Tips for dealing with a bad cold while pregnant

Emybug · September 2010

So far the only thing I'm craving in my pregnancy is NyQuil (of course I haven't taken any). I have the worst cold with severe nasal congestion and sinus pressure. I can't sleep and I think I am going to loose my mind!

Any tips for natural ways to help me through this???

Thanks!

HydrangeaSunset · September 2010

Ugh. Tylenol is going to be my least favorite word for the next seven months.

Eros · September 2010

Tylenol Cold and Sinus. Fluids. Rest.

ScorpioAnnie · September 2010

This happened to me at about the same time in my pregnancy, it's not fun.

I got a Neti Pot, and while the process is a bit awkward, it helped a lot. Steam also helped to break up the congestion - I put some boiling water from the tea kettle into a bowl, then leaned over the bowl with a towel over my head. Super-attractive!

I also loved Vicks Vapor Rub and Shower Soothers. Sometimes a heating pad (I have a microwavable one I got at the drugstore) on my chest for a few minutes would help calm the cough, too. And peppermints for the sore throat and cough.

Fluids and rest, and there are some cold medications that are ok to take when you're pregnant, give your doc a call to get a list. For me, Benedryl and Sudafed were approved - I didn't take them, I just tried to play through as best I could.

Hope you feel better soon!!!

Mumma2B · September 2010

ScorpioAnnie:

This happened to me at about the same time in my pregnancy, it's not fun.

I got a Neti Pot, and while the process is a bit awkward, it helped a lot. Steam also helped to break up the congestion - I put some boiling water from the tea kettle into a bowl, then leaned over the bowl with a towel over my head. Super-attractive!

I also loved Vicks Vapor Rub and Shower Soothers. Sometimes a heating pad (I have a microwavable one I got at the drugstore) on my chest for a few minutes would help calm the cough, too. And peppermints for the sore throat and cough.

Fluids and rest, and there are some cold medications that are ok to take when you're pregnant, give your doc a call to get a list. For me, Benedryl and Sudafed were approved - I didn't take them, I just tried to play through as best I could.

Hope you feel better soon!!!

This is great advice... just what I was going to say! the Neti Pot is awesome!

CatfishAnn · September 2010

ScorpioAnnie:
I got a Neti Pot, and while the process is a bit awkward, it helped a lot.

I've used a neti pot, and as Annie said, it's awkward, but it's really effective! It takes some practice to use it correctly, but it's a great way to get rid of congestion and sinus pressure. I got mine at Whole Foods.

Also, try cough drops. I've found the vapors from them help clear up my sinuses, and I'll use them even when my congestion is mainly in my head.

Hang in there!