Flu medicine for pregnant women

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

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

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Sep 24th, 2020 Mid-Atlantic Women’s Care Obstetrics

When you are pregnant, your immune system doesn’t operate at maximum capacity, which is actually a good thing because it keeps your growing baby protected, and stops your body from thinking the fetus is an intruder. However, this comes with the downside that your body can’t ward off the viruses that cause the common cold quite as effectively. This can leave you vulnerable to the symptoms that come along, including a congested nose, cough, and sore throat.

As we move into cold and flu season, you may find yourself coming down with a cold, and while you can rest assured that your baby isn’t experiencing any of them, you want to get rid of the symptoms quickly and safely. While colds are mostly an uncomfortable annoyance best managed by a little extra rest, fluids, and patience, you may find yourself seeking out cold medications to alleviate your symptoms. We recommend making a call to your OBGYN so they can steer you in the right direction in terms of cold medications that are considered safe during pregnancy. Here are our own recommendations on what to do if you get sick while pregnant.

Common cold symptoms during pregnancy

Generally, a cold will start with a sore or scratchy throat lasting about a day or two, followed by the gradual onset of other symptoms which may include:

Sneezing
Mild fatigue
A runny, then later stuffy nose
A dry cough, particularly as the cold is ending which may continue for a week or more after the other symptoms have mostly subsided
A low-grade fever typically under 100 degrees Fahrenheit

Cold symptoms usually last between 10 to 14 days. However, if your symptoms persist longer than that time frame or seem to progressively worsen, you should talk to your primary care physician so they can ensure it hasn’t turned into something more serious like an infection or the flu.

Is it a cold or the flu?

The best way to tell the difference between a cold and the flu is to take account of the typical symptoms.

A cold is milder than the flu. Its symptoms come on gradually and typically you only run a low-grade to no fever. It generally starts off with a sore throat that goes away after a day or two, a cold ends with the main symptoms of a runny nose and cough.
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is more severe and the onset is more sudden than a cold. Symptoms include a high fever (typically 101-104 degrees F or higher), headache, chills, a sore throat that typically worsens by the second or third day, intense muscle soreness, and a general feeling of weakness and fatigue. These symptoms, along with sneezing and a cough, can last a couple of weeks or longer.

What to do if you get a cold while pregnant

Before turning to medicine, there are some effective cold remedies that don’t come from a pharmacy shelf. Here are ways to alleviate symptoms and feel better fast:

Keep eating: It’s common to not have much of an appetite when you have a cold but it is important to eat a healthy diet while you are sick and pregnant.
Rest: While this won’t necessarily shorten the duration of your cold, your body needs rest. Sleeping can prove to be a bit difficult when sick with a cold. Breathe easier by elevating your head with a few pillows. Nasal strips can also help as they gently pull your nasal passages open. They are easy to find, sold over the counter and are drug-free.
Stay active: If you can, do some light to moderate, pregnancy-safe exercises. It will help your body to fight off the cold faster.
Drink lots of fluids: Symptoms of colds like sneezing, runny nose, and fever causes your body to lose fluids that are essential to you and your baby. Warm beverages like tea with honey (which helps to suppress a dry cough) or hot soup with broth are soothing for your symptoms and cold water and juices work fine as well.
Eat foods with vitamin C: Foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, melon, kiwi, and red cabbage are packed with vitamin C which will help to boost your immune system.
Get more zinc: Pregnant women should try to get 11-15 milligrams of zinc each day, including the zinc in prenatal vitamins. Foods like turkey, beef, eggs, yogurt, wheat germ, oatmeal, and pork will also help to boost your immune system.
Use a humidifier: Dry conditions in your home can aggravate your symptoms so using a cold or warm air humidifier at night can really help.
Use saline nose drops, rinses, and sprays. All of these can help to moisten nasal passages, and they’re unmedicated, so they are safe for use while pregnant. We do recommend avoiding neti pots, however, as they can spread germs.
Gargle with warm salt water: Gargling with warm salt water can help to ease a scratchy throat and help control a cough.

Medications that are safe for pregnant women to take for a cold

Before reaching for the medications in your medicine cabinet, reach for the phone and call your OBGYN to discuss the recommended remedies you can take for a cold while pregnant. Here are cold medications that are generally safe during pregnancy.

Acetaminophen

Taking acetaminophen like Tylenol can help in the short-term to reduce head and body aches and break a fever.

Cough medicine

Expectorants like Mucinex, cough suppressants like Robitussin, vapor rubs like Vicks VapoRub, and cough drops are all considered safe during pregnancy. But again, make sure to consult your OBGYN about safe dosages.

Nasal sprays

Plain saline drops and sprays are safe and can help to moisturize and clear a stuffy nose. Most steroid-containing nasal sprays are also safe but you should check with your doctor about brands and dosing.

Antihistamines

Benadryl and Claritin are generally safe during pregnancy but, as usual, check with your doctor as some will advise against them during the first trimester.

Medications to avoid during pregnancy

Always check with your doctor or OBGYN before taking any medications – prescription, over-the-counter, or homeopathic – particularly the following.

Pain relievers and fever reducers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can cause pregnancy complications, particularly if taken during the third trimester.
Decongestants like Sudafed and DayQuil are generally cautioned against after the first trimester and only in a limited amount.
Avoid non-steroidal nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline.
Don’t take supplemental vitamins or herbal remedies without medical approval.

Colds during pregnancy: how to treat?

Any cold or respiratory disease in early pregnancy, during the primary formation of the fetus, can lead to unpredictable consequences and complications. The matter is complicated by the fact that most medications are absolutely contraindicated for use during gestation.

In this regard, the treatment and prevention of colds in pregnant women is an important issue, which should be approached especially responsibly! The main thesis is: be careful with medicines and apply mild preventive measures based on alternative medicine methods to avoid respiratory diseases and flu.

"One for two - immunity"

This is a very fragile system, it is not necessary to interfere in its work, but it is necessary to support and strengthen it. Pregnancy belongs to the category of special, albeit temporary, conditions during which a woman needs additional protection.

This issue will help simple recommendations that are available to everyone:

• During the period of frequent weather changes, it is necessary to dress warmer, paying special attention to shoes.
• During an epidemic, it is better for a pregnant woman to refrain from being in crowded places - transport, metro, shops and hospitals. If there is an urgent need, to prevent possible infection, a protective respiratory mask should be worn before leaving the house.

• Be especially careful about hygiene after visiting the street and public places. Upon returning home, the first thing to do is wash your hands thoroughly.

Interesting: More than 90% of all acute respiratory infections are caused by viruses, about 10% are bacteria and other pathogens. Accordingly, any soap can be used, not necessarily antibacterial.

• Before going outside, you can lubricate the nasal mucosa with oxolin ointment. Upon returning home, flush the upper respiratory tract with soda solution.

• Rationalization of nutrition and intake of vitamins will strengthen the immune defense. It is especially useful to eat fruits and vegetables that are enriched with vitamins and have not undergone heat treatment.

Interesting: our grandmothers used to say: in order not to get sick, you need to drink chicken broth! Strange, but until recently, scientists did not attach much importance to this prophylactic. Pulmonologist Stefan Rennard decided to find out if this was true or not. The professor conducted a study and proved that the use of chicken broth affects the mobility of neutrophils, white blood cells that protect the body from infections and activate the immune system.

Vitamins can be taken using ready-made pharmaceutical multivitamin complexes. Before choosing a drug, you should consult your doctor.
Compliance with the regimen and duration of sleep - at least 9 hours a day. The possibility of psychotraumatic situations should be minimized.
Maintaining cleanliness in the living quarters (ventilation, wet cleaning).
Air humidification is an important aspect in the prevention of influenza and respiratory diseases. If air conditioners or heaters are used in the house of a pregnant woman, it would be best to purchase a mechanical humidifier.

Medications for prevention

Grippferon - a drug in the form of drops for the nose, which provides prevention and treatment of influenza, is not contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. The medicine stimulates an increase in immunity, has a pronounced antiviral effect that can protect against colds, infections and influenza varieties.
Ascorbic acid - can be used as a separate source of vitamin C in a synthetic version, with a reduced daily intake from food. Ascorbic acid not only prevents infection, but also fights viruses that have already entered the body of a woman.
Viferon - nasal ointment, which is prescribed for the prevention of influenza and respiratory infections during an epidemic. The ointment has protective and immunomodulatory effects, and also allows you to deal with disorders that are already occurring in the body at the time of use. Viferon in the form of a nasal ointment has no contraindications for use in pregnant women at any time, including the first trimester.
Aquamaris is a natural drug in the form of a nasal spray that allows you to moisturize the nasal mucosa, thereby reducing the risk of influenza viruses entering the nasal cavity.

I would like to say a few words about such a method of prevention as vaccination. Most often, the expectant mother may be at risk of infection due to the annual influenza epidemic. This disease is dangerous for a pregnant woman precisely because of its complications: pneumonia, bronchitis, otitis media. Influenza in a pregnant woman can also affect the health of the fetus. Most of all, it is dangerous in the early stages of pregnancy, when the tissues and organs of the human embryo are laid and formed. Viral intoxication or drug exposure can lead to pathology of the child's organs. In later pregnancy, there is a risk of infection of the fetus.

The most dangerous consequence of influenza in a pregnant woman is threatened miscarriage or premature birth!

It is quite natural that expectant mothers often wonder whether or not to vaccinate.

Studies have concluded that the use of inactivated ("killed") influenza vaccines does not have a teratogenic effect on the fetus and does not harm the health of a pregnant woman. After consulting with your doctor about such an inoculation, you can come to an optimal solution. If an influenza epidemic is inevitable, and the pregnant woman has no contraindications, then the vaccine should be given. If a pregnant woman has a negligible risk of infection, she does not come into contact with a large number of people, or is opposed to vaccination, then you can not do it. According to research, it is known that vaccination of mothers reduces the risk of influenza infection of a born child by 63%. Seasonal influenza prevention is carried out in September, October. Vaccinations for pregnant women are recommended from the second trimester of pregnancy.

In the period of a planned pregnancy, a flu shot is given 1 month before it: the formation of immunity occurs 2-4 weeks. Protection after vaccination lasts about a year.

If infection does occur, action should be taken immediately if at least one symptom of the disease is detected. The health of a pregnant woman and her unborn child depends entirely on her responsibility and respect for her own body.

Proven folk remedies will be used first. Since pregnant women cannot steam their legs, steam their hands, and this will facilitate nasal breathing. Bundle up, put on woolen socks and crawl under the covers: warmth, peace and sleep are good for colds. Do not forget to drink plenty of water - hot green tea with lemon and honey, lime blossom tea, cranberry juice, rosehip broth, dried fruit compote. Ginger in the form of tea also helps, not only with catarrhal symptoms, but with nausea in the morning.

Various hot milk drinks are also suitable. Honey can be added to milk, and it is best to boil it on onions. It must be emphasized right away that not all herbs for colds during pregnancy can be used. Here is a list of medicinal plants that are contraindicated: aloe, anise, barberry, elecampane (grass and root), sweet clover, oregano, St. John's wort, strawberries (leaves), viburnum (berries), raspberries (leaves), lemon balm, lovage, wormwood, licorice root), celandine, sage. Accordingly, preparations containing these plants should not be taken.

The use of medicines for colds during pregnancy must be treated with great care!

It is contraindicated to use the following drugs : Pertussin, Tussin plus, Joset, Glycodin, Ascoril, Travisil, Broncholitin, ACC, Grippeks, Codelac, Terpinkod. Do not use lozenges and lozenges for sore throat or cough are also undesirable due to the likelihood of allergic reactions.

Spray Pinosol, judging by the components indicated in the instructions, is not dangerous during pregnancy. However, the essential oils contained in the preparation - pine, peppermint, eucalyptus, thymol, guaiazulene (wormwood oil) - can lead to an allergic reaction with swelling of the nasal mucosa.

Viferon suppositories are allowed to be used only after 14 weeks from the start of conception. This drug contains recombinant human interferon alpha-2, ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol acetate and has antiviral, immunomodulatory and antiproliferative effects. It is used in the treatment of various infectious and inflammatory diseases in adults and children (including newborns). In the form of an ointment, Viferon is used to treat herpetic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes. The ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin 3-4 times a day for 5-7 days.

The homeopathic preparation Stodal, which includes predominantly herbal ingredients, acts on various types of cough and has an expectorant and bronchodilator effect.

Viburkol - homeopathic suppositories - have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, antispasmodic action. They are prescribed in the complex therapy of acute respiratory viral infections and other uncomplicated infections (including in newborns), as well as in inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.

So, you can try to eliminate a slight ailment on your own, but there are conditions under which you need to call a doctor at home:

Prolonged fever;
Myalgia, fatigue, fatigue, general malaise;
Difficulty breathing, nasopharyngeal lumps and dry or wet barking cough;
A pregnant woman is troubled by severe pressing headache.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the importance of treating chronic diseases before pregnancy, a healthy lifestyle during childbearing and following all doctor's orders.

I wish expectant mothers and their loved ones to try to maintain a good mood: optimists live longer and happier, they are more productive. Remember your victories and pleasant moments more often and everything will be fine!

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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 acute respiratory viral infections 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 2009year, - says the therapist of the Family Clinic "Center for Reproductive Health" Svetlana Kudrina .

How to treat SARS and flu in pregnant women?

- Antivirals in pregnancy 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.

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 ARVI, bed rest, heavy drinking (fruit drinks and compotes), gargling with a solution of chamomile or calendula, irrigation of the nose with Aqualore are recommended. Food should contain natural vitamin C (this is kiwi, lemon, ginger, sweet pepper).

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, the room should be ventilated frequently, the air should be moistened, and the onions and garlic should be spread out. 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.

The effectiveness of oxolin 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.

Immunity enhancement 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?

Reception is conducted by
Tatyana Vladimirovna Monashova
head of the outpatient department, obstetrician-gynecologist.
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Runny nose during pregnancy

If a 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).

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 manifestation of viral pharyngitis that does not require antibiotic treatment.

What are dangerous:

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.

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.

Blood pressure above 130/80 requires an appointment with therapist for examination, exclusion of obstetric complications in late pregnancy, selection of drugs to reduce pressure. You may need to consult a cardiologist.

Answering the questions of Izhevsk residents

Svetlana Kudrina, general practitioner of the Family Clinic "Center for Reproductive Health" answers the questions of 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.

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.