Sick and Pregnant: Safe Cold and Flu Remedies

With cold and flu season upon us, we’re all taking precautions. Vitamin C, soup, supplements...anything we can do to avoid catching the nasties floating around.

When you’re pregnant, your immune system is actually slightly lowered. Pregnancy also doesn’t allow for most common remedies. What’s an expectant person to do if they catch the dreaded bug? We’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves to help ease the struggle of being sick and get you back to normal.

While the old adage is to drink Orange Juice or pop some Vitamin C, Zinc is actually the supplement you want. It’s been clinically proven effective at shortening the length of colds. Ideally it should be taken within 24 hours of the onset of cold symptoms. Options include capsules and even kind of delicious lozenges and it’s completely safe for pregnancy. Some foods rich in Zinc are lamb or beef, Yogurt, and Dark Chocolate. So the next time you get a craving, grab some dark chocolate and tell yourself it’s for your immune system.

 If you find yourself with a cough, the best recommendation (even from doctors) is honey. Dark honey is generally regarded as best but any honey will do. If you’re looking for some soothing for a sore throat, add some honey and lemon into some hot water. For a kick of flavor and a natural antibiotic add a slice of ginger root as well. Kick up your feet, turn on a movie, and enjoy some honey and lemon tea. You deserve it.

When it comes to medication, some of them are actually considered low-risk for pregnancy. Generally speaking, it’s recommended to avoid all medication if possible before 12 weeks of pregnancy and caution is advised after week 28. Common ones that are generally regarded as safe are Acetaminophen (for aches and pains), plain cough syrup (not multi-symptom ones), and cough drops. It’s very, very important to check with your doctor before taking any medication.

Hot Tip: Download the app MommyMeds for a quick reference of meds you can take that are GRAS (Generally regarded as safe) for both pregnancy and for breastfeeding.

We’re hoping you stay healthy this season but should you find yourself with the dreaded cough or flu, never fear! There is hope!

Coping with Prodromal Labor

Early labor, Active Labor and Transition make up the three stages of labor.

While most mothers go through all three phases of labor, there is a possible fourth phase known as prodromal labor. This phase is one that is rarely spoken about, but commonly experienced by first time mothers.

Prodromal labor certainly deserves attention.

Although prodromal labor is totally normal, pregnant mothers who experience this do not always think so. Prodromal labor (AKA False Labor) is an elongated period of time that can last days of hard labor type contractions and discomfort but doesn't progress into a "normal labor pattern". Prodromal labor can be very intense, however, your uterus is NOT broken and medical intervention is NOT the only way out.

Actually, what prodromal labor absolutely means is that you’re nearing the end of pregnancy you’re your baby will soon be in your arms.

While you may not find many articles on this topic, the new mom blogs, the community boards are flooded with experiences. All of them say the same thing. Make rest, hydration, and nourishment your number one priority; add a little patience and you will get through this.  I Promise!

The prodromal phase can typically last anywhere from 24-72 hours.

Yes, this early phase of labor is considered to be extremely uncomfortable, and may even become painful but the intensity usually wavers throughout the day. This phase of labor starts with regular elongated contractions. These contractions usually do not progress, become stronger, or closer together for some time.

Mothers who have previously had a baby may only experience prodromal labor during the night.

Rest is your key to getting through this. Endurance may seem impossible because these contractions are STRONG and consistent, which is quite disruptive to rest. Your doula will have some incredible comfort measures and supportive suggestions for you to get power through.

Truth is, the only way to end prodromal labor is to move on to the next phase… delivering your baby.

Partner Anxiety. How A Doula Can Help

Through sickness and health…

This statement doesn’t always include the delivery room. Labor can bring about major feels for your partner.  While they are not the one birthing, we cannot discount that this experience is complex and emotionally driven. The atmosphere may be extremely difficult to navigate and may cause your partner anxiety.

While we have chosen our partner to support us throughout our life, they may not be well equipped to be our “rock” during labor.

Our expectations of them alone, may be enough to send them into a tail spin.

Remaining objective and focused may become impossible for your partner being that they are so emotionally involved. Anxiety can show itself in many ways with the partner. Some partners mentally check out, some faint at the first sight of “fluid”, while others go into control mode making it near impossible for the clinical staff to do their job.

So, if the possibility of panic is more of a probability, add a Labor Doula to your birth team. Anxiety is a major enemy of labor and can be highly contagious. The presence of an anxious partner may spike the creation of adrenaline in the birthing partner, shutting down the labor process or elongating it. A calm and nurturing environment is the ultimate goal for the delivery room.

A doula will never replace the loving attention of your soulmate, they can actually guarantee it, increasing the flow of oxytocin and reducing unwanted partner anxiety.

Labor doulas provide support to both partners, not just mothers. The doula tends to everyone's needs of rest, hydration and education. That way the couple can maintain focus on each other, assuring that they stay attuned to one another.

Just knowing that the birthing partner is being emotionally, and physically supported will lessen stress and absolve partner anxiety.

Thinking of adding a doula to your support team? We find having a doula can help reduce partner anxiety and promote a more calm and nurturing birthing environment. Contact Uptown Doula for your free consultation.