The horror of experiencing cold symptoms when the season is in full swing is deadly on another level. Especially now that you are pregnant, you are in full-on panic mode as to whether you should just minimize the symptoms with some Theraflu or wait out the flu for a few days.
While Theraflu is not recommended during pregnancy, you can use saline nasal sprays safely to neutralize a few harsh symptoms. But be very careful with any medication if you are nursing. You need to talk to your doctor before jumping to any medicines on your own.
Side Effects of Theraflu
When you are pregnant, something as common as Theraflu can prove fatal to your health if not taken cautiously. Multiple side effects are associated with different Theraflu medications. Most of them are not fit for consumption by pregnant women, even if it is cold and flu season.
The most common side effect that pregnant women are seldom aware of is insomnia. While many pregnancies cause insomnia, if you are taking Theraflu, this is a contributing factor in disturbing your sleep cycle. Once you don’t have enough sleep, multiple problems like fatigue and sickness occur in your body that puts you and your baby at risk.
Anxiety, something that already runs high during pregnancy due to pregnancy hormones, becomes amplified after taking Theraflu. It causes nervousness for no reason and can make you make irrational decisions in a paranoid, panic mode that is uncalled for. In addition, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and even seizures may occur if you are taking Theraflu during pregnancy.
On a more serious side, an increase in the heart rate, blood circulation, and even hallucinations occur, which makes Theraflu not safe to use. If you are suffering from a certain disease or have some complicated medical history, it is better to rely on natural remedies for sore throat and a stuffy nose. These remedies may not be quick to heal you, but they sure are safe.
If you are a breastfeeding mom, you can use Theraflu only if your doctor gives you the go-ahead. This is because whatever you take during pregnancy or the breastfeeding period, automatically goes to your baby’s body, so be very vigilant about what you are putting into his fragile body.
Precautions
You need to take extra precautions when dealing with medication during pregnancy. Theraflu is essentially a brand rather than a product. Some of its products can be safe during pregnancy flu. But before you take a dosage over dosage of such a product, you need your doctor’s advice. Right after delivery, doctors may warn you not to use it until two weeks have passed. This is for safe nursing.
Even after two weeks, if you are taking Theraflu, you should be mindful. Do not take it right before nursing or for at least two hours after you have breastfed the baby. In those times, it can directly reach your milk, and from there, go to your baby’s fragile body. Take it before going to bed and when you are taking a break from nursing.
Instead of Theraflu, you can go for acetaminophen, which is more tolerable for babies. But you also need to monitor the quantities you consume. If you find it hard to keep a check on the amount that you have taken, you must avoid it completely. This goes for both pregnancy and nursing.
Alternative Flu Treatment Methods
Doubtlessly, Theraflu can take away all your flu symptoms, and some of its products are considered safe. It can’t be safer than home remedies. Resting and drinking lots of fluids can help ease your symptoms, but there is nothing like a good home remedy to work like a charm on your stuffy nose during pregnancy.
I know you are frustrated. I know you are exhausted, but hear me out. Try these alternative treatments and thank me later.
Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins aren’t just useful for getting pregnant but can help you with the flu, too. Prenatals contain vitamin C along with multiple other nutrients that help in strengthening your immune system. Once your immune response has been boosted, it will automatically attack any invading bacteria or virus.
If you are not comfortable using prenatals, you can alternatively use foods that have immune-boosting nutrients in higher quantities. For example, you need a vitamin-rich diet along with iron and zinc, which are readily available in almonds, pumpkin seeds, lentils, spinach, strawberries, and carrots. The list is long, and you can pick only the food that you like the most. Enjoy your options.
Soup
There is nothing you want more than chicken corn soup. But taste and cravings aside, chicken soup can truly help you improve your immune system due to the nutrients present in chicken. The anti-inflammatory properties of the chicken coup are also important.
Additionally, chicken soup is rich in antioxidants that combat virus attacks and, with warm water, relieves you of mucous. It is also a great fluid to take during the flu, as it can help with keeping your body hydrated for long periods. And the best part: ZERO SIDE EFFECTS!
Ginger
Ginger is your best friend when you have the flu. During pregnancy, you can safely use it in multiple herbal remedies. Ginger tea can not only relieve your flu symptoms but also help you with morning sickness. It is said to contain compounds that have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that help pregnant women overcome the flu safely without risking their babies’ health.
Just take a mental note to use ginger not more than three times a day. Don’s use it directly. If you have to, chew it with salt. The best way is to make tea and take it two to three times every day. You will be surprised at the results.
Turmeric
Just like ginger, turmeric has excellent herbal properties. You will get rid of your cough and nasal inflammation quickly. It will keep all the viruses at bay. If you use turmeric with ginger, you will get an amazing immune response in absolutely no time.
Using turmeric is simple. Try it with warm milk before going to bed. If you are lactose intolerant, mix turmeric with warm water. You can gargle it too to stop throat irritation!
But be sure to know your allergies before you use turmeric. If you are allergic to it, it is already off-limits. However, you can’t use more than a pinch. Using it multiple times a day is not correct either. Be patient and use only once in small amounts. Using turmeric supplements is also not advisable.
What Cold Medicine is Safe During Pregnancy?
Not all cold medications are safe to use during pregnancy. Still, certain medications are not only effective but prescribed by doctors and are considered generally safe. These include the following:
Tylenol
I know you saw this coming. Tylenol is one of the safer, over-the-counter medicines that can be used during pregnancy. However, you need to use it in a very limited way. Overuse can only prove harmful for yourself and your baby.
In case you have a medical history of being allergic to Tylenol, you should know better than to use it for colds during your pregnancy. You can also avoid it altogether if you fear any liver dysfunctionalities.
Sudafed
Next up is Sudafed. It is only safe to use in the second and third trimesters. Why? It can cause abnormalities in the growing fetus that can lead to birth defects.
If you suffer from hypertension or cardiac issues, you must bar yourself from using it at all costs, as it can affect your blood pressure. If you don’t have any such problem, you are free to go with Sudafed to treat the common cold.
Benadryl
Another household name for cough and cold. Benadryl can conveniently be used during pregnancy unless you are previously allergic to it or had a reaction before. Additionally, get it recommended by the doctor first, as you can’t anticipate how it will make you react during pregnancy.
Chlor-Trimeton
This is also one of the safe cold medications that can be used for a sore throat, cough, and fever during pregnancy. However, you should avoid using it while breastfeeding.
It is better to rest and relax for a few days in bed and take lots of fluids so that you can overcome the cold.
What Cold Medicines are Not Safe During Pregnancy?
In addition to antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, even if they are not steroids, can harm a developing fetus. These medications are termed NSAIDs, and they must be avoided during pregnancy for safety. These include Advil, Motrin, Midol, Celebrex, and medications that work as aspirin. Aspirin can be used in limited amounts only if your doctor gives you a thumbs up.
Other than these medications, you need to steer clear of medications that contain Benzocaine, Codein, and Phenylephrine. They may be okay to consume without pregnancy for pain relief and cough, but during pregnancy, they can damage the fetus.
Other Medications to Avoid
In addition to these medicines, you need to avoid medications that include any harmful ingredients that can put you in danger. You should try to avoid antibiotics during pregnancy, as they are very strong and may harm your unborn baby. It can mostly cause birth defects in the baby or halt its proper development.
Similarly, if you can avoid any medications, you should try natural remedies that help you get over your cold in a few days. If you resist the cold for a few days, it will go away. I know it is hard, but you need to take this step for your safety.
I know reading a medication label is dry and boring, especially when you are suffering from a cold and the flu. However, a few minutes of reading will keep you from putting yourself and your baby in jeopardy. If any harmful ingredients appear on the label, you should avoid the medication.
Finally
Pregnant women are already under much pressure and pain as it is, and in addition, the symptoms of the flu start to appear, making matters worse. But you are a champion mama-to-be, and you can definitely overcome your cold symptoms without Theraflu.
Of course, you will need pain relievers to deal with those body aches and some warm salt water to relieve throat pain and irritation till your immune system recovers. But even then, it is not right to take any over-the-counter pain medications; it is best to consult your doctor.
Your doctor will determine if you can take Theraflu or any other medications, which are okay for regular use but not during pregnancy. If the flu is persistent, the best thing to do is get yourself checked for a bacterial or viral infection. Other than this, try home remedies as best as you can and avoid putting chemicals in your body.
You can always try alternative home remedies and patiently wait till all symptoms are gone.
