Be well: Coping with a cold

Find yourself sniffling more now that you’re toting a bump? Try these tips for avoiding and curing colds during pregnancy.
Prevent it
It’s better to dodge a cold than have to suffer from one. Avoid allergens like smoke, pollen and dust mites, get plenty of physical exercise, and practice good nasal hygiene using a natural Dead Sea salt nasal spray or nasal wash, which can reduce swelling and congestion.
Treat it
If you do get sick, steer clear of nasal steroids and over-the-counter nasal decongestants since they can cause more severe rebound congestion or compete nasal blockage. Instead, opt for a natural nasal saline spray, made with Dead Sea salts, which contain anti-inflammatory minerals like magnesium and potassium to lessen nasal swelling.
Don’t sweat it
To lower a fever sans medicine, lie down on the couch with a cool damp washcloth on your forehead or take a lukewarm tub or sponge bath. Keep hydrated with cold water so your body can cool itself rom the inside out, and stay indoors with a fan set on low to circulate the air around you.
The safe list
Many meds are off-limits when carrying baby, but there are a few approved remedies you can take when you’re feeling under the weather.

• When allergies flare, use Claritin (loratadine) and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for relief. Tylenol (acetaminophen) alleviates mild to moderate pains.
• For colds, try Tylenol Cold (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine) or over-the-counter cough drops to ease symptoms.

Many thanks to Steven Lamm, MD, clinical assistant professor of medicine at the NYU Lagone Medical Center at New York University School of Medicine for sharing his expertise.