A cold is milder than the flu. Its symptoms come on gradually and typically you only run a low-grade to no fever. It generally starts off with a sore throat that goes away after a day or two, a cold ends with the main symptoms of a runny nose and cough. Influenza, commonly called the flu, is more severe and the onset is more sudden than a cold. Symptoms include a high fever typically degrees F or higher , headache, chills, a sore throat that typically worsens by the second or third day, intense muscle soreness, and a general feeling of weakness and fatigue.
These symptoms, along with sneezing and a cough, can last a couple of weeks or longer. Sleeping can prove to be a bit difficult when sick with a cold. Breathe easier by elevating your head with a few pillows. Nasal strips can also help as they gently pull your nasal passages open. They are easy to find, sold over the counter and are drug-free. Stay active: If you can, do some light to moderate, pregnancy-safe exercises.
It will help your body to fight off the cold faster. Drink lots of fluids: Symptoms of colds like sneezing, runny nose, and fever causes your body to lose fluids that are essential to you and your baby. Other complications are not common, but include:. If you have flu while you're pregnant, it could mean your baby is born prematurely or has a low birthweight , and can even lead to stillbirth or death in the first week of life. Getting the flu vaccine is safe during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date.
Women who have had the flu vaccine while pregnant also pass some protection on to their babies, which lasts for the first 6 months of their lives. The vaccine also poses no risk to women who are breastfeeding , or to their babies.
The flu vaccine is free for pregnant women as part of the National Immunisation Program. Read more about what vaccinations are safe during pregnancy. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Having the flu is never fun, but when you are pregnant, you need to be especially careful. The flu shot is safe for pregnant women, and provides effective protection for you and your new-born baby for the first six months of their life.
Read more on Department of Health website. The influenza vaccine is provided at no cost for pregnant women through the National Immunisation Program. What is Influenza? Read more on National Asthma Council Australia website. Everyone should be immunised against influenza this season when the vaccine becomes available, but pregnant women should be immunised at any time.
Read more on myDr website. Pregnant women and newborn babies are especially vulnerable to influenza. Vaccinating against influenza can be life saving for both the mother and child. Read more on Immunisation Coalition website. But if you're trying to boost your immunity, can you take supplements in addition to your multivitamin?
Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm. Pain or headache Colds Heartburn Allergies Constipation Morning sickness Hemorrhoids Yeast infections Minor skin issues Insomnia Supplements Existing prescriptions Alternative medicine Takeaway Overview During pregnancy, your focus may have shifted to your growing baby. This is because the benefit of taking the medication outweighs any associated risks demonstrated by studies on animals or humans: Category Risks A Controlled studies on pregnant women show no risk to fetus in first trimester or later trimesters.
C Animal studies have shown adverse effects on fetus. Drugs in this category are given with caution — only if the benefit justifies the potential risk. D Evidence of fetal risk exists with animal or human studies. X Adverse effects have been confirmed by animal or human studies.
Risk of taking drug outweighs any benefit. Not prescribed for women who are or may become pregnant. Pain or headache relief.
NSAIDs include: ibuprofen Advil, Motrin ketoprofen Orudis naproxen Aleve If your pain is particularly severe — after a surgery, for example — your doctor may prescribe a short course of opioid pain relievers. Cold medicine. Safe options include: plain cough syrup, such as Vicks dextromethorphan Robitussin; category C and dextromethorphan-guaifenesin Robitussin DM; category C cough syrups cough expectorant during the day cough suppressant at night acetaminophen Tylenol; category B to relieve pain and fever The active ingredient in Sudafed, pseudoephedrine , may elevate blood pressure or affect blood flow from the uterus to the fetus.
Doctors often recommend trying home treatments before taking medications: Get plenty of rest. Stay hydrated by drinking water and warm liquids, like chicken soup or tea. Gargle salt water to ease sore throat. Use saline nose drops to fight stuffiness. Humidify the air in your room.
Use menthol rub on your chest. Try nasal strips to open airways. Suck on cough drops or lozenges. Heartburn and acid reflux. Try keeping a food diary to help identify certain foods that may trigger your reflux.
Wait three hours to lie down after meals. Avoid late meals right before bedtime. Sleep with your head elevated at night. Eat small meals throughout the day. Mild and severe allergies. If you need some extra help, the following OTC oral antihistamines are generally considered safe: diphenhydramine Benadryl; category B chlorpheniramine Chlor-Trimeton; category B loratadine Claritin, Alavert; category B cetirizine Zyrtec; category B If your allergies are more severe, your doctor may suggest taking an OTC corticosteroid spray at a low dose along with an oral antihistamine.
Options include: budesonide Rhinocort Allergy; category C fluticasone Flonase; category C mometasone Nasonex; category C You may also try the following lifestyle changes: Avoid going outdoors or opening windows on high pollen days. Rinse off pollen from skin and hair with a quick shower. Wear a mask while completing outdoor chores or enlist the help of someone else for tasks like mowing.
Rinse nasal passages with saline spray or a neti pot. If you experience fever and muscle aches, or if symptoms don't subside within about 10 days, see your doctor to see if it's an illness that requires special treatment. Yes, many over-the-counter cough and cold medications are considered safe for pregnant women and their developing babies. Call your doctor before you take anything, even if you think it's safe.
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