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All About Women

A patient-centered practice for all stages of a woman's life

Gainesville, FL (352) 331-3332
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111

Lake City, FL (386) 754-1744
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102

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Blog / Pregnancy & Prenatal Care / Feeling a Cold Coming On? Pregnancy and Your Immune System

Feeling a Cold Coming On? Pregnancy and Your Immune System

August 24, 2015 By Site Admin

pregnant-woman-blowing-her-nose

Being sick is no fun, but especially when you’re pregnant. During pregnancy, your immune system is suppressed and runs at a “lower speed” than normal.

While a suppressed immune system doesn’t seem like a good thing, it actually helps the baby to survive in your uterus. The fetus is like a foreign object that your body could have a semi-allergic reaction to if your immune system was running at full speed. Your body lowers its defenses during pregnancy so that it doesn’t assault the baby as a foreign object inside you. Pretty amazing, right?

The downside is that a suppressed immune system makes you more vulnerable to the all-too-common cold and flu. While your baby is doing just fine, colds are definitely annoying to you with a runny nose, sore throat and wrenching cough, and the flu hits hard with aches and chills.

Since over-the-counter drugs for colds and flus are not generally recommended for pregnant women unless they have been specifically cleared by your pregnancy care doctor, here are some natural things that you can do to relieve symptoms when you get sick during pregnancy:

  • Eat and Drink. It’s important you stay healthy and hydrated during pregnancy, but even more so when you are feeling unwell. Fruits and vegetables will supply your body with the right nutrients to heal and recover. (Continue learning what and what not to eat when pregnant…)
    Also drink water for sure, but orange juice and clear, decaffeinated liquids like teas or soup broths also have great nutritional benefits.
  • Prenatal Vitamins. A natural way to get the vitamins you need is through the food you eat. You can find vitamin C in most fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, and other enjoyable foods. You doctor may also recommend that you take prenatal vitamins daily via a capsule.
  • Rest. Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Your body is working hard to grow another human being and fight off any viruses and bacteria trying to harm you. That’s a lot of work, so make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep.
  • Saline Gargles and Sprays. Gargling with a warm saltwater solution can help to relieve pain and soreness in your throat. Try 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water. A saline nasal spray can help to moisten and relieve some of the nasal pressure from a cold as well, but avoid medicated sprays, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Nasal strips can help to open your passages and get a peaceful night’s rest.
  • Humidifier. Dry air can be painful and uncomfortable to enflamed sinus cavities when you have a cold, so invest in a humidifier to keep the air warm and moist around you.

If your symptoms persist for more than a few days, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your condition.

Are you in search of compassionate care professionals in the Gainesville or Lake City area? All About Women is here to help in any way we can. Make an appointment at one of our offices or visit our online blog and knowledge center for more information about your pregnancy.

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Filed Under: Pregnancy & Prenatal Care Tagged With: nutrition, pregnancy care, prenatal care, preventative care

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Contact Us With Any Questions

All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Gainesville

Gainesville
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 331-3332


All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Lake Cit

Lake City
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 754-1744


 

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Gainesville and Lake City OB/GYN Care
OB/GYN doctors at All About Women, Obstetrics & Gynecology offer personalized, technologically advanced obstetrics and gynecology services from Board Certified OB/GYB physicians. Besides expert women's healthcare, permanent birth control and prenatal care, OB/GYN doctors also offers advanced hysterectomy surgery in and around the Gainesville area.


Women's Health Care in Alachua & Columbia Counties
With offices in Gainesville and Lake City, Florida, All About Women, M.D. provides expert OB/GYN services covering the entire range of women's healthcare needs. Our OB/GYN physicians and nurse midwives provide expert care during pregnancy as well as state of the art in-office treatments for gynecologic disorders including Novasure endometrial ablation to treat/stop heavy menstrual bleeding.


Personalized & Expert Prenatal Care
Gainesville obstetricians at All About Women, M.D. help ensure pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible by offering the best prenatal care available. And for those having difficulty getting pregnant, AAW obstetricians and gynecologists offer couples the best infertility help and treatment available.


Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery: daVinci Surgical System
Clinic founder Dr. Anthony Agrios, Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist also specializes in the daVinci Robotic surgery system, a minimally invasive option commonly used for a hysterectomy and other procedures. Instead of creating several small incisions like traditional surgical methods, OB/GYN surgeons simply open one incision with the daVinci system to complete the procedure. Not only do patients experience less pain and blood loss, they recover and get back to normal much faster.


Pregnancy & Prenatal Care: Creative Pregnancy Announcement : Fruits for Pregnant Women

OB/GYN Tips: Choosing an OB/GYN : Robotic Hysterectomy

Infertility & Reproduction Health: Infertility Treatment : Permanent Birth Control

Women's Health: Preventive Care : Well Women Care : Mammogram Screenings : Abnormal Periods

Gainesville Maternity Care

 

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