Pregnancy is a journey full of joy, excitement, and sometimes confusion. Being a first-time mother is not easy, and you get confused about little things like what medication you can take for a cold or fever safely.
One of the most common medications used in the United States for fever is Theraflu. You may have been taking Theraflu normally for fever in the past, but now you are pregnant and may wonder if you can take Theraflu while pregnant. If you’re diagnosed with the flu, and this question is circulating in your mind, this article will help you to sort out this query.
Can You Take Theraflu While Pregnant?
A pregnant woman is at more risk of flu than one who is not pregnant. Pregnancy suppresses the immune system, and this suppression can increase the risk of infections. It is also more common among pregnant mothers who are not vaccinated against the flu.
Catching the flu during pregnancy can affect your baby’s growth. Because of this reason, you might want to take Theraflu, but you need clarification and thinking, what if it causes more harm than benefits? If that’s the case, then let’s take a deep look at the Theraflu ingredients and if it is safe for you or
How Theraflu Helps With The Flu?
Theraflu is an over-the-counter medication that helps fight cold and flu symptoms. It is available in different forms, including liquid powders and capsules. The active ingredients of Theraflu are
- Acetaminophen
- Phenylephrine
- Dextromethorphan
It is a three-in-one drug with three ingredients: pain reliever, nasal decongestants, and fever reducers.
Is Theraflu Safe While Pregnant?
Theraflu is available in different forms, and each type of Theraflu has different compositions, excluding a few same ingredients. So we can’t answer whether it is safe for you, and your gynecologist will tell you better about this.
According to the FDA, each Theraflu contains an ingredient included in category c, which means on animal testing, this ingredient can potentially harm developing fetuses.
You can take a category C drug, but it’s risky and may harm your growing fetus.
Theraflu While Pregnant In The First Trimester
The first trimester is one of the most sensitive trimesters during pregnancy, and any negligence in this trimester can result in miscarriage. Acetaminophen and Dextromethorphan are safe during pregnancy, but phenylephrine is not recommended. It can cause high blood pressure and reduce the blood supply to the fetus if taken in the first trimester, so it is strictly prohibited during the first trimester.
Theraflu While Pregnant In The Second Trimester
The second trimester is generally considered one of the safe trimesters of pregnancy. You can go for different treatments in this trimester, which are generally prohibited in the first or third trimester. You can take Theraflu during this trimester but only once or twice, and it is best to consult your gynecologist first.
Theraflu While Pregnant In The Third Trimester
Taking Theraflu during the third trimester is also unsafe because the baby grows actively, and all the organs are developed. Taking Theraflu may result in a spike in blood pressure if you already have gestational blood pressure. High blood pressure can adversely affect your baby and result in preterm birth.
Medications You Can Take For Fever During Pregnancy?
According to the American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, avoiding medication during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is advised. However, after 12 weeks of pregnancy, you can take the following medications.
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
It is safe during pregnancy, but avoid it if you are allergic to it or have liver disease.
- Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
It is safe during the second and third trimesters but not during the first trimester. Also, avoid it if you have gestational blood pressure.
- Chlorpheniramine
It is completely safe during pregnancy but not safe while breastfeeding.
In addition to these medications, you can also try using
- Topical menthol
- Nasal strips or rubs such as Vicks
- Lozenges
- Cough syrups
If you also suffer from morning sickness, vomiting, and fever and want to know if Pedialyte is safe for you and your baby, then you may want to read this guide: Can You Drink Pedialyte While Pregnant?
Natural Remedies To Cure Flu In Pregnancy
If you are pregnant and during the first trimester catches flu, you may want to avoid all medications. In this case, you can try some home remedies, such as:
- Using sugar or honey-based lozenges
- Increase fluid consumption and take decaffeinated hot drinks
- Take rest
- Use warm salt water
- Using a facial steamer, hot mist, or taking a hot shower to ease congestion
Precautions To Avoid Flu During Pregnancy
Taking care of yourself is always better than taking medications and going for medical treatments. Following just a few instructions can decrease your risk of getting infected with influenza.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Do not touch your face and eyes without any reason.
- Get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet.
- Avoid close contact with your family or friends, and don’t go to crowded places during the influenza season.
- Take less stress.
- Clean your work and home surfaces with disinfectants.
- Take flu shot
FAQs
What Is The Best Time To Take Theraflu During Pregnancy?
As a pregnant mother, you may be well aware of the fact that some things which are not safe in the first trimester may be safe in the second trimester, so let’s discuss in which trimester it is safer to take Theraflu.
Can Catching The Flu Harm The Baby During Pregnancy?
Catching the flu during pregnancy can affect your baby’s normal development. If fever is not treated on time, it can result in neural tube defects, preterm birth, and other complications during pregnancy.
Can I take Theraflu while breastfeeding?
You can take Theraflu during breastfeeding because the Theraflu doesn’t pass through your milk to the baby. Theraflu is completely safe while breastfeeding but can decrease your milk supply because it contains a decongestant.
Can Tamiflu considered safe for pregnant women?
Tamiflu Is classified as a category C pregnancy drug which means that it is not a recommended option, and the benefits of therapy can outweigh the risk. Pregnant women can only take these drugs when prescribed by their gynecologist; otherwise, it is never advised to take them.
Can influenza cause miscarriage?
Yes, influenza can be extremely dangerous during the first trimester of pregnancy and can result in miscarriage In late pregnancy. In the third trimester, the influenza virus, If not treated on time, can lead to stillbirth.
Conclusion
One of the most common over-the-counter drugs for flu in the United States of America is Theraflu. So it is natural that most people immediately take it when feeling cold and flu symptoms to avoid heavy medical bills later.
Because of the excessive use of Theraflu for fever, many pregnant mothers may ask: can you take Theraflu for pregnancy? You can take it, but only if your gynecologist advises you. If you want to know more about Theraflu and pregnancy, read this article thoroughly.
