Pregnancy is a wonderful and unique time in the life of anywoman. It is a very emotional time – from scary and worried to total ecstasyand joy. All in all, it is a life-changing period in any woman’s life.
But it is also a time of unaccountable questions - whetherthe mother-to-be and the child will be healthy and how to deal with anysickness or illness, especially viruses. One of the questions is whether themother is prone to the common cold or not? What to do when getting the cold? Duringthis time in a woman’s life be careful about taking over-the-counter-medicines asmany of cold medicines, for instance cough syrups and decongestants containalcohol 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 sprayis 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 passagesbut 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 deepsleep; at least six to eight hours a night.
Drink plenty of fluids - water, clear soups and herbaldrinks. This will combat dehydration and makes the mucous thin. Hot drinkscombine 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 garlicand 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 andafterwards rub the oil undiluted to the temples and chest. Or fill the bathwith hot water and add two handfuls of Epsom salts to the water. Soak in thewater as long as possible. Warning: be careful not to over-heat the bath wateras it may be harmful to the baby. For steam inhalation, mix a few drops ofcinnamon oil to a bowl of hot water, cover the head with a towel, bow over thebowl and inhale and exhale for a few minutes.
Some herbs and spices are known to relieve cold symptoms forinstance garlic, ginger, basil, etc. However, always seek medical advice beforeembarking on any home remedies containing herbs and spices to ensure the healthof the baby or mother is not jeopardized.
Vitamins and minerals are also good natural remedies fordealing 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 takemegadoses of vitamins and minerals as it may be potentially harmful to an unbornchild.
Whatever natural or home-remedy is followed, always consultwith your health professional. Sometimes herbs can be riskier than medicationsprescribed or bought off the shelf. The reason is that herbs are ‘drugs’ andmany of them are not tested and labelled for use during pregnancy.
Remember, take thetime to laugh, relax, and enjoy social interactions because in spite of themiserable feeling, it is still the most wondrous time in any woman’s life!
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