My wife is around 13 weeks in her pregnancy and this last week she developed a cold. She thinks that it may be bronchitis. She can not seem to shake this bug. She has been coughing, exhausted and stuffed up. Is there anything that may help her get over this except rest and eating healthy? We have also heard that she is not able to use antibiotics. Is this true?I did find the following nonmedical treatments (http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,5985,00.html):
- Drink plenty of fluids, as this will help to thin secretions. Water, chicken soup, juices, and warm tea are good sources.
- Use a humidifier. Place it close to your face when you sleep. During the day, you can make a tent out of a sheet draped over your head. Stay under the tent for 15 minutes, three or four times a day.
- Rub a mentholated product (like Vicks Vaporub) on your chest according to package instructions.
- For nasal stuffiness, use saline drops. You can buy these at drugstores or prepare a solution at home. Just dissolve 1/4 teaspoon salt in 8ounces of water. Place a few drops in each nostril, wait 5 to 10 minutes, and then gently blow your nose.
- To make breathing easier, sleep in a recliner or prop up your head with lots of pillows so that you are in a semi-upright position.
- Take a warm shower. This can help clear nasal stuffiness and mucus.
- Get plenty of rest.
11 comments:
It is not true that a woman cannot take antibiotics during pregnancy. There are some (like Tetracycline) that are not safe, but the majority are ok and docs know how to prescribe them when needed. Antibiotics are not required for a cold anyway, since a cold is a virus and they are not killed by antibiotics.
HI....I had a horrid Cold when I was about 6 months preggo with DS...My doc told me ONLY tylenol unless absolutely necessary...there are some meds that are considered "safe" when pregnant but can only be used under docs supervision and will only be given if necessary....
a lot of the over the counter "stuff" contains aspirin...(at least that's what I was told) and can effect baby in utero with Reyes syndrome etc....the non-medicals you found should relieve somewhat...
I would see doc often and keep being monitored...just in case it does develop into something more than just a cold
HTH!
Hello there. When I was 4+ weeks pregger, I was down with a terrible cold & cough. I just drank lot's of water & rested a lot. Treid to stay off any medication if possible.
However, on the 5th day, I had mild fever. Went to the GP. Told the GP that I'm pregnant & was very concern if I could take any medication. He said that I had to take antibiotics to bring down my fever as it was a signal of infection in my body & if I don't treat the mild fever, my body temperature may rise even further. High fever is dangerous to the baby. So, it was a weighted risk decision to take as I was on fever.
The antibiotic course was for 3 days. I only took 1 day medication for my flu. None for my cough. My fever was brought down after 12 hours. Flu went away after another 3 days (as i was nearing the end of the 10 days flu virus cycle). Cough stayed on for another 10 days or so.
My gynae advised me to take panadols if I have fever & just let the cough & cold run their course.
Now I'm doing all I can to prevent myself from getting sick again. No more cold drinks, stay warm at all times, no more late baths, stay away from people who are coughing etc.
Hope I'm doing the right thing...
I know when I was pregnant and caught a cold I just rode it out.
I'm not a fan of medications anyway and I was way more against them while I was pregnant.
Not saying your wife has to suffer.
I agree with the previous poster, maybe a medical professional can give her something to ease her cold symptoms.
I would definitely suggest using a humidifier- especially during the night while sleeping! I have used one for years to help when I'm sick with a cold and need some comfort during the night! Good luck- I hope your wife starts to feel better soon!
I had antibiotics and ventalin while pg. Must see your Dr though, and keep strictly to their instructions. She does't have to suffer.
Definately get her to see the Dr. If she needs them he will give her antibiotics, they are perfectly safe to use. They will only be prescribed if she needs them, but she certainly sounds like she does.
I had a cold when pg that I just couldn't shake. It was only the antibiotics that got rid of it. Like has been said she doesn't have to suffer.
Congrats on your new baby! I'm sorry that your wife is not feeling well. I used to get bronchitis a lot, and the doctor said that you get over in about the same amount of time with or without antibiotics. The link you looked up seems to have some good info.
Julie
http://askmeanmom.blogspot.com
I feel for her! I just recovered from a cold, and I was certain it was the reason why my first trim symptoms worsened. I didn't take antibiotics since I was sure it was viral rather than bacterial (like bronchitis would be).
My doc said that Sudafed should help manage the symptoms and it is OK to take during pregnancy. But I got by with just Benadryl at night to help with the congestion.
I hope she feels better soon.
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