Pregnant and Sick? Here are Your Options

Being sick and pregnant is a horrible combination. Anyone who has ever been pregnant knows that you’re not advised to take anything for illness, and that’s a bummer. A simple head cold that would ordinarily have you reaching for the Sudafed or other OTC medications suddenly has you bedridden. What’s a pregnant woman to do when illness strikes?

Avoid Medication

While you can talk to your doctor about taking something for your medication, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention make it clear that they do not recommend pregnant women take any medication while pregnant without consulting your doctor first. Internet lists of meds that are safe to take while pregnant are unreliable.

Drink Plenty of Liquids

Right now, water is your best friend. Drink it. Love it. Make it work for you. Drink as much as possible. If your throat hurts, try making hot water and mixing it with a bit of honey and lemon to ease the soreness of your throat. It can help you to feel a bit better while also keeping you well hydrated. It’s important to stay hydrated, even when you feel you aren’t thirsty. It’s your best defense against any illness, as dehydration can make you feel worse than you already do.

Rest

This should come as no surprise. Unfortunately, pregnant women don’t always have time to rest. I work from home, which should make sick days easy, but not when you have a five-year-old who has school to get ready for and be taken to and picked up from, cheerleading practice and a two-year-old whose plans differ greatly from your own. My husband is an amazing help when he’s home in the evenings, but the other 8 hours of the day are a bit of a wreck.