Cold Treatments For Pregnant Women

Colds are a common illness that can affect just about everybody, including pregnant women. Pregnant women should consult with their doctor before taking any kind of cold medicine since it can affect the baby inside their womb. There are some medicines that are safe for pregnant women and some that can be harmful. Other treatments are available that can help relieve colds in pregnant women.

Saline Nasal Spray

Saline nasal spray is basically just a water and salt solution, and can even be made at home. It is sprayed into the nose to temporarily relieve congestion. It works by providing moisture to dry, clogged nasal passages. It also softens and dissolves thick mucus to relieve blocked airways. Though its effect is short-lived, it does not contain anything that can harm the mother or baby. It can be sprayed any time the sinuses are congested.

Stay Hydrated

Increasing your intake of fluids is one way to get relief from a cold. Drinking more fluids like water, fruit juices and even thin soups can help relieve a clogged nose. Fluids help thin out mucus so that it no longer causes a clogged nose. Breathing is easier if the airways are not blocked with thick mucus. Drinking lots of fluids can also prevent dehydration. If the body is well hydrated it will recover more quickly from any sickness.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a time-tested treatment for the common cold. It is an essential vitamin and antioxidant that keeps the body strong and healthy. It also helps the body to absorb more iron. Studies have shown that people recover more quickly from colds with the help of vitamin C. According to WebMD, adults who take 200mg of vitamin C each day will recover from colds 8 percent faster, while children recover 14 percent fast when taking the same dose.

Vitamin C can be found in certain vegetables and fruits. Most people know that oranges are a good source of vitamin C. What you may not realize is that sweet red pepper, strawberries, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cantelope and tomatoes are also great sources of vitamin C. Eating more of these foods is a natural way to treat colds and is therefore safe during pregnancy. Vitamin C also comes in the form of pills and chewable tablets. Consult a doctor first for the allowed dosage of vitamin C pills for pregnant women.

Tags: pregnant women, clogged nose, from colds, help relieve, more quickly, more quickly from, quickly from