First Trimester Knowledge

“it’s normal to catch two to three colds a year. Young children get colds even more often, around five to seven colds a year, so if you’re around them you may catch colds more frequently.”
” it is important to take the necessary measures to avoid contracting a cold or cough during pregnancy and to treat it once you get one”

Safe
– Parasetamol/Acetaminophen (for fever), i.e. Tylenol

?
– cough suppressants: Codeine and dextromethorphan

Be careful
– Decongestant (for nasal congestion)
“Decongestants are available in various forms including nasal sprays, drops and tablets, and they work by causing the blood vessels to narrow. This helps to relieve a blocked or runny nose, but they could also narrow the blood vessels of your placenta. Some decongestants have also been linked to birth defects when used in the first trimester.”

– Ibuprofen (for headache/relieving pain)
“You shouldn’t take ibuprofen if you’re more than 20 weeks pregnant as it’s known to be unsafe for your baby.”

– Avoid fever in early pregnancy
https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/health-and-safety/fever-in-pregnancy_40008522
– https://www.cnn.com/2017/10/10/health/pregnancy-birth-defects-fever-study/index.html
“can increase a baby’s risk of developing a congenital heart defect and certain facial deformities, such as cleft lip or cleft palate.”
– https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/autism-risk-linked-fever-during-pregnancy
Fever during pregnancy may raise the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the child, according to a study led by scientists at the Center …

Link:
https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a542237/coughs-and-colds-in-pregnancy
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-complications/cough-cold-during-pregnancy/

Avoid (/lower your risk of) catching cold
– A less stressful lifestyle
– A good diet,
– Regular exercise
– Get ample rest : Take naps, sleep through the night, and sit down to relax
> give your body much-needed downtime
– Drink plenty of fluids: water, juice, or broth to add necessary fluids back into your body.
– Reduce congestion: place a humidifier in your room, keep your head elevated on your pillow while resting, or use nasal strips
– Alleviate your sore throat: drink warm tea, or gargle with warm salt water
– Prenatal viatmins, probiotics

Home Remedies:
– Hydration
– Honey and Lemon
– Steam Inhalation
– Humidifier
– Saltwater Gargle