Pregnancy is a wonderful and unique time in the life of any
woman. It is a very emotional time – from scary and worried to total ecstasy
and joy. All in all, it is a life-changing period in any woman’s life.
But it is also a time of unaccountable questions - whether
the mother-to-be and the child will be healthy and how to deal with any
sickness or illness, especially viruses. One of the questions is whether the
mother is prone to the common cold or not? What to do when getting the cold? During
this time in a woman’s life be careful about taking over-the-counter-medicines as
many of cold medicines, for instance cough syrups and decongestants contain
alcohol which can be very bad for the foetus. It may also contain aspirin,
which is also not good for the baby. For any pregnant woman a good nasal spray
is a gift from heaven when her nose is congested – but try to avoid using it.
Usually it works by tightening the small blood vessels of the nasal passages
but unfortunately it may also tighten the arteries leading to the uterus.
The good news is that there are many natural and safe cold remedies a pregnant woman can use before reaching for the medicine bottle:
Follow a diet that is rich in immune-enhancing foods. Fruits,
vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals; beans and legumes are the best.
Yogurt and other fermented foods also contribute to a healthy immune system.
Also ensure the intake of the so-called ‘good fats’ – essential fatty acids,
for instance the omega-3 fatty acids are just as important for proper immune functioning.
The importance of plenty of sleep cannot be overemphasized.
It also plays an integral part in proper immune system function. Get some deep
sleep; at least six to eight hours a night.
Drink plenty of fluids - water, clear soups and herbal
drinks. This will combat dehydration and makes the mucous thin. Hot drinks
combine with sweating is also very beneficial to ease the symptoms of a cold:
mix a pinch of cayenne pepper, the juice of one lemon, a minced clove of garlic
and a gram of vitamin C in a cup of hot water and sip it slowly.
Add six to eight drops of cinnamon oil to a warm bath and
afterwards rub the oil undiluted to the temples and chest. Or fill the bath
with hot water and add two handfuls of Epsom salts to the water. Soak in the
water as long as possible. Warning: be careful not to over-heat the bath water
as it may be harmful to the baby. For steam inhalation, mix a few drops of
cinnamon oil to a bowl of hot water, cover the head with a towel, bow over the
bowl and inhale and exhale for a few minutes.
Some herbs and spices are known to relieve cold symptoms for
instance garlic, ginger, basil, etc. However, always seek medical advice before
embarking on any home remedies containing herbs and spices to ensure the health
of the baby or mother is not jeopardized.
Vitamins and minerals are also good natural remedies for
dealing with the nasty symptoms of a cold and to build up the immune system.
But, once again seek medical advice because pregnant women should not take
megadoses of vitamins and minerals as it may be potentially harmful to an unborn
child.
Whatever natural or home-remedy is followed, always consult
with your health professional. Sometimes herbs can be riskier than medications
prescribed or bought off the shelf. The reason is that herbs are ‘drugs’ and
many of them are not tested and labelled for use during pregnancy.
Remember, take the
time to laugh, relax, and enjoy social interactions because in spite of the
miserable feeling, it is still the most wondrous time in any woman’s life!
