Many women don’t know that their body suppresses their immune system during pregnancy so that it can adjust to having a baby grow inside you. While a favorable environment for the baby is a good thing, it also makes you more vulnerable to every day sickness like the common cold – or worse, the flu.
According to Healthline, “Pregnant women are also more likely than non-pregnant women their age to experience complications of the flu. These complications can include pneumonia, bronchitis, or sinus infections.”
Over-the-counter drugs and medications are not recommended for pregnant women unless given specific instructions and consent by a licensed physician. So here are a few natural ways to soothe that annoying cold:
- Eat plenty of nutrient-rich foods and stay hydrated
- Take prenatal vitamins
- Sleep…a lot
- Use saltwater solutions to sooth sore throats and stuffy noses
- Invest in a humidifier to keep the air in your home you moist
Continue reading for more information regarding your immune system during pregnancy and natural remedies for staying protected against a cold or flu.