Colds and Allergies
Colds come and go throughout our life, even when we’re pregnant — and they’re not fun! Many things can relieve symptoms at home, sometimes eliminating the need for an office visit.
- Use a cool mist vaporizer/humidifier at night. This moistens the air you breathe to keep secretions flowing.
- Salt water gargles. Use one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water every four hours while awake to cut the mucus in the back of your throat and relieve mild soreness.
- Avoid dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.,) to minimize thick mucus.
- Any brand of saline nose drops (NOT regular Afrin or Neo-Synephrine) are okay in the morning and at night and will help moisten secretions.
- Tylenol (plain) two tablets every four hours if necessary for aches (maximum of six tablets in 24 hours.)
- Take your temperature daily — call us if your temperature is greater that 100.4 Fahrenheit.
- Coughing can be relieved with one teaspoon of honey and 2-3 drops of lemon juice. Hold this in your mouth until the honey thins and then swallow. If coughing interrupts sleep or causes vomiting, call the office. You may try Robitussin DM, an over-the-counter cough medication.
- Increase fluids (especially water) to two quarts a day.
- Get extra rest.
- Actifed or Sudafed may also be use for symptom of congestion when taken as directed on the package. It is preferable that you minimize any medications during the first trimester.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in the Contemporary Women’s Care website should be relied upon for medical education purposes only. It is not intended to replace the independent judgment of a health care provider. The appropriateness of a course of treatment for a patient may vary from the medical information provided herein due to individual conditions and/or complications.
