Cold & Pregnancy

Quickly fit and healthy again for the child

When women get sick during pregnancy, they quickly worry about their unborn child. Of course, a certain concern is justified, but a cold is usually harmless in pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is important that you do not take a flu infection during pregnancy lightly and give yourself enough rest. What pregnant women should pay particular attention to, you can find out here.

How long does a cold last?

Generally speaking, having a common cold during pregnancy is nothing to worry about. You can cure the infection just as you would have done before pregnancy. Even during pregnancy, the symptoms are usually more of a nuisance than they are really dangerous.

However, pregnant women should take care not to drag off the common cold. A cold that is dragged on can be dangerous for both mother and baby due to the possible secondary diseases that may result from it.

If the symptoms of the common cold do not go away for a long time, you should see a doctor. A high fever can also be dangerous. If it is not a cold but a flu, the infection should not be taken lightly and should be treated by a doctor.

What should expectant mothers watch out for when they have a cold?

Pregnant women should keep a close eye on their disease progression and symptoms. If these deteriorate progressively or occur over an unusually long period of time, there is no way around the way to the doctor.

In general, it can quickly lead to a deficiency during pregnancy. For example, iron or zinc deficiency and a lack of vitamin C impair the immune system. Make sure you are always provided with sufficient nutrients.

You should also be careful when taking medication. As a general rule, consult your doctor before taking any medication. Some drugs are unsuitable for pregnant women.

In addition, expectant mothers should keep an eye on their blood sugar levels during a cold. A cold can upset blood sugar levels. If these are too high, it can harm the child.

Constant nasal congestion during pregnancy?

When you have a cold and a stuffy nose you often think of a cold. But during pregnancy, other factors can also cause a constantly blocked nose and swollen mucous membranes: so-called runny nose. This disease is hormonal but can also be triggered by cold viruses, among other things. In contrast to a cold, there are usually no other symptoms such as limb pain or headache.

Pregnancy runny nose is relatively common, but usually disappears again after pregnancy at the latest. Nevertheless, the symptoms create increasing suffering, which is why a constantly blocked nose should be clarified by a doctor during pregnancy.

How long does a cold last during pregnancy?

Even with a cold in pregnancy, you can assume that the symptoms have subsided after about three to ten days.

However, it can happen that pregnant women take a little longer to fully recover. This is partly due to the fact that the immune system is also busy protecting the baby. It is best to stay at home and treat yourself to an extra portion of rest and sleep. If there is no improvement even after two weeks, you should consult your doctor.

What can I do about a cold during pregnancy?

Most of the common methods and home remedies for treating a common cold are also suitable for use during pregnancy. Nevertheless, you should consider the following points:

Healthy lifestyle and eating habits

Treat yourself to peace and quiet and switch to light fare. Your body is already working at full speed due to pregnancy – after all, it ensures that a new human life is created. A cold during pregnancy can therefore be particularly exhausting. Treat yourself to the peace and quiet you need now. In addition, you should switch to a light diet so that your body does not need an unnecessary amount of energy for digestion. Also, make sure you drink enough fluids. Herbal teas and sufficient water support your body in the fight against the infection.

Caution with cold bath & pregnancy

Of course, you can also relax in the bathtub during your pregnancy. However, you should refrain from bath additives with camphor, eucalyptus and menthol. A cold bath for children may be suitable during pregnancy. These usually contain less strong additives. In addition, pregnant women should not bathe for too long to avoid circulatory weakness. For safety, it is best to take a full bath only if you are not alone at home.

Painkillers such as paracetamol & pregnancy

Numerous painkillers can be taken during pregnancy, such as paracetamol. Pregnancies are not affected by this. Nevertheless, during pregnancy, you should consult your doctor or seek advice from the pharmacy before taking all medications.