Because your immune system is affected during pregnancy, cold symptoms may hang around longer than usual. A stuffy nose is very common in pregnancy because of hormonal effects on the nasal passages. The following measures may help to your cold a little more bearable:
Drink eight to 10 glasses of water each day.
If you can't stomach a big meal, try six small meals instead of three regular size meals.
Get plenty of rest.
Elevating your head and torso helps you breathe easier as well as stopping post nasal drip.
Use a steamer and/or humidifier to help moisten your nasal passages. You can also drape a towel over your head and shoulders over a pan of steaming water.
For sinus trouble apply warm compresses to help alleviate the congestion.
Make sure you keep track of your temperature at least once daily, and call your doctor or midwife if your temperature rises over 101 oF. You should also call your doctor if you begin to cough up green/yellow pghlem or experience shortness of breath, persistent chest pain, or severe sore throat.
If you are less than 12 weeks pregnant, or more than 38 weeks, doctors usually advise no medication.
The following mecications can be used sparingly for cold symptoms according to package directions:
Sudafed nasal decongestant
Robitussin and Robitussin DM cough syrups
Expectorant during daytime hours (to help bring secretions up)
Suppressant at night (to help control cough and promote rest)
Vicks plain cough syrup
Tylenol (generic name acetaminophen) for aches, pains, and temperatures over 100 degrees.
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