Being pregnant with a cold can be the worst experience of your entire pregnancy. I’ve had the most colds during this pregnancy than any previous, plus I had the stomach flu. It’s August and I’m still getting over one-you wouldn’t think you could get one in summer, right?
The worst part is that almost all pregnant women will get sick with a cold virus during their pregnancy and there’s not much you can do about it.
Pregnant With A Cold
Your immune system is being suppressed so that your body doesn’t attack your growing baby. Okay, that’s good. But it also means that your body can’t fight off those darn viruses and bacterial infections as well.
So you are joyfully prone to getting sick and staying sick much longer than the typical person. Instead of a cold lasting 5-7 days, try an entire month this time around. Sucks, I know. You may even feel like you’ve gotten over it, and then it attacks again three days later to hang around for another week.
I had the worst cold of my life with my second baby. It lasted an entire month, gave me a few days of respite, then attacked again! And it was even from Thanksgiving to Christmas and New Years-convenient. I would sit at work with a blanket over me because I just ached and had a minor fever, which I normally don’t even have with a regular cold.
You may resort yourself to the fact now that you’re likely to get one. With over hundreds of viruses causing all the same symptoms, it’s impossible to completely avoid. But there are things that can help. I did get through my first pregnancy without a cold, somehow, so it’s possible.
Prevent As Much As Possible
You know all the basics of avoiding getting sick. But right now it’s even more important to save you a LONG period of dealing with it.
- wash your hands often, even carry some hand sanitizer in your purse (but NOT the antibacterial kind)
- get plenty of rest; try using a maternity pillow to help with the tossing and turning
- exercise continually as possible, start with easy pregnancy exercises or continue to keep yourself strong; it stimulates your immune system
- eat as well as you can, focusing on fruits and vegetables; you can get my eBook Your Pregnancy Diet Plan in the side widget for a full menu of options
- stay away from sick people; I know this is hard in your own home, but do the best you can
- always take your prenatal vitamins; your diet may be sufficient enough for your needs, but having that extra help is always worth it
- take a probiotic daily too; it will keep your natural bacteria fighting on your side
- eat garlic and cinnamon regularly in your diet; they have natural virus-fighting compounds in them and are great for anytime, even when not sick
But you may do ALL of these things and still end up on the down low. It’s frustrating, but all of these things will help you get rid of your cold faster too. So KEEP doing them, along with a few other things.
But Now I Have A Cold
You’ll get through it and it will take forever. But don’t treat yourself poorly if you do or things will just get worse.
- Treat your tender sore throat:
- gargle warm salt water daily
- put honey in hot water or your pregnancy tea to soothe it (there’s some great teas in this bundle)
- suck on those soothing throat drops you can get over the counter
- drink plenty of water and real juice (I pick cranberry over orange because it fights urinary tract infections)
- Ease your congestion so you can at least breathe a little:
- put a humidifier on your nightstand when you sleep
- use nasal drops or sprays to help moisturize and loosen up mucus
- take steamy baths or showers
- get moving-being upright helps clear your passages much better than when laying down
- Fight aches and pains:
- apply heat and cold packs on your sinuses to help release pressure and dull pain
- stay warm and wrapping up while sleeping
- massage your tender areas
- remember to gently exercise because it will increase your natural endorphins, providing relief
- Fight the virus off as a whole:
- change your bed sheets every few days; viruses love to hang out where you spend the most time
- keep that humidifier running, even during the day if you don’t mind; most cold viruses can’t thrive in more humidity, which is why we get infected by them during winter months
- REST, REST, REST-after you’ve exercised, of course, mainly with a full night’s sleep
- take extra vitamins, I usually double mine when sick
- always keep drinking water; many healthy people can often fight off a cold with just increasing their water intake for a few days at a time
Her eare some extra natural helps this momma has used to get over her colds during pregnancy too. Pick a few you want to try as well.
You may be disappointed that I didn’t list some sort of medicine you could take. Sorry to break it to you, but you shouldn’t take any sort of cold medication when you’re pregnant.
What About Certain Medicines?
You may have read that certain medicines are okay during pregnancy to take when you have a cold. Thing is, there are risks involved with every single one of them, especially during your first trimester when your tiny baby is the most vulnerable.
The only thing that really is shown to be okay to take is Tylenol (acetaminophen) for aches, pains and fever. But it should be avoided if possible too, even during your first twelve weeks of pregnancy. I will only take it if I have a terrible headache coming on though, which usually isn’t from having a cold anyway.
But it’s up to your discretion. Talk with your doctor about your particular needs if you have a severe case that warrants additional help.
You’ll get through it. Have your bowl of chicken noodle soup and settle in with your favorite blanket and enjoy a fun movie. Just remember that your bathtub is available for a nice soak too.
Pamper With A Pregnancy Bundle For All Those Other Symptoms
Has anyone ever been really sick with a cold during their pregnancies? Thankfully I’m on the downside with this one and it’s only been about a week and a half. Just hope I’m not coughing terribly during delivery. 
Hello, Sarah
I hope you are having fun with your kids
You wrote a great words and this Flu and Cold are somethings I hate because there is no good cure till now. And it is much worse for a pregnant woman.
The regular cases can administrate some antibiotics to stop the possible secondary bacterial infection and strong pain-killers. It is more painful while pregnancy as most of the drugs can’t be administrated.
I heard that the only drug that could be administrated is Paracetamol as mild pain-killer and analgesic.
The best is to try hard to avoid getting the cold by these recommendations you mentioned.
You’re right, Mahmood. Paracetamol is another name for Acetaminophen, which is generic Tylenol, the only thing a mom can really take during pregnancy for pain. But I usually only reserve it for bad headaches.
Prevention is the key for all pregnant mothers. But when you’ve already got little ones running around bringing home germs (like I do) it can be even tougher. We just learn to survive.
Hi Sarah,
My older brothers sister has been pregnant with my nephew now and had a cold for a while.
Thanks so much for taking the time to write this, as I am going to forward it on to her now. She’d be interested in your website.
Also, I think I’ll get my brother to go pick her up that pregnancy pamper bundle you mentioned to lift her spirits..!
I know it will help lift her spirits, especially right now. That’s very thoughtful of you. Don’t forget the maternity pillows that can help her sleep better too. Rest is so important in helping anyone get well, pregnant or not. Thanks for your comment!
Hi Sarah,
Let me know and I’ll email it to you if you want to:)
this is great info on being pregnant with a cold-how to overcome it. I remember when I was pregnant and the cold…. it was a nightmare. I was studying at that time and flying to my home country for classes. I was so ill I couldn’t really attend any of them. As for medicine and other solutions for it I was looking on the internet and couldn’t really find anything. I mean there are some information but scattered all of the place so it’s nice to have them in one place in case you need them:) What I really like about your post that is very informative, easy to read, pleasing to the eye and most of all interesting.Few tips: honey not to put in a HOT water.It will lose all the goodness, max 42 degrees Celcius; raspberry juice or syrup in a tea very good as well as ginger. This one also helps for morning sickness. I also have a great recipe for a syrup you can use( with cinnamon, ginger, cloves and other stuff). My whole family uses it for cold, but it’s great with ice cream too
Kasia
Thank you for the tips, Kasia. I personally don’t like tea or honey water, so those suggestions are very helpful. I’m glad you pointed out that it’s good for morning sickness because every little bit helps there as well.
I would like your syrup recipe, it sounds yummy enough for pancakes too, and I love those. Go ahead and use the contact form and it will get right to me. I appreciate it! Have a great day.
Hi Sarah,
My older brothers sister has been pregnant with my nephew now and had a cold for a while.
Thanks so much for taking the time to write this, as I am going to forward it on to her now. She’d be interested in your website.
Also, I think I’ll get my brother to go pick her up that pregnancy pamper bundle you mentioned to lift her spirits..!
Awesome, Olie.
Thanks for sharing.
Ugh! Getting sick while you are pregnant is the worst! When I was pregnant with my first child, I got the worst sickness I have ever had. It was miserable! I am glad to see all of your natural recommendations for mommies-to-be. It really is best to play it safe when it comes to medications during pregnancy. Thank you for this article! I am done having babies now that I got my girl
Ain’t it? When you’re already miserable from your everyday aches and pains and morning sickness , throwing another curveball of getting a viral cold just tops it off. When you don’t think things can get much worse, right?
Be sure to check out all the things that we can love about being pregnant though. We’ve gotta remember those positive things or every moment will be misery just as you said. Thanks for your comment, SV.
Hi Sarah,
Your article is really very helpful to pregant women. As a husband, I am thankful that I can have resources like this so that I can be of help to my wife whenever she gets cold, especially during pregnancy. As a father of two, I experience how it is to stand beside my wife during her pregnance, all the support is needed and understanding.
Your tips are very helpful. I will keep all your tips and its better to be prepared.
Thanks for your comments, Leo. Let me know if there’s anything I can help you with.