Cold Medicine for Pregnant Women

A pregnant woman holds the responsibility of maintaining optimal health for herself, and more importantly, for her developing baby. Besides careful planning of daily diet, performing exercise and managing stress, she needs to remain fit and active at all times. Though proper health care and hygiene tips are followed stringently, mild illnesses like cold and flu occur during pregnancy. And the concern is that she can no longer pop any over-the-counter medicine like before. In fact, taking correct cold medicine for pregnant women becomes important for the safety of both mother and the baby.

Taking Cold Medicine while Pregnant

Not all cold medicines are safe for pregnant women and even for other women. Common cold is associated with several medical conditions, including runny nose, excess mucus secretion, allergic responses, cough, nasal congestion, headache, etc. Thus, cold medications are formulated with two or more active ingredients to treat these symptoms. Some of the popularly used drugs are antihistamines for alleviating allergy, decongestants to reduce congestion, antitussives to relieve cough, expectorants to remove phlegm and lastly, painkillers to combat headache and body pain.

The developing fetus (especially in the first trimester) is prone to any abnormal changes inside the body, whether it is administration of medicine or alteration of the regular diet. Hence, extra care should be taken during this period to avoid adverse effects of drugs and medications to the baby. If possible, it is best to stay away from all sorts of medicine in the first trimester. Even taking a low-risk cold medicine for pregnant women is not recommended during this period. Rather, follow effective remedies for cold to manage the symptoms in the natural way.

In case, common cold symptoms do not subside with self-care tips and home remedies, then consider taking pregnancy cold medicine. Do not be in the impression that herbal remedies are milder or safe during pregnancy. Most of the formulations pose risk to the baby. Also, do not rely on over-the-counter cold medications as far as possible. So, which cold medicine is safe for pregnant women? There is a list of drugs that are considered safe for treating cold in pregnant women. Or, if possible, consult a trusted midwife or doctor for taking safe cold medicines while pregnant.

Safe Cold Medicines for Gestating Women

When it comes to pregnancy cold medicine, it encompasses therapeutic drugs that have milder effect and pose low risk to the baby. Remember that common cold medications can cause unusual side effects of the unborn baby. Some of the cold medications even cause birth defects, when taken in the initial phases of conception. While other drugs cause severe complications to babies in their third trimester. Also, check for alcohol free version. The following is a list of cold medicines fit to be consumed by pregnant women along with the therapeutic actions of each formulation.

• The cough suppressant dextromethorphan (trade names, Scot-Tussin DM, Benylin Adult and Vicks Cough Syrup) is effective for relieving cough. For detailed info, refer to cough medicine during pregnancy and cough drops during pregnancy.
• The expectorant guaifenesin (trade names, Mucinex, Hytuss and Naldecon Senior EX) is a safe cold medicine. A non-drowsy drug, it loosens mucus and relieves congestion of the nose and chest.
• For management of allergic reactions, any of the antihistamines - chlorpheniramine, brompheniramine, triprolidine, doxylamine and pheniramine can be taken in correct dose by pregnant women.
• Coming to analgesics for pregnant women, acetamorphin (trade names, Tylenol Cold or simply Tylenol) is a reliable painkiller. Also, combined formulations of benzocaine and dextromethorphan are sold in the market for use by pregnant women.

While talking about cold medications to be avoided during pregnancy, the decongestants, phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine, reduce blood circulation to the placenta and increase the risk of congenital abnormality. Others in the list of unsafe drugs include ibuprofen, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). So, take extra care while selecting mild cold medicines for pregnant women. After all, it is question of safety for the unborn baby, right!