Cold Medicine While Pregnant: What You Need to Know

Introduction

If you're pregnant, chances are you're concerned about taking cold medicine. After all, you want to do the best for your unborn baby. Fortunately, there are some safe medicines you can take for cold and flu-like symptoms. However, it's important to know which medications are safe and which ones you should avoid. Read on to learn more about cold medicine while pregnant.

What to Avoid

There are certain medications that you should avoid while pregnant. These include decongestants such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, as well as antihistamines such as diphenhydramine. These medications can cause problems with the baby's development, so it's best to avoid them. Additionally, you should avoid taking ibuprofen or aspirin, as these can increase the risk of bleeding.

What You Can Take

Fortunately, there are some medications that are safe to take while pregnant. Acetaminophen is one of the safest medications you can take. This can be taken as a pill or in liquid form. Additionally, you can take a cough syrup that contains dextromethorphan. This is a medication that helps to suppress coughing and can be found in many over-the-counter cold remedies. You should also drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.

When to See a Doctor

If your symptoms become worse, it's important to contact your doctor. This is especially true if you have a fever, as this can be a sign of a more serious infection. Additionally, if your symptoms don't improve within a few days, it's best to contact your doctor. They can help to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide you with the appropriate treatment.

General Precautions

In addition to taking the appropriate medication, there are a few general precautions you should take while pregnant. First, make sure to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Additionally, you should avoid contact with people who are sick. Finally, make sure to practice good hygiene such as washing your hands regularly.

Conclusion

Taking cold medicine while pregnant can be a tricky balancing act. It's important to know which medications are safe and which ones you should avoid. Fortunately, there are some safe medications, such as acetaminophen, that you can take to relieve your symptoms. Additionally, there are some general precautions you should take, such as getting plenty of rest and avoiding contact with people who are sick. If your symptoms become worse or don't improve, it's important to contact your doctor.