As a pregnant woman, there can be many worries when you notice changes in your body. You worry about yourself and your child’s well-being at that moment. Have you developed cough and cold, and are you worried it will affect your pregnancy?

Although catching a cold while pregnant won’t damage the fetus, it can still be uncomfortable for the expectant mother, and she might worry about which treatments and medications are safe to use.

Because of hormonal changes, coughing is common and can happen anytime during pregnancy. Due to these changes, a woman may become slightly more vulnerable to allergies or more susceptible to respiratory viruses. Since coughing is not a hazardous symptom and the baby is not directly affected, it has no adverse effects on the unborn child.

However, problems such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or asthma, can harm the unborn child. Without consulting a doctor, some teas or over-the-counter remedies can make you cough and possibly damage your unborn child.

Every time a pregnant woman has a persistent cough or notices symptoms of a respiratory infection, she should see a doctor so that any medication therapy can be carefully monitored.

What kind of cough and cold affect early pregnancy?

Most of the time, at the slightest inconvenience, we pick up our phones to surf the internet about the likely cause and cure. One might see different reasons from different sites, which can scare anyone especially pregnant women. Not all coughs and colds harm the health of the mother or the unborn child.

However, if you’re coughing up mucus that is either green or yellow or you have a cough that is accompanied by chest discomfort or wheezing, it might be good to see a doctor. Your nasal pains are intense and symptoms persist more than 10 to 14 days, your cold may have become a secondary illness. Contact your doctor immediately to treat the infection as a safe antibiotic might be needed.

When should you consult a doctor if you have a cold during early pregnancy?

If you have a cough and cold, you’ll probably have a lot of aches and pains, a sore throat, and even a high temperature. You might pamper yourself by resting more and avoiding coughs and colds because you don’t need to visit a doctor. However, seeing a doctor will sometimes expedite your recovery and help you avoid serious consequences. Even though most colds don’t harm a fetus, you should treat the cough and cold more carefully.

Congenital disabilities and premature delivery are made more likely by cough and cold problems. If your symptoms are keeping you from eating or sleeping, or if they persist for more than a few days without getting better, it’s important to contact your doctor. See a doctor if you experience a temperature of 102 degrees or higher is also crucial.

Immediately seek medical attention if you encounter any of the following signs:

• Feeling dizzy
• Muscle chills
• Breathing issues
• Chest pressure or discomfort
• If you have a very chronic health condition like asthma
• Confusion
• Difficulty in breathing
• Sore throat
• Severe vomiting
• Vaginal bleeding, and
• A low temperature that is not relieved by acetaminophen.

Dangerous cough and cold-related complications like pneumonia or bronchitis are more common in some individuals. If this is you, you should consult a doctor as soon as you notice the symptoms:

• You have a persistent illness (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
• You suffer from a weakened defense system.
• You are expecting in up to two weeks.
• You work in a nursing home.

You should also see the doctor if:

• You don’t get better within two weeks,
• Your fever improves, then abruptly worsens,
• Your cough isn’t going, or your cough starts producing thick mucus,
• Pain is confined to a single region. (including your chest, ear, or sinuses)

In most cases, the virus is over in a week. However, if you begin to feel better before quickly relapsing and your temperature returns, this may indicate a flu complication. Infections of the lungs or sinuses are the most common side effects of the virus. (pneumonia).

The CDC advises administering antiviral medicines right away to pregnant women exhibiting cough and cold-like symptoms. Call your doctor’s office if you have concerns or are unsure whether your symptoms warrant consideration.

Can a bad cough lead to early miscarriage?

While viruses like the cold and cough can make you feel uneasy (especially if you’re pregnant and some medications are off-limits), they aren’t likely to result in miscarriage.

The chance of miscarriage associated with having a fever enhances (a temperature greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit) during pregnancy. Your doctor might counsel you to take Tylenol (acetaminophen) to keep your fever under control.

Can coughing damage the placenta?

Although intense coughing doesn’t displace the placenta or cause uterine contractions, it can be highly unpleasant and hurt the abdominal muscles when it occurs repeatedly. Therefore, getting medical help and getting rest is always best if you are wheezing.

Home remedies to try but discuss with your doctor first?

You can take many medications while pregnant, and treating a cold or a virus during pregnancy doesn’t have to be a difficult experience.

When you become ill, you should:

• Get lots of sleep.
• Take in a lot of liquids.
• Take warm salt water if you have a sore tongue or a cough.

You might want to attempt the following if your symptoms get worse:

• Saline nasal drops and mists to reduce nasal tissue inflammation and loosen nasal mucus
• To relieve congestion, breathe warm, humid air, use a face steamer, hot-mist vaporizer, or a hot shower.
• Chicken broth can reduce swelling and clear congestion.
• Mix honey or lemon with a warm cup of decaffeinated tea to soothe a sore tongue.
• Cold and hot compresses to relieve sinus discomfort.

Conclusion

Cough and cold affect early pregnancy only if it involves some complications. You can always contact your doctor’s office to find out if they think you should come in if you get the flu shots.

Wear a facemask if you have one if you want to go to the doctor. To stop the virus from infecting others, wash your hands and conceal your coughs and sneezes.

Medical professionals generally advise against taking medicines for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Discuss with a doctor what is safe and what is not.

Images: istockphoto

Also Read: How to Protect Yourself from Asthma