Colds are common illnesses that are typically mild and cause no harm, particularly in healthy adults. However, when you are pregnant, colds can worsen due to changes in the immune system.
During pregnancy, the immune system weakens to prevent the body from rejecting the developing fetus. As a result, you are more vulnerable to infections like the cold and flu. In some cases, pregnant women may require cold medications to ease their symptoms. It is critical to select a cold medication that is safe to use during pregnancy.
How to choose cold medicine for pregnant women
Cold medications are typically available over the counter and are safe to use. However, some packaging labels advise pregnant women to consult their doctor before consuming it.
There are several types of cold medicines that are safe for pregnant women, including:
Paracetamol
Pregnant women can safely use paracetamol to treat fevers and headaches caused by a cold. To consume it safely, only take the recommended dose or as directed by your doctor.
Antihistamins
Antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine, can help relieve allergy symptoms like nasal congestion and sneezing during a cold.
You can also use loratadine, an antihistamine that is considered safe.
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that is used to treat unproductive coughing.
Guaifenesin
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps thin and clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
Nasal spray
Pregnant women can use a nonsteroidal nasal spray containing oxymethazoline to treat a cold. It treats nasal congestion caused by colds and allergies. Oxymethazoline works by constricting the blood vessels inside the nose, reducing swelling, and allowing air to flow easily.
Medications that should not be taken during pregnancy
Some cold medications should be avoided while pregnant unless advised by a doctor, including:
Nonsterroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are not recommended for pregnant women because they increase the risk of fetal complications, particularly if taken after the 20th week of pregnancy. Aspirin use during the late trimester increases the risk of labor complications and adverse effects on the newborn.
Codeine
Codeine can be used during pregnancy, but long-term use is not recommended because it can lead to dependence. Furthermore, Codein should only be used with a prescription and according to the doctor's instructions.
Baktrim (a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim)
Baktrim is an antibiotic that contains trimethoprim. This component is antagonistic to folic acid and can interfere with its production. Trimethoprim use during the first trimester of pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of neural tube and heart defects. While use after 32 weeks of pregnancy increases the risk of fetal jaundice,.
Pseudoephedrine and Phenylephrine
Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are used to treat nasal congestion. Their use during pregnancy should be approached with caution because they may increase the risk of congenital defects in the fetus.
Colds during pregnancy are usually treated with over-the-counter cold remedies. However, if your cold symptoms are severe or do not improve, are accompanied by a high fever, making breathing difficult, or you believe your fetal movements have decreased, you should seek medical attention and consult a doctor.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Looking for more information about pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the health of women and children? Click here!
- Sean Edbert Lim, MBBS
Nationwide Children's (2021). Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and the Common Cold. Available from: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2021/12/pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-the-common-cold
Mayo Clinic (2023). Common cold. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351605
WebMD (2022). Safe OTC Cold and Flu Treatment to Use During Pregnancy. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/baby/safe-otc-cold-and-flu-treatment-to-use-during-pregnancy
Ayesha Gulzar, PharmD (2023). What Cold Medicine Can I Take While Pregnant?. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-cold-medicine-can-i-take-while-pregnant-7546503
Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, MD (2022). Acetaminophen is still safe in pregnancy, despite controversy. Available from: https://utswmed.org/medblog/acetaminophen-pregnancy-safety/
Drugs.com (2023). Dextromethorphan Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/dextromethorphan.html
Drugs.com (2023). Guaifenesin Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/guaifenesin.html
Kandis Lake, R.N (2021). Is it safe to use a nasal spray decongestant during pregnancy?. Available from: https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/health-and-safety/is-it-safe-to-use-a-nasal-spray-decongestant-during-pregnanc_1246891
NHS UK (2021). Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking or using ibuprofen. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults/pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-fertility-while-taking-ibuprofen
Mary Marnach, M.D. (2022). Is it safe to take aspirin during pregnancy?. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/aspirin-during-pregnancy/faq-20058167
NHS UK (2022). Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking codeine. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/codeine/pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-fertility-while-taking-codeine/
NHS UK (2021). Trimethoprim. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/trimethoprim/
