Overview
Pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation but can also bring concerns, especially regarding your health. Many expecting mothers worry about getting sick during pregnancy and how it might affect their baby. Whether it’s a common cold or the flu, it’s important to understand the implications and how to manage your health effectively. Getting sick during pregnancy, such as catching a common cold, is generally unlikely to harm the parent or the fetus. The primary treatment for a cold involves rest and staying hydrated. While some over-the-counter medications may be safe to use, others can pose risks, especially in the first trimester. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any cold medications.
Common illnesses during pregnancy and their effects
Pregnant women are more susceptible to various illnesses, some of which can significantly impact their health. Common illnesses during pregnancy include the cold, flu, chickenpox, fifth disease, cytomegalovirus, rubella, measles, and the Zika virus. Likewise, certain illnesses during pregnancy can pose significant risks to the developing fetus, leading to complications and developmental issues. Here is the list of those illnesses and their effects on both the mother as well as the baby:
Cold and flu
- Effect on mother: While colds are generally mild, the flu can be more serious for pregnant women, leading to severe illness. Pregnant women are advised to get a flu shot to protect themselves during flu season, as it can cause complications.
- Effect on baby: While the flu rarely causes birth defects, it can lead to severe illness in the mother, indirectly affecting the baby’s health. Flu vaccination during pregnancy helps protect both the mother and the baby, reducing the risk of hospitalization.
Chickenpox
- Effect on mother: Chickenpox, caused by the varicella virus, can be serious during pregnancy and may lead to birth defects. If a pregnant woman hasn’t had chickenpox before, she should consult her doctor immediately after exposure. Blood tests can determine immunity, and medications are available to reduce the severity of the illness and protect the baby.
- Effect on baby: Chickenpox during pregnancy, especially in the first half, can lead to congenital varicella syndrome, resulting in birth defects like limb abnormalities and scarring. Early treatment can help mitigate these risks.
Fifth disease
- Effect on mother: This common virus, often contracted from children, can lead to miscarriage if contracted early in pregnancy. Pregnant women should seek medical advice if exposed.
- Effect on baby: Contracting the fifth disease early in pregnancy can lead to severe anemia in the baby. Regular monitoring and early intervention are crucial to mitigate the risk of complications.
Cytomegalovirus
- Effect on mother: Often asymptomatic, cytomegalovirus is the most common infection passed from mother to baby. Pregnant women in high-risk environments, such as daycare centers or healthcare settings, should take precautions like frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with young children.
- Effect on baby: This virus can cross the placenta and cause various birth defects, including hearing loss, vision problems, and intellectual disabilities. Preventative measures are essential, as cytomegalovirus is not treated during pregnancy.
Rubella
- Effect on mother: Although rare due to widespread vaccination, rubella can cause severe defects or stillbirth if contracted during pregnancy. Pregnant women should be tested for immunity, and those planning to conceive should ensure they are vaccinated.
- Effect on baby: If contracted during the first trimester, rubella can cause serious birth defects, including heart abnormalities, developmental delays, and deafness. Vaccination before pregnancy is the best way to prevent these complications.
Measles
- Effect on mother: A highly contagious respiratory illness, measles can be severe during pregnancy and potentially deadly. Pregnant women or those planning to conceive should ensure they are vaccinated, especially if traveling to areas with recent outbreaks.
- Effect on baby: Measles during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or a low birth weight. It is also associated with a higher risk of stillbirth. Vaccination is the most effective prevention method.
Zika Virus
- Effects on mother: Exposure to the Zika virus during pregnancy can cause birth defects like microcephaly. Pregnant women should avoid traveling to regions with Zika outbreaks and take precautions if their partner has traveled to an affected area.
- Effects on baby: The Zika virus can cause severe birth defects like microcephaly, where the baby’s brain and head are significantly smaller than normal, leading to intellectual disabilities. Pregnant women should avoid areas with Zika outbreaks and take necessary precautions if exposed.
In summary, pregnant women should take extra precautions to avoid exposure to common illnesses, as some can have serious effects on both the mother and the developing baby. Vaccination, early medical intervention, and preventative measures are key to ensuring a healthy pregnancy and minimizing risks to the baby.
Does cold during pregnancy affect the baby?
Getting sick while pregnant can be worrisome, especially when considering the well-being of your baby. While having a common cold typically won’t harm you or your baby, it’s important to understand the potential effects during each trimester and the precautions you should take.
First trimester
Having a cold during the first trimester is typically not harmful to you or your baby. Your baby is protected by your immune system, their developing immune system, and the placenta. However, one symptom to watch out for is fever. According to the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, fevers in very early pregnancy increase the risk of congenital heart defects, cleft lip, spina bifida, limb deficiencies, and other serious health issues. If you have a fever, it may be a sign of a different illness, such as the flu or COVID-19.
Second Trimester
Catching a common cold usually does not affect the baby during the second trimester. However, pregnant women are more prone to flu, which can be more severe. Flu during the second trimester of pregnancy can cause stillbirth. If you experience flu-like symptoms in the second trimester, seeking medical advice to protect your health and your baby’s development is crucial.
Third Trimester
In the third trimester, the common cold can cause complications in some cases due to the poor immunity of the mother. Pregnant individuals who contract the flu are at higher risk of hospitalization due to complications involving the heart and lungs. If you get sick while pregnant in the third trimester, it increases your risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.
What cold medicine is safe for pregnant women?
Catching a cold while pregnant can be concerning, especially when finding safe medications. While some over-the-counter (OTC) options are generally safe, others can pose risks to the developing baby. It’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication. This section covers the safety of prescription and OTC medications during pregnancy, helping you confidently navigate treatment options:
Prescription Medications
Prescription medications are often prescribed during pregnancy to treat colds, depending on the specific needs of the expecting mother and the developing baby. Your healthcare provider can prescribe safe options that won’t harm your baby. Some of the safe prescription cold and flu medications during pregnancy include:
- Oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu): It is an oral antiviral prescription-only option to treat influenza and is considered safe during pregnancy even if it crosses the placenta.
- Acetaminophen: It is available both as OTC and upon prescription. It is generally considered one of the safest pain medications during pregnancy, though some studies have linked prenatal acetaminophen exposure to developmental differences in children. Use it with a doctor’s approval, at the lowest effective dose, and for the shortest period.
- Cough medicine: It is also available as an OTC and upon strength-based prescription. Dextromethorphan, a common cough suppressant, is generally safe at the correct dosage. Guaifenesin, an expectorant, is less certain regarding its safety, so consult your healthcare provider.
Over-the-counter medications: Are they safe during pregnancy?
There are many ways to avoid sickness during pregnancy, but sometimes, it just happens no matter how cautious you are. Sickness during pregnancy can be a significant cause of worry, especially when you don’t know what over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are safe for your developing baby. When your main concern is your baby’s safety, you become extra careful before taking any pill.
Dr. Folch-Hayek, an OBGYN at Family Health Centers of San Diego, recommends consulting your prenatal care provider to ensure that OTC medications will not harm you.
He adds, “Some medicines, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) for headaches, muscle pains, or fever, are safe to take. If even acetaminophen cannot be taken, your prenatal care provider may offer an alternative pain reliever”.
Here’s a look at some common OTC medications and their safety during pregnancy:
- Decongestants: The safety of decongestants during pregnancy is unclear. Pseudoephedrine may pose a small risk to fetal abdominal walls, and the safety of other decongestants is not well established. Saline sprays are a safe alternative.
- NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): These can increase the risk of miscarriage or pregnancy loss in early pregnancy and lower amniotic fluid levels after 20 weeks. Avoid them unless a doctor specifically recommends their use.
Approved cold medications during pregnancy include:
- Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Chlorpheniramine
- Claritin (loratadine)
- Dextromethorphan (DM in cough medicine)
- Flonase (fluticasone)
- Menthol cough drops
- Mucinex (guaifenesin)
- Sudafed (pseudoephedrine), but only in the second and third trimesters
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
Before taking any medication during pregnancy, always check with your healthcare provider to confirm it is safe for you.
What cold medications do you avoid during pregnancy?
While managing cold symptoms during pregnancy, it’s crucial to be aware of medications that should be avoided to protect both you and your baby. Some common over-the-counter medications and pain relievers can pose significant risks as:
- Sudafed (pseudoephedrine): Should not be used during the first trimester or if you have hypertension.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen should be avoided, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. These drugs can increase the risk of miscarriage, and frequent use may cause severe complications like heart or lung damage in the baby. Research indicates that repeated use could even be fatal.
Here’s a list of cold medications to avoid during pregnancy:
- Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen)
- Aleve (naproxen)
- Aspirin
- Cepacol (benzocaine lozenges)
- Chloraseptic (benzocaine throat spray)
- Phenylephrine
Always consult your OBGYN to ensure the safety of any medications you take during pregnancy.
How do you prevent colds during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your immune system is naturally suppressed, making you more susceptible to colds. However, there are several effective strategies to help prevent colds and maintain your health:
- Get enough sleep: Ensure you are well-rested to support your immune system.
- Eat a balanced diet: A nutritious diet boosts your immune defenses.
- Wash and sanitize hands frequently: Regular hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of germs.
- Exercise regularly: Moderate exercise can help strengthen your immune system.
- Consider a mask and social distancing: In public places or around sick individuals, these measures can reduce your risk of infection.
- Take Prenatal vitamins: As your healthcare provider recommends, these vitamins support overall health.
Additionally, the CDC recommends practical precautions:
- Avoid close contact with sick people: This minimizes your exposure to infections.
- Don’t touch your face with unwashed hands: Prevents transferring germs to your mouth, nose, and eyes.
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke: These can compromise your respiratory health.
- Nutritional support is also vital. Key nutrients include vitamins A, C, D, E, iron, selenium, and zinc.
These nutrients can be obtained through a balanced diet. If you struggle with nausea or vomiting, get your doctor’s advice about dietary supplements. However, avoid supplements containing vitamin A or retinol without medical advice, as excess vitamin A can be harmful during pregnancy.
The best defense against the flu is getting an annual flu vaccine. The CDC recommends the flu vaccine for pregnant individuals at any stage of pregnancy. The vaccine has been proven safe and effective, reducing the risk of hospitalization by about 40% and providing antibodies to your baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Since infants cannot receive the flu shot until they are at least six months old, this maternal vaccination is crucial for their early protection.
When to consult a doctor?
When you’re pregnant, your body typically manages a cold like any other time. Most cold symptoms are temporary and usually resolve within a week. However, some symptoms might persist for up to 10-14 days. It’s crucial to know when to seek medical advice to ensure your health and your baby’s safety. Consult a doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms during pregnancy:
- A fever: A persistent or high fever needs prompt attention.
- Difficulty breathing: Any trouble with breathing should be evaluated immediately.
- Fast breathing: Rapid breathing can indicate a more serious condition.
- Symptoms lasting more than 10 days: Consult a healthcare provider if your cold persists beyond this period.
- Severe or unusual symptoms: Any particularly intense or unusual symptoms, such as swelling, painful swallowing, etc., should be checked.
- Symptoms that improve and then return: If your symptoms seem to get better but then come back, it’s important to get medical advice.
Timely consultation with your healthcare provider can ensure you and your baby remain healthy throughout pregnancy.
FAQs about the cold during pregnancy
Most colds clear up within 1–2 weeks. However, if you have a weakened immune system, it’s crucial to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare professional, as you may be at a higher risk of developing complications like pneumonia or bronchitis.
The outlook is generally good, with most colds resolving independently within 1–2 weeks. However, due to a potentially weakened immune system, pregnant individuals should monitor their symptoms closely and seek medical advice if necessary to prevent complications.
Yes, pregnant people are more likely to experience worse cold symptoms, take longer to recover, and are more vulnerable to complications such as bronchitis, sinus infections, and pneumonia. If you are pregnant and suffering from a cold, follow a guide to managing your symptoms and consult your healthcare provider for safe treatment options.
