Flu medication in pregnancy
Which Cold & Flu Medication Is Safe to Take During Pregnancy? | UNM Health Blog
By Maria Montoya, MD | February 04, 2022
You are pregnant and start feeling sick. Before you reach for that bottle of cold or flu medicine, are you certain it is safe for your baby?
When you are pregnant, your baby will be exposed to everything you are exposed to. This means that when you are sick with a cold or flu your baby will not only be exposed to the cold or flu virus, but also any medication you may take.
Typically, with most viruses, you must wait for your immune system to fight the infection. Over-the-counter medications can help soothe your symptoms while you wait.
However, not all over-the-counter medicines are safe to take during pregnancy. Certain medications may hurt the baby or cause problems for you, such as increasing your blood pressure.
Use this quick list of pregnancy-safe natural cold and flu remedies and over-the-counter medications as a starting point. Remember, read the directions on the package for any medication you might take. It’s also a good idea to talk with your doctor or midwife before taking a cold or flu medication.
Natural, Pregnancy-Safe Remedies
Before you try any medications, there are natural remedies you may find adequate relief from first. Here are a couple of safe, natural remedies to try:
- Gargle warm salt water
- Get as much restful sleep as possible
- Sip honey in hot water
- Stay well hydrated
- Use nasal saline sprays
- Try a humidifier
While not all herbs and supplements are safe in pregnancy. You may be able to safely take:
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
- Manuka Honey
- Elderberry
Talk with your doctor or midwife before taking any supplements or trying at-home remedies or essential oils during pregnancy.
If natural remedies don’t provide enough relief, consider these pregnancy-safe medications.
Pregnancy-Safe Cold & Flu Medication
It is best to avoid taking medications when possible. If you do need to take something, follow the package directions carefully. Talk with your doctor or midwife before taking medication during pregnancy.
These over-the-counter medications are considered safe for most pregnant patients:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Safe during the entire pregnancy.
- Take only as needed.
- Try to limit regular exposure.
- Not safe if you are allergic to it or have liver problems.
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
- Safe in the second and third trimester
- Not safe in the first trimester due to a small risk of abdominal wall birth defects
- Not safe if you have high blood pressure (hypertension) or a history of heart disease
- Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
- Safe during pregnancy.
- Not safe while breastfeeding.
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Safe throughout pregnancy.
Watch out for extra ingredients. Many cold and flu medications treat more symptoms than you may be experiencing. For example, Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom treats headaches, fever, body aches, cough, chest congestion, stuffy nose, and more. If you just have a stuffy nose, this is more medication than you need.
A word about antibiotics. Some sinus infections are treated with antibiotics. In general, pregnant patients should not take antibiotics unless it is necessary. Make sure your health care provider knows you are pregnant if they prescribe antibiotics.
The dangers of high blood pressure in pregnancy
How to spot symptoms and get help
Read More
Medications to Avoid in Pregnancy
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications can hurt your developing baby.
Do not take NSAIDs such as these when you are pregnant:
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve, Midol)
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Aspirin (Bayer), unless your doctor or midwife prescribes daily low-dose aspirin.
Do not take these medications during pregnancy. These drugs can hurt the developing baby:
- Benzocaine (throat lozenges/throat sprays)
- Codeine (a pain and cough medication)
- Phenylephrine (i.e., Sudafed PE): it not considered safe while pregnant because studies with animals showed adverse effects to the fetus.
When you don’t feel well, the last thing you might want to do is read a medication label. However, it is worth taking a few extra moments to read the label and avoid additional risks. If you’re not sure what medicine is safe to take, call us. We are always here to help you.
To find out whether you or a loved one might benefit from Ob/Gyn care
Call 505-272-2245.
Categories: Women's Health
Treating a Cold or Flu When Pregnant
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When you become pregnant, everything that happens to you can affect not just your body but the fetus, too. This can make dealing with being sick more complicated. Before pregnancy, if you got a cold or became sick with the flu, you may have taken an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant. Now that you’re pregnant, you might wonder whether it’s safe. Although medications can relieve your symptoms, some may harm a developing fetus. But treating a cold or flu during pregnancy doesn’t have to be a stressful experience, and you can take many medications while pregnant.
Medications
According to most OB-GYNs, it’s best to avoid all medications in the first
12 weeks of pregnancy. That’s a critical time for the development of a fetus’s vital organs. It’s a good idea to speak with your doctor if you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant and currently taking medication or considering taking medication. Several medications are considered safe after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
These include:
- topical menthol
- nasal strips
- cough drops or lozenges
- acetaminophen (Tylenol) for aches, pains, and fevers
- cough suppressant at night
- expectorant during the day
- calcium-carbonate (Mylanta, Tums) or similar medications for heartburn, nausea, or upset stomach
- plain cough syrup
- dextromethorphan (Robitussin) and dextromethorphan-guaifenesin (Robitussin DM) cough syrups
Avoid all-in-one medications that combine ingredients to tackle many symptoms. Instead, choose single medications for the symptoms you’re dealing with. You should also avoid the following medications while pregnant unless your doctor recommends you take them. They increase the risk for problems:
- aspirin (Bayer)
- ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
- codeine
- Bactrim, an antibiotic
Home remedies for cold and flu during pregnancy
When you get sick while pregnant, your first steps should be to:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink a lot of fluids.
- Gargle with warm salt water if you have a sore throat or cough.
If your symptoms worsen, you might want to try:
- saline nasal drops and sprays to loosen nasal mucus and soothe inflamed nasal tissue
- breathing warm, humid air to help ease congestion; a facial steamer, hot-mist vaporizer, or even a hot shower can work
- chicken soup to help relieve inflammation and soothe congestion
- adding honey or lemon to a warm cup of decaffeinated tea to relieve a sore throat
- using hot and cold packs to alleviate sinus pain
Is it a cold or the flu?
The common cold and the flu share many symptoms, such as a cough and runny nose. However, a few differences can help you tell them apart. If your symptoms are generally mild, then you likely have a cold. Also, chills and fatigue are more likely with the flu.
Things you can do to reduce your risk
When you’re pregnant, your body’s immune system becomes weaker to prevent your body from rejecting the fetus.
But, it also leaves you more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections. Pregnant people are also
than nonpregnant folks their age to have flu complications. These complications may include pneumonia, bronchitis, or sinus infections. Getting a flu vaccination can reduce your risk of infection and complications. Other things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick include:
- washing your hands often
- getting enough sleep
- eating a healthy diet
- avoiding close contact with sick family or friends
- exercising regularly
- reducing stress
When should I call my doctor?
Although most colds don’t cause problems for a fetus, you should take the flu more seriously. Flu complications increase the risk of premature delivery and birth defects. Get immediate medical help if you experience the following symptoms:
- dizziness
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain or pressure
- vaginal bleeding
- confusion
- severe vomiting
- high fever that isn’t reduced by acetaminophen
- decreased fetal movement
The
CDC recommends treating pregnant people with flu-like symptoms immediately with antiviral medications.
Call your doctor’s office if you have any questions or you’re not sure your symptoms are worrisome.
Takeaway
Getting sick while pregnant can be particularly unpleasant, and you might wonder whether it’s safe to take OTC medications to ease your symptoms. Generally, doctors recommend avoiding medications in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you’re currently taking medication for a condition or it’s after 12 weeks, and you want to take something to reduce cold or flu symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk with a doctor about what’s safe and what you should avoid.
how to be treated correctly and what pills can you drink? » News of Izhevsk and Udmurtia, news of Russia and the world - on the Izhlife website all the current news for today
Will oxolinic ointment help? What are the dangers of insomnia, low blood pressure, dry skin and how to deal with it?
Pregnant women are more likely to catch colds, SARS and influenza, as they have reduced immunity.
And it's dangerous!
Why is SARS dangerous?
- Severe SARS and influenza can cause oxygen starvation of the fetus, that is, threaten the health of the baby and lead to his death. There were such cases in Udmurtia during the swine flu epidemic in 2009, - says Svetlana Kudrina, Family Clinic Center for Reproductive Health, GP.
How to treat SARS and flu in pregnant women?
- Antivirals in pregnant women are used only when indicated. Temperatures up to 37.9 degrees are not reduced by drugs, since fever is a protective reaction of the body. Antipyretics (for example, "Paracetamol") are prescribed at a temperature of 38 and above. Interferon preparations (“Grippferon”, “Viferon”) are used only from 14 weeks, but the appointment must be agreed with the attending physician, notes Svetlana Kudrina. nine0003
Svetlana Vladimirovna Kudrina
doctor-therapist of the highest category with 30 years of experience, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Honored Worker of Healthcare of the UR.
For 20 years, she headed the therapeutic department of City Clinical Hospital No. 8
If a pregnant woman has signs of bacterial complications (sinusitis, purulent bronchitis, pneumonia), the doctor will select an approved antibacterial drug. Self-medication with antibiotics at this time is unacceptable!
In case of acute respiratory viral infections, bed rest, heavy drinking (fruit drinks and compotes), gargling with a solution of chamomile or calendula, irrigation of the nose with "Akvalor" are recommended. Food should contain natural vitamin C (this is kiwi, lemon, ginger, sweet pepper). nine0003
How not to get sick during an epidemic?
At the peak of seasonal illnesses, you should stop visiting cinemas, shopping centers and large stores.
– The apartment should be wet cleaned at least twice a week, often ventilate the room, humidify the air, spread onions and garlic. Often mothers become infected from children. If possible, isolate yourself from the child in another room.
Many people lubricate their nose with oxolin ointment as a preventive measure, although its effectiveness has not been proven, - notes Svetlana Kudrina. nine0003
The effectiveness of oxolinic ointment has not been proven
If you work in a large team, then for the period of seasonal illness, agree with your superiors on the allocation of a separate room or a secluded corner in the office, wear a mask.
Improvement of immunity should be done before pregnancy - at the planning stage. How to prepare for pregnancy, read in our material .
Have you had a cold or the flu? Are you afraid of complications?
Sign up for a FREE consultation at the Reproductive Health Center. nine0003
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Tatyana Vladimirovna Monashova
head of the outpatient department, obstetrician-gynecologist.
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Runny nose during pregnancy
If the runny nose is prolonged or with signs of SARS, consult an ENT doctor .
There is a danger that a runny nose can be a symptom of sinusitis. He, in turn, can cause meningitis (inflammation of the meninges) in a woman and hypoxia in a baby (oxygen starvation). nine0003
How to treat sore throat during pregnancy?
- Streptococcal tonsillitis begins with a high temperature - 39-40 degrees, body aches, pus forms in the throat. No cough or runny nose. With such a sore throat, the attending physician immediately prescribes antibiotics. Drink them for 7-10 days. Such a sore throat can give a complication to the heart and kidneys, so you should not delay its treatment, - comments Svetlana Kudrina.
Sometimes a sore throat is a symptom of viral pharyngitis that does not require antibiotic treatment. nine0003
What are the dangers:
- Heartburn
More often manifested in the later stages due to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. May lead to inflammation or stomach ulcers. To prevent heartburn from manifesting itself, experts advise giving up coffee, tea, tomatoes, chocolate and pastries.
Rennie helps, the planned treatment will be determined by the doctor.
- Constipation
During pregnancy, the intestine becomes "lazy", it is squeezed by the growing uterus. Laxatives, which include senna and buckthorn, are contraindicated. If diet (vegetarian food, bran, sufficient fluids) and exercise therapy do not help, you should consider prescribing medication with your doctor. nine0003
- Anemia
Every pregnant woman develops iron deficiency. Anemia is considered to be a decrease in blood hemoglobin below 110%. At certain times it is permissible, but more often it needs the appointment of iron-containing drugs. Which ones and in what dosage - the doctor will determine. Anemia leads to oxygen starvation of the fetus, can cause a threat of miscarriage.
- Overweight
Ideal weight gain for all 9months - 10-14 kilograms. Everything else is the extra weight of the expectant mother herself, which will have to be fought after childbirth.
Pregnant women are advised to eat more meat, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and give up flour and sweets. Don't forget physical education!
- Pressure
The ideal blood pressure for a pregnant woman is 120/80. Low blood pressure of 90/60 and less occurs in the first trimester with poor tolerance of hypotomy, it is possible to take Eleutorococcus extract in the morning and afternoon. With such pressure, you need to eat well, walk more in the fresh air and sleep for 8 hours. nine0003
Blood pressure above 130/80 requires an appointment with physician for examination, exclusion of obstetric complications in late pregnancy, selection of drugs to reduce pressure. You may need to consult a cardiologist.
Answering questions from Izhevsk residents
Svetlana Kudrina, therapist at the Family Clinic "Reproductive Health Center" answers questions from Izhevsk residents:
- Why does it get dark in the eyes?
- Often in the early stages, pregnant women do not tolerate stuffiness, public transport, complaining of nausea, dizziness and darkening in the eyes.
If there are no serious diseases of the cardiovascular and nervous system, then this is a physiological adaptation to pregnancy. It is necessary to observe the regime of work and rest, to walk more, not to be nervous. A contrast shower is useful, after 20 weeks - swimming.
- The skin on the fingers began to crack, will vitamins A and E help?
– There are no contraindications for vitamins A and E. You can replace them with baby cream. If the cracks are accompanied by brittle nails, hair loss and dryness of the entire skin, then it is necessary to be tested for anemia and drink iron preparations.
- How to overcome insomnia?
- Insomnia most often manifests itself as a syndrome of pregnancy. Give birth - stop. It occurs in the third trimester, when a big belly interferes with sleep, and the baby in it kicks and moves. Sleep biorhythms are disturbed. To restore biorhythms, you need to keep within from 22:00 to 23:00.
Before going to bed, do not sit at the TV or computer, but walk. Eat 2-3 hours before bedtime. You can drink valerian before going to bed, put glycine under the tongue. nine0003
- What foods should you eat during pregnancy?
- Diet should be varied. Veal, beef, liver, chicken are sources of iron that is well absorbed. Protein food is the building material that the baby needs. Vegetables are needed in any form, fruits (with the exception of exotic ones, they may be allergic) at least 2 types per day, for example, an apple and a banana. It is worth excluding canned and boxed juices, as they are not always of the proper quality and drink more water, dried fruit compotes, cranberry and lingonberry fruit drinks. There are trace elements in cereals, and bran will help remove toxins and make the intestines work. It is necessary to exclude cakes, cakes, ice cream, sweets - in large quantities they will lead to extra pounds. But once a week, if you really want to, you can make indulgences.
nine0003
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Family clinic "Reproductive Health Center"
Doctors of the family clinic "Reproductive Health Center" are ready to help you become happy parents! Come in for a FREE pregnancy planning consultation! nine0003
Addresses of the Family Clinic "Center for Reproductive Health": Izhevsk, st. Lenina, 81; st. Repina, 35.
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Colds ARI, SARS during pregnancy, consequences, treatment
Colds can suddenly take our wonderful expectant mothers by surprise.
What should I do if I get a cold (ARI/ARVI) during pregnancy?
Is it possible to protect yourself from SARS?
Which medicines are allowed and which are not?
Is it dangerous for the baby?
Pregnancy is a wonderful state, but, unfortunately, even this wonderful period in a woman’s life can be overshadowed by exacerbation of pre-existing chronic diseases of the respiratory system (almost 10% of the population suffers from one or another pathology of the respiratory organs and do not go to a doctor for treatment ). nine0003
What threatens neglect in acute respiratory infections/ARVI during pregnancy
- Viral and infectious diseases pathogens can contribute to miscarriage, increased blood loss during childbirth.
- Viruses can also activate existing in the body and other "dormant" infection, contributes to the development of inflammatory diseases of the internal genital organs.
- There is no particular predisposition to infection in pregnant women, but respiratory diseases of an infectious and viral nature in pregnant women are often more severe and give much more complications if treatment is not started on time. nine0069
- The most common diseases in pregnant women are SARS and influenza.
- Colds are dangerous during pregnancy, both in the 1st trimester, 2nd trimester, and 3rd trimester.
ARVI is an acute respiratory viral infection, i.e. The source of the disease is viruses, which are excreted in large quantities by a sick person when coughing, sneezing, talking. We are especially prone to viral infections during the cold season, as well as during the transitional periods of autumn and spring - when it is hot during the day, cold in the morning and sometimes we dress completely inappropriate for the weather. nine0003
The onset of SARS is usually gradual with general malaise, lethargy, mild fever, and a runny nose or sore throat.
Influenza, unlike SARS, is more severe and poses a great danger to both mother and fetus. Influenza epidemics recur almost every year, during which 30-40% of the population falls ill.
This is an acute viral disease transmitted by airborne droplets. The influenza virus penetrates through the respiratory tract, affects the mucous membrane, increases the permeability of the walls of blood vessels. The flu virus lowers the immune system, which can exacerbate chronic diseases. The onset of influenza is acute, sudden: 30 minutes ago everything seems to be fine, but now it’s temperature, chills, fever. nine0003
What to do if you get SARS during pregnancy?
Treat for sure!!!
Do not hope that it will go away on its own and somehow manage to lie down. Even with a slight malaise, the likelihood of complications in a pregnant woman is high.
Be sure to visit a doctor, a competent therapist or general practitioner will give you comprehensive recommendations on drug therapy, as well as the use of home remedies that will not harm you and your baby.
nine0003
Do not self-medicate, antiviral drugs, herbs, lozenges, antibiotics and antibacterial drugs should not be taken without a doctor's prescription. Your body during pregnancy may react differently than in normal life.
Is it possible to protect yourself from SARS during pregnancy?
SARS prevention measures are simple and accessible:
- dress for the season and the weather. nine0069
- Proper balanced nutrition, vitamin intake and more positive emotions are of great importance.
- After returning from the street or working at home, it is a good idea to gargle with sea water and flush the nose.
- Before work, lubricate the nasal cavity with oxolin ointment or peach oil.
- At work and at home, take care of proper air humidification (ionizers, humidifiers)
- Important! Do not forget about regular walks in the fresh air, a full-fledged sexual life (in the absence of contraindications) and sports (taking into account the physiological characteristics of the pregnant woman)
What medicines can be taken during pregnancy if you have ARVI?
- Medications are prescribed individually, based on the situation, the doctor selects.
