Flu and Cold During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant your immune system doesn’t seem to work as well. This is due to the fact that your body has lowered its defenses to ensure the baby isn’t rejected. Unfortunately, what’s good for the baby isn’t always what’s good for mom. The cold and flu susceptibility rates skyrocket the moment a woman conceives. Fortunately, studies have shown that catching or having the flu itself, rarely causes birth defects. However, being pregnant can increase mom’s risk of flu complications such as pneumonia. Let’s discuss what treatment options and prevention steps you, as an expectant mother, can take, keeping in mind that most medications have yet to be studied on pregnant women.

Treating a Cold or Flu While Pregnant

There are tons of debates worldwide between doctors and experts when it comes to which medications are safe and not safe for a pregnant woman battling a cold or flu. Below is a list of which medicines are agreed upon:

Medications that are Safe:

• Tylenol- Used to treat aches and pains
• Acetaminophen- Used to treat aches and pains
• Chlorpheniramine- Antihistamine
• Pseudoephedrine- Decongestant (except during first trimester)

The medications above are commonly found in over-the-counter cold and flu remedies, however it’s suggested that you check the labels carefully, and only use over-the-counter medications that are recommended by your doctor. There are many over-the-counter medications that can do more harm than good.

Medications that aren’t Safe:

• Antiviral drugs- Can increase risk of birth defects
• Aspirin- Known to cause bleeding
• Ibuprofen- No studies exist on pregnant women
• Dextromethorphan- Cough suppressant
• Guaifenesin- Expectorant

Most of these drugs mentioned above are found in over-the-counter cold and flu medicines and cough syrups. Many of them have not been studied on pregnant humans, and have shown complications when studied on pregnant animals. Again, as medicine and technology improve, many drugs that were once thought to be harmful and actually not, and recommended for use during pregnancy. For example, there’s a huge debate right now on guaifenesin, and whether or not it’s a Class B (safe) or Class C (unsafe) drug for pregnant women. Talk to your health care professional before taking any medications to cure cold and flu symptoms while pregnant.

Other things that are recommended if you’ve already caught the flu are:

• Get plenty of rest and sleep
• Stay hydrated with plenty of liquids, and even a liquid diet
• Continue taking prenatal vitamins to make up for the nutrients lost
• Sleep slightly propped up to help drain nasal passages
• Saline nasal sprays or steam inhalation when congested
• Adding honey and lemon to hot water to help soothe a sore throat
• Notify your doctor if fever is higher than 101 or if your illness is lasting longer than expected, or worsening

Preventing a Cold and Flu During Pregnancy

The steps and procedures a pregnant woman must take to avoid a cold or flu while she’s pregnant, is very similar to what she does to avoid illnesses while not expecting. A flu shot or vaccine is the number one way to prevent a cold or the flu. Viral illnesses are known to last up to three times longer in pregnant women, so receiving a vaccine might not be a bad idea. The flu shot doesn’t contain the live virus, therefore you can not get the flu from the vaccine. The flu shot is even safe during breastfeeding, as it can not cause you or your nursing baby to get sick. Other things you can do to help prevent a cold or flu is:

• Eating healthy
• Regular exercise
• Washing hands frequently
• Stay away from people who are sick