Getting Sick During Pregnancy

by Liz Pickett | More from this Blogger

03 Apr 2006 10:17 AM

If you are pregnant, you are usually very careful to stay healthy. You eat right and exercise. You may even be taking copious amounts of vitamins and supplements. These things are all great to do during your pregnancy. Unfortunately, these are all as useful as a boat without a paddle if you are facing a virus or a viral infection. There is no treatment for a virus. The only thing that you can do is to treat the symptoms with decongestants and cold medicine that may contain ingredients that cannot be taken during your pregnancy. The good news is, you can take measures to avoid coming in contact with these pesty little viruses. Prevention is your only line of defense against them.

There are certain obvious places in which you may have a greater risk in coming into contact with viruses. If you have other children, then you are aware of the viruses that get passed around from child to child at school. You may even have gotten them from your child yourself. In order to avoid picking up a virus from your child, make sure to wash your hands frequently. Always make sure that your child covers her mouth when coughing or sneezing.

There are plenty of foods that are rich in antioxidants and boost your immune system. Any dark green, leafy vegetables, such as kale, will help in that regard. They also have lots of folic acid which you need anyway. Also, citrus fruits like oranges contain vitamin C. Vitamin C can give your body a little immunity boost. Green tea, blueberries, and red grapes also contain antioxidants.

If you believe that you have a virus during pregnancy, check with your health care provider to find out what over-the-counter medications are safe to take. There are plenty of vaporizers and eucalyptus chest rubs that may open up your nasal passages and relieve some of your congestion. Always remember to weigh the risks and the benefits before self medicating. Ask yourself if you could put off for a few hours taking a decongestant. Don't beat yourself up if you develop a fever and need to take some Tylenol either. Your care provider will make it very clear what medications are dangerous to your baby.

Learn more about Liz Pickett

Liz is a professional labor support and postpartum doula. She is co-founder of Gentle Care Doula Service. As the mother of four children, Liz is an advocate of the style of attachment parenting.

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