Got a BFP and have a bad cold--what to do until Monday

[Anonymous]

I just got a BFP and have a terrible cold. Sinus congestion, sore throat, and mostly dry coughs (but some I am coughing up clear/green mucus--sorry if that is TMI). I realize these boards are no substitute for my doctor's advice, but they are closed, as is my midwife's office, until Monday. And I am leaving Monday morning for a weeklong business trip. I'm trying to figure out what to do. I do not have a fever, which I know is a big concern in early pregnancy. I am assuming I should just treat this nasty bug with saline rinse, hot water and lemon, hot showers, etc and avoid meds until I can call on Monday. But I'm a little concerned by how crummy I feel (am also dealing with nausea, hot flashes, and cramps on top of everything). WWYD?

[Anonymous]

Take tylenol for the fever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just got a BFP and have a terrible cold. Sinus congestion, sore throat, and mostly dry coughs (but some I am coughing up clear/green mucus--sorry if that is TMI). I realize these boards are no substitute for my doctor's advice, but they are closed, as is my midwife's office, until Monday. And I am leaving Monday morning for a weeklong business trip. I'm trying to figure out what to do. I do not have a fever, which I know is a big concern in early pregnancy. I am assuming I should just treat this nasty bug with saline rinse, hot water and lemon, hot showers, etc and avoid meds until I can call on Monday. But I'm a little concerned by how crummy I feel (am also dealing with nausea, hot flashes, and cramps on top of everything). WWYD?

I'd do exactly what you stated above, not worth it to risk taking meds etc. if not absolutely necessary. Definitely stay away from things like Advil as I read there's a link to a higher risk for miscarriage in early pregnancy. Get lots of rest and drink lots of water. Can you postpone your trip if necessary? Traveling sounds stressful to your no doubt already stressed out immune system and frankly, I'm certain the other passengers on the plane/train/whatever mode of transport you're taking would appreciate you keeping your germs at home. FWIW, I recently got over a horrible cold (worst I've had in years) and it took a solid two weeks before I felt truly functional and better.

[Anonymous]

No NSAIDs like ibuprofen so Tylenol only. Panther wise id take cold medication. There is no placenta and it won't cross to the baby. Better for you to be better and have energy. But il not a doctor. My ob was ok with taking most cold meds to relieve symptoms throughout pregnancy like sudafed etc just not for more than 3 days at a time.

[Anonymous]

Just get rest. There is very little that can be done for a cold anyway. I wouldn't skip the work trip either.

[Anonymous]

One thing to make sure you take is Tylenol if you do develop a fever. Elevated body temps can be dangerous for the fetus.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry OP. Whatever cold virus is going around seems particularly miserable this year. I agree that what you are doing is perfect. And SLEEP as much as you can. Hot fluids like chicken soup, your hot water and lemon, are very helpful. Try to stay hydrated as much as you can, which I know is hard with nausea, etc.

And gargling with warm/hot salt water can help with a cough, and definitely with a sore throat.

Keep an eye on fever for sure. I'd check that every 8 hours or so.

And congrats on your pregnancy!

[Anonymous]

Thanks, this is the OP. I don't have a fever thank goodness. Appreciate all the advice, I will be resting up this weekend. I wish I could skip this trip but I can't.

[Anonymous]

Tylenol is safe in pregnancy. Rest and lots of fluids!

[Anonymous]

Try the Tylenol sinus congestion medication. I've taken it a couple of times. My midwife said any Tylenol products are fine. Sudafed is okay according to her as well.

[Anonymous]

My OB's office said Theraflu (which has tylenol and some decongestants) is fine, as long as you do not take anything else with it. Just Theraflu.

[Anonymous]

My OB recommended the following for a bad cold: Theraflu or Tylenol sinus medication (as PPs suggested as well), lots of rest, lots of fluids (water, juices). So, basically the same thing you would do for a cold when not pregnant but just making sure to avoid NSAIDs. I also took a lot of cough drops for my sore throat/cough and drank throat coat tea, which the OB said was harmless.

[Anonymous]

Tylenol and saline nose spray
Honey for the cough
Warm liquids

[Anonymous]

My OB said I could take guafessin (sp?) so Mucinex (plain) but that's about it.

[Anonymous]

Be careful if you take multi-ingredient cold medicine. Check to make sure each ingredient is safe.

http://www.babycenter.com/0_chart-over-the-counter-medicine-during-pregnancy_1486462.bc