How to deal with a cold when pregnant

Getting a cold while you're pregnant is no fun. All the usual aches, pain and discomfort that can come with pregnancy are exaggerated during a cold, not to mention the sneezing, congestion and coughing. The good news is that typical cold symptoms will not harm your baby. The bad news is doctors don't recommend taking over the counter cold medications during pregnancy, but there are other ways to alleviate the pesky symptoms of a common cold while pregnant.

Foods rich in Vitamin C like oranges can help shorten the length of a cold as well as foods rich in antioxidants like cranberries, blueberries and kale. Ginger is a great way to alleviate cold symptoms and can be effective for nausea as well. Try putting a small amount of raw ginger into a smoothie with some frozen fruit and fresh greens. Smoothies can be a great way to get all the necessary nutrients for you and baby while you're sick and don't have much of an appetite. And then there's always good old-fashioned chicken soup. It's not just an old wive's tale, according to WebMD, studies show chicken soup can clear nasal passages and relieve sinus congestion because of it's anti-inflammatory effects. It's also essential to make sure you're staying hydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of water.

Pregnancy can cause the body to crave more rest than usual, so if you have a cold, it's even more important to give in to these cravings. Take extra naps and try not to do anything too physically strenuous so that your body can recover quickly.

Some herbs and alternative treatments can be harmful during pregnancy, so unless you check with your doctor, they should be avoided. However, there are other ways to get natural relief when you have a cold. Try using a humidifier at night and/or nasal strips for congestion. Gargle with salt water for a sore throat or drink caffeine free tea.

Be sure to contact your doctor if your cold symptoms are preventing you from eating or sleeping or if they last more than a few days without improvement. Fevers over 38 degrees Celsius should be checked out by a doctor as well. As long as your cold stays a cold and nothing more serious, use these easy tips to nip it in the bud quickly and safely while keeping baby healthy.