When you are pregnant, everything that happens to you can affect not only your body, but also the baby. Before pregnancy, if you had a cold or flu, you may have taken medicine, but during pregnancy, things can get a little more complicated.
According to most doctors, it is best to avoid all medications in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because this is a critical stage for the development of fetal organs.
You should also avoid the following medicines (unless your doctor recommends it):
- aspirin
- ibuprofen
- naproxen
- codeine
- bactrim, (antibiotic)
Some medications that are considered safe after week 12 are simple cough syrups; medications for heartburn, nausea; acetaminophen for pain or fever etc.
Flu/Cold Treatment at Home
When you get sick during pregnancy, the first steps should be:
- rest
- drink plenty of fluids
- gargle with warm water and salt if you have a sore throat or cough
- add honey or lemon to tea
- drink chicken soup to help relieve inflammation
- a hot shower can help
- eat healthy foods
Other things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick:
- wash your hands often
- get enough sleep
- avoid contact with sick family members or friends
- do physical activity
- reduce stress
When should you call the doctor? Although most colds do not cause problems for the fetus, you should take the flu more seriously. Seek specialist medical help if you experience the following symptoms:
- dizziness
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- confusion
- vomiting that does not stop
- high temperature that does not go down
- decreased baby's movements
