What should I do if I catch a cold during pregnancy?

Written by Zhang Yin Xing
Obstetrics
Updated on April 26, 2025
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During pregnancy, if a cold occurs, it should be analyzed based on the duration and type of the cold. Colds are generally categorized into common colds and influenza. Common colds are self-limiting, and typically heal on their own within 7 to 14 days without the need for medication.

Influenza can be accompanied by high fever, and severe cases can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, thus requiring early detection and treatment. If the cold occurs within two weeks after ovulation and does not lead to miscarriage, the pregnancy can usually continue, and there will generally be no long-term impact on fetal development. However, if a cold occurs between the first to third month of pregnancy, during the period of fetal organ differentiation, it might lead to abnormal fetal development. Additional examinations would be necessary during the mid-term of the pregnancy. Colds that occur after the third month of pregnancy typically have a minor impact on the fetus, and usually do not require special treatment.

Other Voices

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Can you drink alcohol when you have a cold and a stuffy nose?

A cold, also known as an upper respiratory tract infection, causes patients to experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing due to the congestion and swelling of the nasal mucous membrane from viral or bacterial infection. Some patients may also experience fever and coughing. Therefore, for patients with upper respiratory tract infections, it is not advisable to consume alcohol. Alcohol, which is spicy and stimulating, could worsen cold symptoms. Alcohol promotes blood circulation and can exacerbate congestion and swelling of the nasal and pharyngeal mucous membranes. Consequently, drinking alcohol can intensify symptoms like nasal congestion. Thus, it is not recommended to drink alcohol when experiencing nasal congestion during a cold.

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Quick remedy for children's cold and nasal congestion

Children experiencing nasal congestion due to a cold is mainly because of the congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa, coupled with an increase in nasal secretions, which leads to the blockage. There isn't a specific effective treatment for children's nasal congestion like there is for adults in the ENT field, which uses medications that quickly shrink the nasal mucosa. These medications can have significant side effects for children, potentially affecting the nasal blood vessels and the normal state of the nasal mucosa. Therefore, if a child is experiencing nasal congestion, it is recommended to visit a hospital where the doctor can provide specific treatment according to the child's condition. Parents should not use adult decongestants on their children without professional advice.

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Why drink more hot water when you have a cold?

A cold, also known as an upper respiratory tract infection, commonly occurs in patients due to a decrease in immune function, exposure to cold, or being infected by other viral colds. Typical symptoms in these patients include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and may also include an itchy throat and cough. For cold patients with strong resistance to viral infections, medication may not even be necessary as the cold can completely heal on its own. It is advised that these patients drink more hot water, which can help not only by providing hydration but also can serve to reduce fever in patients with mild fevers. Drinking more water can improve symptoms like nasal congestion and also accelerate the recovery from a cold, as increased water intake boosts metabolism. Therefore, for patients with lowered immune function and viral infections, it is recommended to drink an adequate amount of hot water.

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How to care for a baby with a cold in the summer

If a baby catches a cold in the summer, it is essential to take care of them by avoiding cross-infection. Additionally, pay attention to how the baby is dressed. If someone in the house has a cold, they should minimize contact with the baby and avoid sneezing, coughing, or kissing the baby to prevent cross-infection. Dressing the baby should be moderate during a summer cold; it's not about wearing more layers. The clothing should make sure the baby’s neck or chest and abdomen are warm without causing sweating. Keep the baby away from crowded places and, if possible, have them stay at home. If air conditioning is used, ensure to ventilate the room by opening windows 1-2 times a day, and keep the baby away from direct drafts. If the baby experiences nasal congestion or tends to choke while feeding due to the cold, it is crucial to avoid lying them down flat immediately after feeding. Instead, hold the baby upright or slightly elevate their head to prevent choking and worsening of the condition.

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Can you drink alcohol when you have a cold?

A cold, also commonly referred to as an upper respiratory tract infection, can be classified based on the type of infecting virus into common cold and influenza. Regardless of the type, patients typically experience various symptoms following the virus infection such as fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, and an itchy throat. For patients exhibiting these symptoms, it is generally recommended in clinical practice to drink plenty of water and avoid overly greasy foods. Certainly, consumption of alcohol and spicy foods like chili peppers should be avoided. Similarly, it is advised not to consume cold-natured foods during a cold, hence drinking alcohol is discouraged while sick.