Cough and Cold in Pregnancy

It’s common to catch a cold or have a cough during pregnancy. While your immune system changes to support your baby, this can make you more likely to get sick. Most colds are mild and go away on their own in about a week. You can ease symptoms with plenty of rest, fluids, and safe remedies like honey, saline nasal spray, and warm tea.

Safe Remedies:

• Stay hydrated – drink lots of water and get extra rest
• Use a humidifier to ease congestion
• Try salt water gargles, lozenges, honey or ginger tea for a sore throat
• Use a saline nasal rinse bottle or spray for stuffy noses
• Take Tylenol to help lower fever (please follow the instructions on the bottle)
• Some over-the-counter medicines are safe, but not all.
  • Avoid medications containing pseudoephedrine
• Please review this excellent resource which also includes medications that are safe in pregnancy: NYGH Coughs and Colds in Pregnancy

When to Call Your Family Doctor:

• High fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher)
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing

For more information, visit:

• NYGH Coughs and Colds in Pregnancy
• MotherToBaby – Cold & Flu Medications During Pregnancy