Being sick is never fun, but being sick while pregnant can leave a mom-to-be downright miserable – and worried.

Dr. Diana Lev, a Family Medicine and women’s health physician  with Dignity Health Medical Group – Northridge, and Dr. Patricia Lanter, an OB/GYN with Dignity Health Medical Group in Oxnard, offer some advice for pregnant women coping with a common cold.

Can having a cold while pregnant harm the baby?

Dr. Lanter: Common cold viruses will not affect your baby during pregnancy, but it is important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor will want to make sure there are no signs of a potentially more serious infection, such as rubella or parvovirus.

Dr. Lev: You should also check in with your doctor if you become sick after traveling abroad. In general, however, colds do not pose a risk to your baby. They are just annoying to poor Mom!

Can coughing while pregnant hurt the baby?

Dr. Lev: While routine colds and mild coughing while pregnant will not hurt your baby, more severe coughing, from pneumonia for example, could exacerbate labor in people who are already at risk of preterm labor. If your coughing is severe, talk to your doctor.

Dr. Lanter: Coughing may also cause you to experience mild to moderate abdominal discomfort due to the stretching of your abdominal wall and possibly some pulling on your round ligaments (the support structures on each side of your uterus that extend into your groin area). This doesn’t cause any physical harm to you or your baby.

What is the best home remedy for a sore throat during pregnancy?

Dr. Lev: Gargling with salt water is safe and can help decrease the swelling in your throat. Drinking tea with honey may also relieve some discomfort. If you need pain relief, Tylenol is safe during pregnancy.

Dr. Lanter: If you need to treat a fever or a productive cough, talk to your doctor about the best and safest remedy.

Is honey safe during pregnancy?

Dr. Lanter: Yes, you can consume honey during pregnancy. It will not have any negative impact on your baby. Infants under one year of age should not be given honey due to the risk of exposure to botulism spores, but that is not a concern for older children or adults, including pregnant women.

Dr. Lev: Honey in tea or even in warm water can be a great remedy for throat pain or a mild cough.

To schedule a virtual visit with Dr. Lanter, call 805-666-3246

To schedule a virtual visit with Dr. Lev, call 747-755-6139