Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 24 Apr 2023
In general, expectant mothers are more susceptible towards infection and colds. Wonder why? This is because the immune system in the maternal body alters in a unique way focusing mainly on preventing the fetus and placenta. The immune alteration and hormonal changes weaken the body to combat certain pathogens. This results in an increased vulnerability towards cold and infection while aiming to protect the unborn baby in the uterus.
At 6 months or 24 weeks of pregnancy, your baby must have gained a little more weight and of course, facial features also must have been clearly defined. It’s growing positively in both size and weight. There are even more details about the baby’s development at this stage which might actually surprise you. Hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), progesterone, and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) play a key role in contributing to the prevention of the fetus and the placenta from miscarriage and maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
As a sign of supporting the process, expectant mothers can choose home remedies for colds during pregnancy instead of opting for medications. These home remedies are often natural methods, which can certainly reduce the potential risks that are associated with medications, especially during pregnancy. Furthermore, home remedies can also broadly help with alleviating the symptoms of the common cold more quickly and enhancing the relief.
Having a common cold during the conception period is the same as having a common cold like any other day. However, the physiological changes and hormonal shifts may make expectant mothers feel exhausted.
Other than the common cold, infections like influenza or flu are generally considered to be dangerous. Even though the symptoms of flu and the common cold tend to be similar, the flu infection can be a serious illness. The infection has the potential risk of developing increased complications, sometimes even leading to hospitalization.
Flu symptoms that are less noticeable in a common cold, which may include:
Note that if any of the above-listed symptoms get worse, having a consultation with the healthcare provider is highly suggested. Identifying the cause of the symptoms and addressing the illness will certainly help to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby.
However, if it’s a common cold, practising certain home remedies is the best method during pregnancy.
Common colds are typically not dangerous and they do not have any impact on the growing fetus in the uterus. However, making sure the body temperature to not exceed 101°F is significantly suggested. This may lead to potential complications during pregnancy.
A common cold can be treated effortlessly with home remedies, which may help to promote quick relief. The remedies may include:
Having adequate rest can certainly help with alleviating the symptoms that are associated with colds like body pain, headache and more.
Running nose, sweat and sneezes may have drained fluids from your maternal body. Hence, keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day with hot broth and juices along with water can hugely make a difference during pregnancy.
You can use the room humidifier to ease the nasal congestion. If you don’t have one, you can place a bucket of warm water in the room, which will act like a room humified. This will help to manage the nasal congestion and sore throat.
Steam inhalation is the best way when it comes to treating the symptoms of the common cold, especially sinus pressure. The method can help alleviate the nasal congestion, loosen the mucus and clear the nasal passage.
Consuming hot soups, specially made with chicken, crab or vegetables with a pinch of pepper in it can help relieve nasal congestion and sore throat. You can also try consuming soups made with greens like thoothuvalai. In English, the name is referred to as climbing brinjal. You can also try making soups with other greens like peppermint, thyme, and Tulsi.
Consuming pineapple juice with a pinch of salt, pepper and honey can indeed minimize the symptoms of the common cold like nasal irritation and sore throat. This happens due to the proteolytic enzyme bromelain present in the pineapple. Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, fibrinolytic, and immunomodulatory property. These properties play a crucial role in treating sinuses and inflammation.
Like pineapple, pomegranate too has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help alleviate inflammation, sore throat, and throat pain. You can try consuming pomegranate juice with a pinch of pepper and honey.
Ginger is a great choice when it comes to treating colds, especially during pregnancy. Since ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it works great in treating colds and symptoms associated with it. You can try consuming ginger juice, diluting it with some water and honey or simply a ginger tea.
Like ginger, turmeric too has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to this, adding a pinch of turmeric to warm milk and consuming it can certainly help with alleviating cough, inflammation, sore throat and nasal congestion.
Expectant mothers can start gargling with warm water adding some amount of salt in it when experience a sore throat. You can repeat this several times in a day. The method can certainly provide quick relief by killing bacteria and relieving sore throat, cough and irritation.
The consumption of Tulsi water can provide a wide range of benefits, particularly help with respiratory health and alleviating nasal mucus quickly. The anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties present in the Tulsi leaves can help minimize sore throat, irritation, and nasal congestion. Even though, the Tulsi water offers numerous benefits, expectant mothers are advised to consume them moderately to reduce the potential risk of uterine contractions.
According to the saying, prevention is better than cure, you can prevent a cold during pregnancy by following certain natural ways. Listed below are some of them:
Managing the symptoms of a common cold can be worrisome during pregnancy as you might have already been exhausted because of the pregnancy symptoms. Common colds can be treated easily by early prevention and following natural remedies. Ensure to stay positive and remember to call for medical help as soon as you sense the issue.
1. Will my baby in the uterus be okay if I am ill?
The answer to the question is yes. In general, common colds do not affect the baby in the uterus in any way. However, other illnesses like food poisoning, urinary tract infections, viral fever, and more can cause complications during pregnancy.
2. Why do I always get a cold?
You might catch a cold more often because of various reasons. The reasons may include poor hygiene, weakened immunity, inadequate amount of sleep, excessive stress, and so on. Other potential reasons may also include allergies towards dust or seasonal changes.
3. Does coughing and sneezing affect my baby in the uterus?
The answer to the question is no. Coughing and sneezing because of the common cold do not affect the baby in the uterus. However, if you cough and sneeze because of an illness like the flu may typically affect the baby and lead to potential complications.
4. Can I take medications to treat colds during pregnancy?
Certain medications are generally considered to be safe when it comes to treating the common cold during pregnancy. However, having a consultation with your healthcare provider before taking them is highly suggested.
5. Will my baby in the uterus catch a cold if I do?
The answer to the question is no. It is a myth that your baby in the uterus will also catch a cold if an expectant mother catches it. The placenta, amniotic fluid, and uterine muscles are the strong barriers that common cold viruses barely cross and affect the baby. However, it is highly recommended to consult your healthcare provider if you notice persistent fever along with other concerning symptoms.
