Sniffles While Pregnant or Nursing? Your Quick Meds Guide is Here!

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Sniffles While Pregnant or Nursing? Your Quick Meds Guide is Here!

By Alpro Pharmacy

April 10, 2025

I Caught a Cold During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding—Can I Still Take Care of My Baby?

A sudden cold threw her into a spiral of anxiety.

At 3 a.m., Xinyi held her crying baby in her arms, her throat burning and nose running. She had just finished her confinement period, and her milk supply had finally stabilized. This unexpected cold disrupted everything.

“Can I take cold medicine? Will it affect my breast milk? Will I pass the virus to my baby?” she anxiously searched online, only to find conflicting answers.

If you’re like Xinyi—catching a cold during pregnancy or breastfeeding—this article will guide you through: safe medication, natural remedies, how to tell the difference between a cold and the flu, and the potential risks of ignoring symptoms.

Cold vs. Flu: They’re Not the Same Illness

Although many people treat “cold” and “flu” as the same, they are caused by different viruses.

Pregnant women are at a higher risk of flu complications, which can lead to pneumonia, premature birth, or fetal growth problems (ACOG, 2022).

Can I Take Cold Medicine During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?

Not all medicines are off-limits, but it’s important to choose the right ingredients, take them as needed, and only for a short period.

✅ Safe Options (Still consult your pharmacist or doctor before use):

6 Gentle and Effective Natural Remedies for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Serious Flu Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you are pregnant or recently gave birth, watch out for these high-risk warning signs:

Persistent high fever >38.5°C for more than 48 hours
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Cough with bloody mucus or severe chest pain
Decreased fetal movement (during pregnancy)
Baby refuses to nurse or is unusually sleepy (risk of flu transmission during breastfeeding)

These may indicate the virus has spread to the lungs or other systems. According to the CDC, pregnant women are 6 times more likely to be hospitalized due to flu (CDC, 2021).

A Gentle Reminder

Many pregnant or breastfeeding moms fear “medicine,” but the real question is not whether to take it, but how to take it safely. Under professional guidance, many medications are actually safe to use. Rather than suffering in silence until things get worse, it’s better to treat symptoms early.

Here’s what you can do:

Monitor and evaluate symptoms as soon as they appear (fever, aches, etc.)
Consult your pharmacist or doctor for medication advice
Use natural methods as supportive care—not as a substitute for treatment
Avoid self-medicating with over-the-counter mixed cold formulas or traditional herbal brews
Eat well, stay hydrated—prevention is better than cure

Come join MamaBe Expert Group for more intimate information!

If you need personalized advice for cold medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding, feel free to bring your symptoms or medications to Alpro Pharmacy. Our team is ready to guide you.

References (APA Format):

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2022). Influenza in Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org
Hale, T. (2023). Medications and Mothers’ Milk. Springer Publishing.
Paul, I. M., et al. (2021). Effect of honey on nocturnal cough and sleep quality. Pediatrics, 130(2), 465–471.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Seasonal Influenza in Pregnant Women. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/pregnant.htm