Pregnancy-safe ways to knock out a cold

During pregnancy, the common cold is just that – common. Throughout these nine months, you'll find yourself with a lowered immune system, catching bugs much easier than you did before. While you can't be quick to reach for the medicine cabinet (doctors advise avoiding medication during the first trimester), there are some safe ways to boost your cold-fighting abilities and get well soon:

Rest and fluids
The very foundation of a good get-well plan is to get plenty of rest and keep hydrated. Take to your bed for a day or two, or lounge in front of the TV, sipping plenty of water and hot tea with honey.

Salt water
Sore throat? Knock it out with a tall glass of water and a few dashes of table salt. Mix together and gargle morning and night to reduce swelling and soothe your discomfort.

Neti pot
If you have sinus issues on top of your cold symptoms, rinsing your nose with a neti pot each night may help you find comfort faster. Using a store bought saline rinse, a neti pot flushes your sinus cavities, washing away irritants that might be causing an uncomfortable flare-up.

Steam
When you have a sore throat, stuffy nose and splitting headache, nothing feels more soothing than hot steam. Ease your aches and pains by luxuriating in a hot, steamy shower. Or, boil a big pot of water on the stove, turn off the burner and hang your head over the drifting steam. For added strength, drape a towel over your head to trap the steam and really soak in its healing properties.

Now, tell us: What are your go-to natural remedies when a cold takes hold?

By Pregnancy Editors

The Editors at Pregnancy are constantly scouring the news and best information to provide readers with the most accurate advice and latest trends in pregnancy and new motherhood. Together we've experienced most of the ups and downs of the pregnancy journey and are here to share and help you along the way.