Dear Doctor,
I’m currently five months pregnant and have come down with a nasty head cold. I’m feeling congested and achy, but I’m worried about taking any medications that might harm my baby. What can I take for a cold while pregnant?
Thank you,
Sick and Round
Hello, Sick and Round
It’s that time of the year–DYK that people in the U.S. catch 1 billion colds every year? And if you have other little ones, you’re especially at risk, as kids tend to catch 6-10 colds per year.
It’s perfectly reasonable to be concerned about which medications are safe to take while pregnant. Before we answer that question, we have to look at what cold medicines actually do.
The common cold is a virus, and as with most viruses, you’ll need to wait for your immune system to fight the infection. Cold medicines soothe your symptoms and help make the 4-7 days of a cold more comfortable, but your immune system has to do the heavy lifting here.
Luckily, there are a few safe options for most pregnant people to help with pesky colds so you can feel better and maybe even help your immune system fight it off.
Natural cold remedies while pregnant
Most of us have a few home remedies we remember our mother swearing by to get rid of a common cold. It turns out some of those remedies worked well, and we even recommend them today. Below are a few:
- Gargle with warm salt water: This old trick can help with a sore throat for a few reasons: salt can help kill bacteria, ease pain, and loosen mucus. Mix about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt for every 8 ounces of warm water. Don’t make the water too hot so you don’t hurt yourself.
- Use nasal saline sprays: Saline sprays work by thinning and loosening thick mucus inside the nasal passages to help reduce and relieve congestion. They also temporarily moisturize the nasal passages, which can be a massive relief if you’ve been blowing your nose a lot.
- Use a humidifier or warm, steamy air: If you’ve got a humidifier, stand close to it (at a safe, reasonable distance) and breathe in some of the warm, steamy air. The air can help moisturize nasal passages and relieve congestion. Conversely, a large bowl, boiling water and a towel can be a safe option. Just be careful not to get too close, and always ensure littles are safely out of the way.
- Zinc, Vitamin C and Elderberry: Not all herbs and supplements are safe during pregnancy, but you may be able to take one of these vitamins to help as you recover. In two separate studies, elderberry has been shown to help reduce the length of duration of the flu by four days and help with inflammation.
Additionally, plenty of rest and fluids will support your immune system as it fends off the cold virus. Before taking anything, please be sure to consult with your healthcare provider. If you still want some options for medicines you can take, we’ve got you covered as well.
Medicines for cold in pregnancy that are safe
Some over-the-counter medicines are safe to take while pregnant. Ensure you follow the package instructions closely and consult with your provider. The below are recognized as safe for most pregnant people:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Considered safe during the entire pregnancy when taken as needed. Do not take if you are allergic or have liver problems.
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed): This ingredient is only safe in the second and third trimesters. If you are in your first trimester, have high blood pressure or a history of heart disease, do not take any medication with this ingredient.
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): Considered safe during the entire pregnancy.
- Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton): Considered safe during the entire pregnancy but not while breastfeeding.
Although they are marked as “safe,” ensure you clear any and all medications with your provider before taking them.
Lastly, there are a few medications that we do NOT recommend pregnant patients take; they are:
- Phenylephrine (i.e., Sudafed PE)
- Codeine
- Benzocaine
Stay away from any cold medications with the above ingredients, as they can harm the developing baby.
If you have further questions or concerns, contact your Genesis OB/GYN provider and request an appointment today.
Best,
Dr. Christopher Sullivan
Christopher Sullivan, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified gynecologist practicing at Genesis OB/GYN in Tucson, AZ.
