How to treat a cold during pregnancy? Does an infection affect the baby?

A cold during pregnancy is a very common and troublesome issue. Headaches, a runny nose, cough, fever, and general malaise can significantly disrupt daily life. It is important that expectant mothers do not take any medication without consulting a doctor. Therefore, it is advisable to rely on home remedies to alleviate these symptoms.

A cold during pregnancy is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Most commonly, it is caused by rhinoviruses, but over 200 other pathogens are also known to be responsible for this condition. The infection is transmitted through droplets, so it is important for expectant mothers to avoid direct contact with individuals showing cold symptoms.

How to recognize a cold during pregnancy?

A cold during pregnancy is the most common illness affecting expectant mothers. The risk of infection is particularly high during the fall and winter seasons. The first symptoms usually appear several hours after contact with the virus and intensify over the next 3 days. The illness typically has a mild course and lasts up to a week.

Symptoms of a cold during pregnancy include:

• Fatigue and general weakness
• Worsening of overall well-being
• Elevated body temperature
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Runny nose
• Blocked nose
• Loss of appetite

A cold during pregnancy is usually recognized by the woman based on the symptoms. No tests for the presence of the virus are conducted. If the symptoms are severe, medical examinations are required to rule out other respiratory illnesses (e.g., bronchitis, laryngitis, or the flu).

How to treat a cold during pregnancy?

The treatment of a cold during pregnancy focuses on relieving the symptoms. It is important to note that most medications are not recommended during different stages of pregnancy, so women should only take medications after consulting with a doctor. This also applies to over-the-counter medications.

Safe remedies for colds during pregnancy include paracetamol, which can be taken for fever or severe headaches. For persistent nasal congestion, seawater or saline solution inhalations are recommended. Home remedies for colds during pregnancy are better than medications as they rely solely on natural ingredients. In case of an infection, one can:

• Drink tea with honey, lemon, and ginger
• Drink onion, raspberry, or elderberry syrup twice daily
• Add raw garlic to meals (e.g., on bread)
• Drink linden blossom tea
• Drink ginger tea
• Perform inhalations with essential oils (e.g., peppermint or eucalyptus oil)
• Consume honey or propolis

Equally important are rest and proper hydration. Fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C should be included in the diet.

Can a cold harm the pregnancy?

A mild cold during pregnancy generally does not pose a threat to the developing baby. However, it should not be underestimated, so every expectant mother who notices symptoms of a viral infection should give her body time to recover. It is important to remember that a cold can develop into a more serious illness, and its complications can be dangerous for the baby. Therefore, if symptoms persist or worsen after a few days, a doctor should be consulted.

Prevention of colds during pregnancy

Colds during pregnancy can be effectively prevented. First and foremost, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap after returning home. Viruses can survive on various surfaces (e.g., door handles or bus poles) for a long time. During periods of high illness rates, it is recommended to avoid large crowds. Additionally, supporting the immune system with natural remedies may also be beneficial.