Cold and Flu season is definitely here, and if you’re pregnant (Like me 🙂 Then you want to make sure that you are taking safe medications for you and baby.  As pregnant women, we have the immune system of a newborn/infant child.  We are very susceptible to the germs and illnesses floating around.  During my second pregnancy and this one I would always end up congested  and it would drive me insane! I’m not a total organic/natural type of girl, but there are some great natural ways to heal your sickness. 

            So in today’s blog post I want to provide a list of safe medications for the common cold during pregnancy.  Keep in mind I have practiced these remedies myself on all three of my pregnancies.  My first pregnancy was a little different, because as most of you know with your first you do not know what to expect.  My second, was easier and my third is a breeze (so far, fingers crossed). Illness for me came with my second and third, not with my first.  So this time around I knew exactly how to handle it and what to do.

 

Cough, cough, and more coughs

What to do: For coughing I always took Tussin (alcohol free).  Although this is not a very strong medication, it helps soothe you in the process so you don’t cough out your baby. LOL.  If you don’t feel comfortable buying something over the counter, I recommend discussing this with your primary physician so they can prescribe something.  However, this is pretty safe and you can take it every four to six hours. 

 

 

Stuffy nose 

What to do: Feeling stuffed up during your pregnancy feels awful.  It’s bad enough that you may be having trouble sleeping, being stuffed up definitely doesn’t help.  I always used a saline nasal spray along with vapor rub really helped me sleep at night.  For some reason I am always stuffed up at night! You can also use the humidifier (cool air is best, but if you have warm it should work fine as well).  I normally place it directly towards me and it helps clear me up. 

 

 

Sore throat and Congestion

What to do:  I usually get a sore throat from coughing and coughing my throat gets so dry that it starts to hurt.  I drink lots of tea with lemon and honey.  They have so many different varieties of tea and most of them you can find decaffeinated which is great.  I used chamomile or Lipton green tea.  It would really help soothe my pain and irritation a more natural way.  Rather than using sugar, I use a little honey and lemon for added flavor. 

 

            So that’s just a few symptoms I have experienced during my pregnancies.  I always recommend talking to your doctor about any concerns or symptoms your unsure of.  Usually they recommend more natural ways, especially if you have a midwife or Doula.  

            It can be difficult to enjoy your pregnancy when you’re sick more often than you’d like to be. Just try and get as much rest as possible, which I know is hard when you have other little ones at home.  Here are a few more tips that I tryto do when I’m sick.

1.         When they nap…You should nap too.  My four year old doesn’t nap as often as I’d like which makes it very difficult to rest when you’re feeling awful. 

2.         Another thing that really helps you feel better (don’t laugh) is sunshine.  Sounds totally corny I know, but it works.  Take a little walk around the block and get some fresh air and you will feel better.

3.         Disinfect your house.  Once you’re feeling better make sure to wash your sheets, clean the bathrooms and spray lysol on toys and furniture.  This always helps to prevent your cooties from spreading. 

 

            I hope that if you’re pregnant and reading this post that you find it useful.  Share your feedback with me below.  I look forward to hearing from some of you out there.   Thanks for stopping by and remember to share my blog with other mommies out there so together we can strive for success!

 

XOXO,

Reina