Navigating pregnancy can sometimes be challenging when healthy, but when cold and flu season hits, you may wonder what medications or remedies are safe for you and your baby. While many medications are safe to use during pregnancy, some can be harmful. Drugs are passed to your baby while you’re pregnant, so when in doubt, your doctor is your best health advisor, including when you suffer from seasonal allergies.

A common cold may be miserable for you, but it won’t likely affect your baby. More severe illnesses like the flu can be dangerous, so talk to your doctor about the flu vaccine and safe treatments at home if you get sick.

“Influenza in pregnancy puts a mother at higher risk for progression to pneumonia and increases risk of hospitalization and ICU admission,” says Jessie Gering, APRN. “The flu vaccine is safe in pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends the inactivated flu vaccine to all women, including pregnant women in all trimesters of pregnancy, during the flu season (typically October to May).”

Safe medications and remedies during pregnancy

Before taking medications, always read the label for warnings and never exceed the recommended dose.

Cold and flu:

• Dextromethorphan (Robitussin®). When looking for cough medicine, check the label and choose one without alcohol.
• Guaifenesin (plain Mucinex®).
• Mentholated cream (Vicks Vapor Rub®).
• Mentholated or nonmentholated cough drops. Sugar-free cough drops for gestational diabetes should not contain blends of herbs or aspartame.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol®).
• Specific antihistamines, including loratadine (Claritin®) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl®).

If you have diarrhea or constipation:

• Loperamide, such as Imodium® after 1st trimester, for 24 hours only.
• Polycarbophil (FiberCon®).
• BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast or tea) for diarrhea.
• Fiber can be used regularly (Metamucil®, Citrucel®, BeneFiber®).
• Laxatives can be used occasionally (Colace®, MiraLax®).
• Tucks® pads for hemorrhoids.
• Mix prune juice, orange juice and lemon-lime soda in equal parts.

Nausea and vomiting:

• Doxylamine (Unisom®)
• Vitamin B6

Read ten things you might experience during pregnancy that address other common complaints.

Medications to avoid while pregnant

There are a few medications that are considered off-limits while pregnant. Always talk with your doctor before starting a new medication. In general, it’s best to avoid:

• Any sustained action (SA) form of these drugs or the multi-symptom form of these drugs. 
• Nyquil® or Dayquil® due to its high alcohol content and certain antihistamines.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin (Anacin®, Bayer®), naproxen (Aleve®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®).
• Decongestants with pseudoephedrine, such as Sudafed® PE is not recommended. Plain Sudafed® is not recommended in the first trimester but can be used in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters after consultation with your physician. 
• Nonsteroidal nasal strays.

Natural remedies that may offer relief for cold and flu symptoms

Take extra precautions during cold and flu season to strengthen your immune system and keep symptoms like a sore throat, runny nose or cough at bay. Eat a well-balanced diet, stay active, wash your hands with soap throughout the day, avoid others who are sick and stay hydrated to help boost your natural immunity.

Read medication labels carefully and avoid alternative or homeopathic remedies until you have approval from your doctor. Although certain herbal supplements may help relieve cold symptoms, some may not be safe during pregnancy.

For natural symptom relief, try:

• Using a humidifier or saline-based nose drops or sprays to alleviate dry nasal passages.
• Gargling with warm salt water to ease a sore throat. 
• Adding honey to warm tea for a cough.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Getting as much rest as possible.

Whether navigating your first pregnancy and birth or facing a high-risk pregnancy, our OB-GYN team of experts is here to put your mind at ease and provide a safe and comfortable experience at every step. Learn more about the Olson Center for Women’s Health obstetrics and gynecology services.