submitted by Anonymous on December 10, 2011 - 1:13am.

What are some cough and cold remedies for pregnant women. Any home made no chemical remedies?

  • reply

#2 Re: Colds and Flu During Pregnancy

Submitted by Anonymous on December 9, 2011 - 5:09pm.

How dangerous are cold or flu during pregnancy? Which months of the pregnancy are more vulnerable? Thank you.

  • reply

#3 Re: sleeping at work

Submitted by Anonymous on April 8, 2009 - 8:42am.

When you take your lunch break, go to your car or what ever and take a nap. get plenty of rest when you are at home, take your prenatal vitamin, eat foods that are high in vitamin B and protein as your body uses these to make energy.

  • reply

#4 flu

Submitted by Anonymous on November 20, 2008 - 6:53pm.

could the flu be fatal during pregnancy?

  • reply

#5 sleeping at work

Submitted by Anonymous on August 12, 2008 - 1:06pm.

i want to work up to the time of my delivery, however i am now at 34 weeks and i feel absolutely useless at work as all i want to do is sleep how do i prevent this

  • reply

#6 If your body is telling you

Submitted by Anonymous on April 21, 2009 - 12:20pm.

If your body is telling you to slow it down - listen to it. I worked up until I delivered with both children and wished I hadn't. Having a newborn is stressful and you'll get even less sleep when they're here. You don't want to be a new mother and be so run down that you can't enjoy your new baby and have time to heal.

  • reply

Similar Stories

  • Sex in the Sun May Increase Your Fertility
  • Combination of Smoking and Excess Weight in Pregnancy Increases Risk of Damage to Infant Heart
  • How Much Alcohol is Safe During Pregnancy?
  • Antidepressant use in pregnancy linked to newborn hypertension
  • New CDC report: Twin birth rate soaring in U.S.

 Dr. Oz Promotes Magnet Cure
 Skin Care Secrets in Your Kitchen
 3 Gadgets to Make You Look 10 Years Younger
 Catalase is the Culprit for Gray Hair
 Vibration Therapy Helps Chronic Pain
 What If Antidepressants Don't Work
 When Obesity is OK for Some

Health Categories

 EMAXHEALTH HOME
 AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE
 DIET & WEIGHT LOSS
 FITNESS & EXERCISE
 MEN'S HEALTH
 WOMEN'S HEALTH
 BEAUTY
 ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
 CANCER TREATMENT
 AGING
 DISEASE and CONDITION
 MENTAL HEALTH
 GENERAL HEALTH
 PERSONAL HEALTH
 GOURMET FOOD & HEALTH
 HEALING & SPIRITUALITY
 MONEY AND HEALTH
 Comment Moderation
  • Health RSS Feeds
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • About Us
  • Editorial Review Process
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Contributors
Copyright eMaxhealth.com 2005-2012. All rights reserved.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.