posted 8th December 2023
Pregnancy during the winter increases the likelihood of contracting a cold or flu; so, I wanted to discuss typical concerns associated with a winter pregnancy and offer strategies for prevention.
In the winter season, the air turns cold and dry, prompting us to spend more time indoors in close proximity to others. This creates the optimal environment for the transmission of colds, the flu, and other viruses.
The immune system, responsible for defending the body against infections, experiences a weakening during pregnancy. As a result, pregnant women become more vulnerable to infections.
What is a cold?
Colds are typically caused by viruses, commonly rhinoviruses. Transmission occurs through contact with infected individuals or surfaces. The virus enters the body through the nose or eyes, leading to cold symptoms.
Your immune system
Whilst pregnant your immunity system is weakened, so coughs and colds often seem harsher and last longer, around 10-14 days. Remember, try to look after yourselves. However, if the cold is lingering or getting worse discuss with your GP as it may have turned in to an infection or pneumonia
Will it affect my baby?
While enduring a common cold is typically uncomfortable and poses no significant harm to your health or your baby's well-being. Developing a fever in early pregnancy may present risks, therefore it is important to keep monitoring your temperature and if it rises above 38 degrees Celsius to contact you GP.
How to avoid catching a cold or coughs?
Preventing every cold during pregnancy is challenging, as catching two to three colds annually is typical. Increased exposure to young children, who are prone to more frequent colds, elevates the risk. Viruses often transmit through direct contact or with using shared objects like phones or door handles, allowing the virus to enter the body through the nose or eyes. Adhering to good hygiene practices significantly aids in limiting the spread of colds. Key tips include frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the face, encouraging others to follow proper cough and sneeze etiquette, regular cleaning of surfaces, and abstaining from sharing personal items. While avoiding colds entirely may be difficult, good hygiene is essential.
What to do if I catch a cold?
• Rest: Listening to your body's need for rest - looking after yourself may reduce the recovery time.
• Stay active: Engage in light to moderate, pregnancy-safe exercise if you feel up to it, especially if not running a fever or coughing.
• Maintain a healthy diet: Even though you may not have much of an appetite, consuming a nutritious diet can help alleviate some cold symptoms.
• Focus on vitamin C-rich foods: Citrus fruits, strawberries, melon, kiwi, tomatoes, bell peppers, and leafy greens can naturally boost your immune system.
• Stay hydrated: Combat fluid loss with warm beverages like ginger tea or chicken broth, along with water and cold juices.
• Multivitamins: Continue taking your prenatal vitamins containing vitamin C and zinc.
• Prioritize sleep: Elevate your head with pillows for easier breathing.
• Moisturise the air: Combat dry conditions with a cold or warm air humidifier. You could even try a wet flannel on the radiator popping moisture back into the air.
• Use saline solutions: Keep nasal passages moist with drops, sprays, or rinses.
• Gargle with saltwater: Ease a scratchy throat and control a cough with warm saltwater gargling.
• Include honey: Combat a dry cough with a couple of teaspoons of honey, either straight or mixed with hot water and lemon.