Pregnant or nursing moms may feel they have put up with cold symptoms because of the warnings on over-the-counter cold medications, but that’s not true. Some cold medicines are safe (on a doctor’s advice), but take them as little as possible and remember that “none will cure a cold, but some may help relieve its symptoms and make you feel more comfortable” (Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg & Sandee Hathaway, What to Expect When You're Expecting, Workman Publishing, 2002). Instead, try the following remedies, tested and recommended by moms and experts, for easing cold symptoms.
Sleep Away a Cold While Pregnant/Nursing
One of the best and simplest remedies for a cold is rest. Pregnancy can be tiring enough on its own, and this added exhaustion may hinder the body’s ability to fight a cold. Murkoff et al say, “Taking a cold to bed doesn’t necessarily shorten its duration, but if your body is begging for some rest, be sure to listen.” While sleeping or laying down, use extra pillows to elevate your head; this may ease a stuffy nose and prevent coughing fits.
Extra Fluids for Pregnant/Breastfeeding Moms
Breastfeeding moms should be drinking more fluids to begin with; to treat a cold, increase fluids even more. Murkoff et al explain that “Fever, sneezes and a runny nose will cause your body to lose fluids that you and your body need.” Try hot teas and chicken soup (see below), hot diluted grapefruit or orange juice, or just keep a cup of water close and sip regularly.
Treating a Sore Throat While Pregnant/Nursing
Make a cup of tea with lots of honey, or add a teaspoon of honey and lemon juice to a cup of boiling water. Gargling warm salt water may help a sore throat and get rid of any bacteria. Cough drops such as Halls or Vicks Vitamin C drops may also soothe a sore throat; even Lifesavers or peppermint candies will help, as the sugar coats the inside of the throat and reduces the tickling sensation that causes coughs.
Easing Nasal Congestion While Pregnant/Nursing
Vicks Vaporub, or similar products, help with congestion. Simply rub on the chest or under the nose to clear sinuses. A hot shower or a humidifier may also ease nasal congestion. In It Worked for Me: 1001 Real-Life Pregnancy Tips, Michelle Kennedy recommends “eucalyptus, lavender, lemon and tea tree . . . for congestion: put two drops of each essential oil into a bowl of hot water, then place a towel over your head and inhale the steam for 10 minutes” (Barron’s, 2004). Dr. Sears recommends flushing nasal passages with saltwater nose drops.
Herbal Remedies Safe for Pregnant/Nursing Moms
Echinacea is generally considered safe while pregnant or breastfeeding and boosts the immune system. Kennedy recommends a tea made from 4 cloves, 1 tsp coriander seeds, a few slices of fresh ginger, 1 pint water, a slice of honey, and lemon. Boil the herbs and water together for twenty minutes, then add the lemon and boil for another 5 minutes before straining and sweetening the tea with honey. She says “cloves have antiseptic and stimulant qualities, coriander seeds aid digestion, honey is soothing to the throat, and ginger is soothing to the stomach.”
Traditional Cold Remedies to Take While Pregnant/Breastfeeding
Garlic also boosts the immune system. Use more garlic while cooking meals, though garlic is best (and worst!) taken raw. Mix crushed or finely chopped garlic with butter or margarine and spread it on a slice of toast. Or mince a clove of garlic, add some olive oil and parmesan cheese, and serve it on salad or use it as a dip for bread. If nursing a very young baby, or one who is a picky eater, be aware that garlic may affect the taste of breast milk.
Chicken noodle soup also works; make homemade soup with some chicken broth, noodles or rice, a few teaspoons of lemon juice.
Increase Vitamin C intake. Kennedy notes that “any food rich in Vitamin C may help prevent colds... and ease them once you’ve got them.” Try citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit), broccoli, tomatoes, cabbage, blackberries or raspberries, mango or papaya, or cantaloupe. Vitamin C supplements are also available, but large doses of vitamin C should be avoided when pregnant. Kennedy also warns that too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea.
With these simple, natural cold remedies, moms can treat cold symptoms without worrying about their babies even when they are pregnant and breastfeeding.
Related Article: Natural Cold Remedies for Pregnant Women: Advice from Naturopathic Doctors on Fighting Colds During Pregnancy
Bonnie Way - Bonnie Way is a freelance writer and editor who works from home while chasing her two daughters.
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