You may be surprised to know that catching a common cold many times during pregnancy is normal. Most people catch a cold 2-3 times a year. However, during pregnancy, you may catch a cold more frequently. It is so because your immune system is compromised during pregnancy. You may also start feeling colder than before. In the first trimester feeling cold is quite common.
Causes of feeling cold during pregnancy
Some women feel warmer during pregnancy while others start feeling colder; some may sweat a lot while others may shiver. If you are feeling too cold during pregnancy, then it could be because of:
- Hormonal changes
- Morning sickness as it affects your body temperature
- Pregnancy-induced food aversions. It may cause nutrient deficiency leading to you feeling colder than normal
- The high basal body temperature during the initial days of pregnancy
However, keep in mind that if you are constantly feeling cold, it could be a symptom of some underlying condition such as anemia. If the sense of feeling cold remains consistent, discuss it with your doctor, and find out the underlying cause.
Symptoms of cold and flu during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the immune system becomes weak. Your body will not be able to fight viruses and bacteria and you may catch a cold and flu frequently. Ideally, cold and flu don’t cause any complications for the baby. However, it can make you feel weak and tired. A common cold usually doesn’t cause high temperatures. If you get a high temperature, then test yourself for dengue, malaria, or COVID-19 infection. The symptoms of common flu are:
- Fever at 100 degrees Celsius
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Body ache
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Treatment
Avoid taking medicines without consulting with your doctor. For a normal person, a cold can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. However, during pregnancy avoid them as you may never know their impact on the baby. Avoid ibuprofen as it can cause miscarriages. Antihistamines and anti-allergic should be taken only after consultation with the doctor.
Self-care during cold and flu can help you recover faster.
- Take plenty of rest
- Drink enough fluids
- Gargle with lukewarm saline water
- Inhale steam
- Have a balanced diet
Cold and flu usually require no treatment and go away on their own. Natural remedies are effective to cure the flu as they do not cause any side effects or harm the baby.
