Many over-the-counter cold medicines are safe to take during pregnancy.
A few examples include acetaminophen (Tylenol), dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and menthol products like Vicks.
When choosing a medication, be aware that some may contain multiple active ingredients.
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Be sure that they’re all on the list of safe medicines.
Also, check the label for any warnings and precautions.
OTC medications clearly state who should not use the product.
Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about cold medicines.
More research in humans is needed to determine their effect on your pregnancy and unborn baby.
However, you should not take them when you’re pregnant.
For this reason, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends not taking pseudoephedrine during your first trimester.
Codeine
Codeine is an opioid used to relieve pain and treat coughs and colds.
Cold Prevention
Pregnant women are more vulnerable to colds.
Their immune system changes during pregnancy to protect the fetus.
As a result, they’re more susceptible to the viruses that cause colds and the flu.
When pregnant women get the flu, theyre more likely to develop complications.
The flu vaccine also protects the baby, lowering their risk of the flu in their first six months.
Some may not be safe during pregnancy.
Summary
Pregnant women can safely take several medicines to ease cold symptoms.
These are only a few of the numerous brand names containing cold medications that are safe during pregnancy.
University of Illinois Health.Medications safe for pregnancy.
University of Kentucky Healthcare.Over-the-counter medications that can be taken during pregnancy.
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Jin J.Use of Aspirin During Pregnancy to Prevent Preeclampsia.JAMA.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What medicines can I take for allergies if Im pregnant?
March of Dimes.Prescription opioids during pregnancy.
Berard A, Sheehy O, Kurzinger ML, et al.J.
Intranasal triamcinolone use during pregnancy and the risk of adverse pregnancyoutcomes.J Allergy Clin Immunol.
2016 Jul;138(1):97-104.e7.
2018 Feb;275(2):325-333. doi:10.1007/s00405-017-4785-3.
Centers for Disease Control.Preventing and treating the common cold.
Duke Health.A flu vaccine protects mom, fetus, and infant.
The University of New Mexico.Which cold and flu medicine is safe during pregnancy?
