Cold or Flu During Pregnancy?

by | Dec 12, 2015 | Birth Parent Blog

Young woman sits on her sofa, blowing her noseWith the cold and flu season here, you may get sick this winter. Many pregnant women will get a cold or the flu, because of a weaker immune system. Your immune system is lowered to allow the life inside of you to develop without being attacked by your body. Read on to find out what to do if you do get sick…

To prevent yourself from getting a flu or cold, it’s a good idea to get a flu shot. Make sure you ask your doctor before you get one. And, keep in mind that you’ll have to get a traditional vaccine with a needle, because the nasal spray vaccine isn’t given to pregnant women.

You’re more likely to get sick if you’re tired or run down. Now is a better time than any to get sleep in anytime you can! The best way to keep from getting a cold or flu is to stay away from friends, co-workers, or family members who are sick.

What Should I Do if I’m Already Sick?

The old advice of drinking lots of fluids and getting rest is always recommended. Make sure to wash your hands often, keep your hands away from your face, and avoid sharing food or drinks with other people. Stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing…if you’re by someone who sneezes or coughs, simply turn your head away.

If you get a cold, rest in bed. Eat as much healthy food as you can, and drink at least 10 glasses of water daily. A humidifier can do wonders if your nosy is stuffy and congested. If you have a fever, try taking a cool shower or bath, wear clothes that keep you cool, and drink lots of cold fluids. Make sure to call your doctor if you get a high fever or 100.6 degrees F or higher. Your doctor can also tell you if it’s safe for you to take Tylenol to lower your fever.

If this pregnancy post helped you, we suggest you sign up for our pregnancy newsletter. You can say what month in pregnancy you’re in, so the newsletter is customized especially for you! Sign up here.

Heather Featherston
Written by Heather Featherston

As Vice President of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.

Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.

As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.

Read more about Heather Featherston

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