Natural home remedies for cold and cough during pregnancy: Are you prone to sore throat and nose running? As the weather changes, many people are affected by the common cold and influenza. Generally, we keep the medicines with us, as we know what salt suits our body. Paracetamol, Vicks, crocin are some of the common medicines. But if you're expecting, then you should be cautious about such medicines. As they can harm you and your unborn child. While you are pregnant, there are several changes to your body as well as your immunity. Your body becomes sensitive and you are prone to several allergies, including cold and cough.
We can understand your situation, as you may be already tired by eating supplements and vitamins and this cold is irritating you with sneezes. But you can't take tablets, capsules, and syrups, as the health experts also advise to avoid it. They suggest using home remedies, to get rid of it. We bring you some of such home remedies for the common cold, but make sure you consult your respective doctor before using it.
Home Remedies for Cold and Cough During Pregnancy
Take Rest
Stay warm and take adequate rest as it will help your body direct its energy towards fighting the flu. Bed rest will help your body to normalize. During pregnancy, rest also helps keep the blood pressure under control and decrease stress.
Saline Drops
Saline drops soothe the inflamed nasal tissue besides loosening nasal mucus. To prepare at home, dissolve a one-quarter teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water, put in a clean dropper and dispense a few drops in each nostril. Blow your nose after 5 minutes. This procedure removes the virus particles from the nose considerably.
Steam
Warm, humid air is effective in cleansing the mucus. You can use a humidifier or merely inhale steam from a pot of boiling water. Moreover, steaming helps relax a cough too.
Mentholated Chest Rubs
Rub a little dollop of these creams as the soothing vapors open the body’s air passageways by inducing the blood vessels to dilate.
Also read: 10 Ways to Fend Off Cold and Flu
Saltwater Gargles
Warm, salt-water gargles help by drawing out the mucus and reducing the painful swelling in the throat. Salt also quells the itching sensation in the throat.
Nasal Strips
These sticky tabs gently help to open up nasal passages so that you can breathe easier.
Drink Plenty of Water
It is essential to stay hydrated as some common cold symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose can cause slight dehydration. Avoid drinks with caffeine as they may dehydrate you.
Honey and Lemon
Hot water with honey and lemon can work miracles. Honey soothes your throat, and the vitamin C in the lemon boosts the immune system. Ginger juice helps relieve the pain.
Chicken Soup
Hot chicken soup with onions and vegetables can be both nutritious and refreshing.
Cough Lozenges
The menthol or eucalyptus in cough drops soothes the throat and unclogs the congestion.
Sleeping with the head elevated will help in sinus drainage and improved breathing. Blow your nose often and let the germ-carrying phlegm come out. It is essential to keep one nostril pressed while blowing gently through the other as this will prevent the mucus from entering your ear passages.
Though there are many safe home remedies for cold and cough during pregnancy, in case there is little relief, it is advised to seek medical help. Certain safe drugs can be prescribed by the doctor to ease out the pain and irritation.
Though there are a number of safe home remedies for cold and cough during pregnancy, in case there is little relief, it is advised to seek medical help. Certain safe drugs can be prescribed by the doctor to ease out the pain and irritation.
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