Pregnancy-Safe Cold Remedies
8 Pregnancy-Safe Cold Remedies
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It's a moment that happens to most women at some point during their pregnancies (likely this time of year) — that fateful day when you wake up feeling under the weather and realize that most of the contents of your medicine cabinet are now off-limits. What's a sick and saddened mom-to-be to do? Don't despair. There are plenty of options that'll pave the way to wellness while still keeping the health and safety of your growing baby in mind. Here, eight of our favorite tricks. Feel good, mama!
1 Gargle With Warm Salt Water
If your symptoms include a sore throat or persistent cough, try gargling with warm salt water a few times a day. It provides instant, soothing relief.
2 Sleep With Your Head Elevated
For those suffering from a cold or the flu, getting a good night's sleep is oftentimes the hardest thing to do (and the most necessary!). Symptoms tend to spike in the evening and overnight, making it difficult to breathe easily. Try stacking up a few pillows and sleeping with your head elevated to relieve congestion.
3 Let Off Some Steam
If you have a facial steamer or hot-mist vaporizer, use those regularly. If not, take deep breaths over a bowl of boiling water (as shown here), or fog up your bathroom and hang out in there for a bit. The warm, humid air can help to loosen congestion.
4 Apply a Gentle Salve
The Honest Company's Organic Breathe Easy ($10) uses organic aromatherapy and oils (sage, lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree) to soothe, calm, and support clear breathing. Apply to the chest, bottoms of your feet, or wherever it sounds best!
5 Use Nasal Drops
Since they consist of nothing more than saline solution, it's safe to use nasal drops to alleviate congestion and inflammation in the nose.
6 Drink Hot Fluids — All Day Long!
It's important to stay hydrated — both during pregnancy and while you're fighting off a cold — and the best way to do it is by sipping hot beverages like decaf tea or water with lemon and honey. The heat will soothe an inflamed throat and relieve congestion.
7 Blow Your Nose, Often
Sounds really silly, right? But blowing your nose often keeps mucus out, while sniffling draws it back into your head. Yuck. Keep those Kleenex tissues handy!
8 Don't Assume All Meds Are Out of the Question
Just consult with your doc first! While many obstetricians advise against any medications during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, after the first trimester, some OTC drugs, like Tylenol (acetaminophen), Sudafed, and Vicks, are given the OK. Just consult with a professional — not just the Internet or packaging on a medicine bottle — before ingesting anything.
