Being pregnant makes it more difficult to become sick since certain over-the-counter cold medicines may not be suitable. There are several natural and secure strategies to treat cold symptoms while pregnant, nevertheless.
The majority of the bothersome symptoms that accompany the flu and cold may be managed using home remedies for cold during pregnancy. When you can no longer use the most practical over-the-counter medications of your choice, natural cures come in helpful. A pregnant cold, while not hazardous to the baby, can be rather painful when coupled with the typical range of hormonal and physical changes. It is a common belief that pregnant women are more prone to the flu and cold.
Why Do You Catch A Cold During Pregnancy?
Due to the suppression of your immune system during pregnancy, you are more likely to develop a cold. Your body’s natural immune system may target the baby through antibodies when you are pregnant because it cannot tell the difference between a developing fetus and a virus or any other foreign substance. The immune system reduces its defensive mechanism and stops it from happening so that the fetus is safe from such an onslaught.
While this immunosuppression defends the fetus from internal attack, it also makes you more vulnerable to viral illnesses like the common cold and the flu. Additionally, even though the virus cannot enter the womb, you may experience all of the aches and symptoms of a cold. So let’s look at some easy and secure cures for colds during pregnancy to help you feel better and boost your pregnant health.
Home Remedies
Rest
Poor sleep compromises immunity and increases vulnerability to illnesses, especially upper respiratory tract infections, according to research. A sufficient amount of sleep—between 7 and 9 hours—can assist to strengthen immunity and fend off an illness that has already started. To make sleeping with a cold easier, raise your head with one or two pillows. Try to go to bed earlier to obtain more hours of sleep if you discover that you are waking up more often at night. Even just getting adequate sleep can help you feel better overall and resolve a number of health problems.Turmeric
Similar to ginger, turmeric has been traditionally used to treat inflammation and cough. It is among the most effective herbal treatments for wellbeing and health. The primary active component of turmeric, curcumin, is a strong antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant that may help strengthen your immune system. A more robust immune system can aid in the battle against the virus, and its anti-inflammatory effects can calm a scratchy throat and ease nasal congestion.
For a calming beverage, stir a teaspoon of turmeric powder and a sprinkle of black pepper into a warm glass of milk. Alternately, prepare a turmeric salt-water gargle by adding half a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a warm glass of water.
Ginger
Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant substance with active components including gingerols and shogaols. Although additional research is required to determine how ginger reduces cold symptoms, it is frequently prescribed as a cough and cold treatment in traditional medicine. A slice of ginger can be chewed while being seasoned with salt or honey. Sliced or grated ginger and a cup of water can be simmered to produce ginger tea.Pineapple Juice
Pineapple’s key component, bromelain, has been found to have potent anti-inflammatory and mucolytic effects. In other words, it could aid in clearing out airway congestion and sore throats. Other components like salt, pepper, and honey are included in the classic pineapple juice cough remedy. To create it, mix one tablespoon of honey with a cup of pineapple juice and a sprinkling of salt and black pepper.Chicken Soup
In the past, chicken soup has been a well-liked home cure for colds. According to one research, chicken soup suppresses some immune responses, which lessens the severity of cold symptoms. Hot chicken soup was the most helpful in reducing nasal congestion, according to a different research comparing the impact of hot liquids on cold symptoms.Immune-boosting Micronutrients
You get antioxidants and an immune system boost from micronutrients including iron, selenium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E, which may aid in your recuperation. For instance, research indicates that zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D are the best supplements for minimizing the length of a cold and the intensity of its symptoms.
After speaking with your ob-gyn, you may choose a prenatal vitamin that has all the necessary vitamins. Additionally, you may obtain them by consuming foods high in nutrients such as carrots, bell peppers, pumpkin seeds, strawberries, mangoes, collard greens, cantaloupes, Brussel sprouts, and asparagus.
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Hydration
It’s crucial to stay hydrated throughout pregnancy, and it’s even more crucial if you’re sick with a cold at the time. Water intake can thin mucus and ease congestion. Additionally, a study revealed that consuming warm beverages may help with cold symptoms such as chills and exhaustion as well as runny nose and sore throat.
Drinks at room temperature, on the other hand, can only help with runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. By consuming 8 to 12 cups of hot or lukewarm water, as well as other warm beverages, you can keep well hydrated and gain relief from a stuffy nose.
Take a Prenatal Vitamin
Vitamin C, which boosts your body’s natural immunological response of disease-fighting antioxidants to fight off the illness, is one of several nutrients and minerals found in prenatal vitamins. Vitamin A, D, E, iron, selenium, and zinc are just a few of the immune-stimulating elements found in a daily prenatal vitamin.
Additionally, foods rich in vitamin A, D, E, iron, selenium, and zinc, such as carrots, mangoes, cantaloupes, strawberries, brussels sprouts, bell peppers, pumpkin seeds, almonds, collard greens, lentils, cooked spinach, and asparagus, can help to strengthen your immune system.
Medications
It’s vital to stay away from over-the-counter medicines when pregnant since they might not be safe to take. Before ingesting any medicine, get medical advice.When To See A Doctor
If your cold symptoms worsen or continue, or if you develop other symptoms like a high temperature, excruciating headache, or chest discomfort, you should seek medical advice. Additionally, it’s crucial to get medical help if you have any side effects including breathing problems or dehydration. Your doctor can provide guidance on the best course of action and safety measures to follow during pregnancy.Bottom Line
It might be difficult to get a cold when pregnant, but there are a lot of secure and natural home treatments that can ease symptoms. Pregnancy cold symptoms can be effectively treated with hydration, immune-boosting vitamins, chicken soup, ginger, turmeric milk, gargling with warm salt water, and lots of rest.
In order to lower the chance of contracting a cold, it’s crucial to practice proper hygiene and to speak with a medical expert if symptoms increase or continue. You may treat your cold symptoms and take care of yourself and your unborn child throughout this priceless pregnancy by using the solutions listed below.
