Getting Sick During Pregnancy

Posted By : Ellen

Getting sick while pregnant is the worst condition ever. It is common to get immune system weak while you are pregnant, which makes one more susceptible to getting sick. However, try to do everything possible to avoid being sick, but don’t be panic if you do get sick during the pregnancy period.

How to Avoid Sickness While Pregnant

The best way to avoid getting sick while you are pregnant is to take necessary steps to make yourself healthy. The more you invest in your health, the more likely you will be able to avoid getting sick.Eating healthy allows one to maintain a healthy body. The vitamins and nutrients that you get from a nutritious meal play a major role in building up and supporting your immune system. Taking prenatal vitamins and probiotics that occur naturally in foods like yogurt, can further enhance this.

Getting lots of rest is also vital for a healthy body. Try to go bed in a timely fashion, and take naps necessarily. A common sleep aid, Melatonin, is not proven safe during pregnancy and therefore must be avoided at this time. Exercise is also beneficial for body’s health and makes it easier to get a good night’s sleep.

Washing your hands regularly is the best option to avoid being sick not just during pregnancy period. Using anti-bacterial wipes on grocery baskets and on other commonly touched items is another way to protect yourself from picking up germs that may lead to sickness.

How to Overcome being Sick While Pregnant

If you are sick while pregnant, there are some steps you can take to get well.

Here are some initial things you should try:

• Rest: a rested body helps your immune system work better and healthy immune system in turn can help shorten your sick period.
• Stay Hydrated:  Fluids are also essential to a healthy body and it helps to wash out your system.
• Take Your Vitamins: Vitamins and supplements contain nutrients that contribute towards a healthy body and healthy immune system.

Some natural steps that can alleviate or minimize troublesome symptoms include:

• Reduce Congestion: Try to place a humidifier in the room or use nasal strips.
• Alleviate Your Sore Throat: Drink warm tea, suck on ice chips or gargle with warm salt water.

Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider for over-the-counter (OTC) medication to manage the symptoms if they stay too long. It is advised that one must read the labels or consult the healthcare team because many medications are not safe to take during pregnancy.

The list of medications that pose little risk to your baby during pregnancy includes the following:

• Anesthetic sore throat lozenges can ease the pain in your throat.
• Acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol) can be used to alleviate fevers, headaches, and body aches.
• Codeine and dextromethorphan can often be used as cough suppressants.

When to See Your Doctor if You are Sick While Pregnant

Do not hesitate to contact your doctor once you are sick while pregnant. It is essential to contact the health provider if the symptoms cause you to miss meals, lose sleep or if the illness remains for a couple of days.

It is also important to consult them in case of a fever that is 102° Fahrenheit or greater. Lastly you may be in need of an antibiotic prescribed by a physician once you cough up discolored mucus or if the cough is accompanied by chest pain and/or wheezing.