What to know about a common cold while pregnant

Pregnancy can make you more aware of nasal blockage, tiredness and breathlessness, so a cold may feel especially uncomfortable. Typical symptoms include a sore throat, sneezing, cough and a blocked or runny nose. A cold virus does not automatically mean there is a problem with the pregnancy, but symptoms that are severe, unusual or changing need individual assessment.

Not every pharmacy product is suitable in pregnancy. Combination cold remedies may contain several ingredients, and herbal products are not automatically safe. The right choice depends on the stage of pregnancy, your symptoms and your medical history.

Rest, drink fluids and try warm drinks or saline nasal measures for comfort. Check with your midwife, obstetric team, doctor or pharmacist before using painkillers, decongestants, cough medicines or supplements. Follow label directions and avoid taking more than one product with the same ingredient. Gentle hand hygiene and ventilation can help limit spread at home.

Contact your maternity team or a clinician promptly for difficulty breathing, chest pain, inability to keep fluids down, signs of dehydration, a high or persistent temperature, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening. Seek urgent help for severe breathing trouble, fainting, confusion or any pregnancy emergency symptom such as vaginal bleeding or markedly reduced fetal movement.

Which symptom treatments are appropriate for me? Could my symptoms be influenza or another infection? Which pregnancy warning signs should prompt an urgent call?