Flu and Pregnancy

Q – Since being pregnant, I have found that I am far more susceptible to colds and flu that are going around. While I understand it’s from a lowered immune system, I would like to know if there is anything I can take safely for cold symptoms other than a humidifier and Vicks Vapour-Rub. I am very nervous about venturing into over-the-counter medications; however, I am losing a lot of sleep and am in some discomfort too.

A – This is a great question. People often suffer from colds and flus in pregnancy and are quite concerned about over the counter medications in pregnancy. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol and other brands) is safe in pregnancy, so this is a good medication for the aches and pains that come with influenza and colds as well as treating fever very effectively. All decongestants (e.g. Sudafed, Tylenol Cold which is a mixture of Tylenol and a decongestant, Advil sinus, Dimetapp and others) are considered unsafe in pregnancy as they can increase blood pressure. Topical Nose sprays such as Otrivin in small amounts are safe as well. Thus they can be used at night to help sleep when the nose is congested. Vicks vapor rub is also safe and is great for the stuffy nose. Cough syrups that only treat coughs and not the other symptoms of a cold are also safe.

Examples of these include Benylin and Novahistine with no other added ingredients. I hope this provides you with some solutions for a very irritating issue in pregnancy.

Dr. Linda Ducholke, a mother of two, has been a successful Family Practitioner with Obstetrical privileges for the past 20 years. The main focus and passion of her practice is obstetrics and childcare.