Congestion can make it challenging to eat well and get enough sleep.

You may also worry if a cold can harm the baby.

For the most part, if you get sick while pregnant, it does not affect the baby.

pregnant woman having a headache and morning sickness

DusanManic / Getty Images

This article discusses what to do for a cold when pregnant.

It explains why you may get more colds during pregnancy and how getting sick may affect your baby.

Immune function evolves over the course of your pregnancy.

Renita White, MD

But these immune changes don’t protect you from certain infections, including the common cold.

Your susceptibility to certain illnesses may change during the course of your pregnancy.

If you have a fever during pregnancy, reach out to your healthcare provider for treatment guidance.

What Can You Take for a Cold During Pregnancy?

Many cold medicines contain ingredients that are not safe to take while pregnant.

The safest way to relieve cold symptoms when you are pregnant is to use natural remedies.

Does Tylenol Cause Autism and ADHD?

Acetaminophen is considered the safest pain reliever and fever reducer to use while pregnant.

Itboosts your immune systemand protects your baby.

Summary

During pregnancy, your immune system changes to protect your baby.

That can leave you open to illnesses like the common cold.

Fortunately, the common cold doesn’t pose a threat to your baby, but some cold medications can.

Medications that are generally safe to take during pregnancy include antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, and cough medicines.

Do not take decongestants, NSAIDs, or benzocaine throat lozenges or sprays.

Contact your healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medications and if you have a fever.

This can put you at risk for the common cold or more severe cold symptoms.

The good news is that there are several safe options to care for your symptoms in pregnancy.

Supportive measures, like humidifiers, honey-infused team, and Vicks VapoRub can be used.

Talk to your healthcare provider about which over-the-counter cold medications can be used.

It’s important to remember, prevention is the best medicine.

Wash your hands, get good rest, and avoid being around others who are sick.

University of New Mexico Health.Which cold and flu medication is safe to take during pregnancy?

2022;114(15):88594. doi:10.1002/bdr2.2068

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Common Cold.

Erebara A, Bozzo P, Einarson A, Koren G.Treating the common cold during pregnancy.Can Fam Physician.

2008;54(5):6879.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What medicine can I take for allergies while I’m pregnant?

Servey J, Chang J.Over-the-counter medications in pregnancy.Am Fam Physician.

2014;90(8):54855.

2021;36(10):993-1004. doi:10.1007/s10654-021-00754-4

Toda K.Is acetaminophen safe in pregnancy?Scand J Pain.

2013;178(2):198-208. doi:10.1093/aje/kws427

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Health effects of cigarette smoking.