Diet and Health FAQ

Tagged As: Preganancy

Question:
I know that if you contract certain illnesses while pregnant, especially in your first trimester, it can possibly have some devastating effects on your baby. I am in my 9th week and have caught a cold (sore throat and runny nose). It's not too bad, but since I am still in my 1st trimester, I was wondering if this could have any ill effects on the baby.

Answer:
I have had many more colds than normal since becoming pg. I think there's nothing to worry about as long as it doesn't seriously interfere with eating for any length of time, and as long as you avoid taking medications (discuss with your doctor). No, a cold won't do you or your baby any harm at all, but unfortunately, colds can take longer to get better in pregnancy (which is a shame, because of cours eyou'll also want ot be avoiding the medications that normally make having a cold more bearable). But don't worry about the baby - it will be fine. Its you who will probably have a rotten week or two. :-(( I'm currently at 19 weeks and am just getting over a cold that has stuck around for 2 weeks. Now I know the drugs you can take in the first trimester are different than the second trimester. But after my cold turned into a sinus infection, my dr put me on Sudafed during the day, Benadryl at night and an antibiotic (Erythromycin sp?). And NOW, I'm on Robitussin because my cough got worse after my sinuses cleared up. All these drugs at the dr's direction. I've also referenced all these drugs as being okay in pregnancy in various places. I've read that your immune system slows down during pregnancy - probably to save its resources for something that could really threaten the baby. This cold sure has stuck around for a long time. And this is the first cold I've has since becoming a non-smoker - I thought they'd be easier! :) I would imagine that the 'immune system slows down' if this is indeed true in order to lessen the liklihood that the mother's body will reject the foreign body in her womb i.e. the baby. Colds aren't a problem. In fact, I had two bouts of bronchitis (one with sinusitis)-- once in the first trimester, and the second in the third, and delivered a strapping (9lb 4oz) baby boy full term +3. Relax about the cold, and do what you can to relieve the symptoms.