If you’re pregnant and feeling not so great, you’re not alone. Between a shifted immune response, extra fluid, and that lovely post-nasal drip, even a simple cold can feel bigger during pregnancy. As your OB, here’s a calm, clear guide to what actually helps, what’s safe to try, and when to call us—so you can feel better and keep baby safe.
Understanding What’s Normal and When to Seek Help
Many respiratory bugs (colds, non-strep sore throats, mild flu-like illnesses) improve with rest, fluids, and supportive care in about 7–10 days. Call promptly if you have any red flags:
- Fever 100.4°F or higher that doesn’t come down with acetaminophen
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, or persistent fast breathing
- Severe sore throat with pus on tonsils or known strep exposure
- Persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, or you can’t keep fluids down
- Symptoms that worsen after initially improving
- Decreased fetal movement (in the third trimester)
- You have asthma, heart or lung disease, diabetes, or are immunocompromised
Same- or next-day visits are available at Northwest Family Clinics in Crystal, Plymouth, and Rogers, please reach out if you’re unsure where you fit.
What Actually Helps (non-medication first)
These are safe, pregnancy-friendly basics that reduce cough, congestion, and throat irritation.
Rest and hydration
Small, frequent sips of water, broth, or warm decaf tea; add lemon or ginger for soothing.
Humidify the air
Use a cool-mist humidifier, keep humidity ~40–50%, and clean it every 2–3 days.
Steam and saline
Brief steamy showers and saline nasal spray or rinses loosen mucus and ease pressure.
Honey for cough
A spoonful of honey or warm water with honey and lemon can calm nighttime cough.
Throat comfort
Salt-water gargles, ice chips, or sugar-free lozenges for soreness.
Sleep support
Extra pillows to elevate your head and left-side sleeping can reduce post-nasal drip and reflux-related cough.
Gentle movement
Short walks can open airways; avoid high-intensity workouts until you feel better.
Pregnancy-Safe Medication Guide (by symptom)
Always follow label directions. If you have high blood pressure, thyroid disease, glaucoma, or are on other medicines, check with us first.
Pain, fever, aches
- Acetaminophen is the preferred option in pregnancy when needed and taken as directed.
- Avoid ibuprofen, naproxen, and other NSAIDs—especially after 20 weeks unless specifically directed by your clinician.
Nasal congestion and sinus pressure
- Saline spray or rinses: safe anytime.
- Short-term oxymetazoline nasal spray (3 days or less) can help severe congestion.
- Oral decongestants:
- Pseudoephedrine may be considered after the first trimester for some patients; avoid if you have hypertension or certain heart conditions.
- Phenylephrine has less reassuring data; generally avoid unless we’ve discussed it.
- External menthol rubs can be used on the chest as labeled; do not ingest.
Allergic symptoms (sneeze/itch/drip)
- Antihistamines: cetirizine and loratadine are commonly used in pregnancy.
- Diphenhydramine can help at night but may cause drowsiness and next-day grogginess.
Cough
- Dextromethorphan (DM) cough suppressants are generally considered acceptable as directed.
- Guaifenesin (expectorant) may help thin mucus; best with good hydration.
- Combine with honey and humidification for better relief.
Sore throat
-
Acetaminophen, warm salt-water gargles, lozenges or sprays without high-dose alcohol content.
Heartburn-related cough at night
- Smaller meals, earlier dinner, extra pillow elevation.
- Antacids like calcium carbonate are usually fine; H2 blockers like famotidine are commonly used if needed.
Antibiotics and antivirals
- Most colds don’t need antibiotics.
- If flu is suspected and you’re within 48 hours of symptom onset—or you’re high-risk—we may recommend an antiviral. Call for guidance rather than waiting it out.
What to Avoid or use With Caution
- High-dose multi-ingredient cold combos; choose single-symptom products so you don’t double up.
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen/naproxen), especially after 20 weeks, unless we’ve advised otherwise.
- Codeine-containing cough syrups unless specifically prescribed.
- Herbal blends or “immune boosters” without clear pregnancy-safety data.
- Zinc or vitamin C megadoses—can upset the stomach and aren’t proven to shorten illness meaningfully.
Simple Tips to Prevent What You Can
- Handwashing is critical to preventing unwanted illnesses. Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and clean running water, especially after public spaces and before eating.
- Don’t share drinks, utensils, or towels when anyone is sick at home.
- Keep vaccinations current: seasonal flu and COVID are recommended in pregnancy, and maternal RSV vaccination may be offered between 32 weeks 0 days and 36 weeks 6 days in season. If you miss that window, infant antibody protection is available after birth—ask us which option fits your due date and Minnesota’s virus season. Learn more about vaccinations during pregnancy.
- Sleep, nutrition, and gentle movement supports immune function more than any single supplement.
Minnesota-Specific Tips
- Dry indoor air worsens cough and sinus pressure. Humidify and crack a window briefly twice a day for fresh air exchange.
- Watch windchill when you’re considering outdoor walks; short, brisk daylight time can still help mood, sleep, and recovery.
- Winter virus overlap is real here. If you’re unsure whether it’s flu, COVID, RSV, or “just a cold,” call—testing can change treatment for pregnant patients.
When to Call, When to be Seen, When to go Now
- Call the clinic: persistent fever, worsening cough after day 4–5, ear or sinus pain, vomiting that limits fluids, or you just don’t feel right.
- Same- or next-day visit: asthma flare, suspected strep throat, possible influenza, severe sinus pain, or you need medication guidance tailored to your health history.
- Urgent care or ER now: trouble breathing, chest pain, oxygen levels low if you monitor at home, dehydration, confusion, or any fever 100.4°F or higher that won’t respond plus shaking chills.
A Quick, Realistic Sick-Day Plan
- Set a “minimums list” for the day: fluids by the hour, 2–3 small meals or snacks, a shower, and 2 short rest blocks.
- Move your prenatal vitamins earlier in the day if nighttime nausea is worse.
- Stack remedies: saline + humidifier + honey + acetaminophen as needed gives more relief than any one thing alone.
- Ask for help. This is a season to outsource a grocery run, dishes, or childcare when possible.
We’re Here for You
Being sick while pregnant is uncomfortable, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If symptoms are lingering, confusing, or you want a medication plan that fits your trimester and health history, reach out. Northwest Family Clinics in Crystal, Plymouth, and Rogers offers same- or next-day appointments and practical, pregnancy-safe care so you can get back to feeling like yourself.