Pregnant women should be on-guard with cold and flu season upon us. Studies show that the immune system of pregnant women weakens and makes an expecting mother susceptible to various infections. Cleveland Clinic Ob/Gyn Dr. Jeff Chapa says "watchful waiting" may not be an option if you're pregnant and think you may be coming down with something.
"If pregnant women develop flu-like symptoms and they haven't gotten vaccinated, it's important for them to monitor their symptoms very closely and if they're not getting better within a couple of days I think it's important for them to go in and see their doctor," Chapa said.
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The Centers for Disease Control reminds us that flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than women who are not pregnant. Flu symptoms can resemble those of the common cold. They include fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose.
But the flu is different from a cold because it usually comes on suddenly. Chapa says if your symptoms don't develop suddenly and you think it's a cold, over the counter medications are fine to take.
"Medications that provide symptomatic relief: decongestants, things like that are fine to take in pregnancy," explained Chapa.
He says the same rules apply to any stomach virus a pregnant woman may contract this time of the year. You should call your doctor's office to let them know you're sick, drink plenty of fluids, and get plenty of rest.