Can You Take Theraflu While Pregnant? Learn from a Mother of 5

Being pregnant can make you feel as if you have zero immunity. Feeling run down before pregnancy you didn’t think twice before taking pills to help ease your cold or get rid of the 3 day headache. Now you’re pregnant things aren’t as easy as popping an over the counter med. As you sit with the snuffles contemplating can you take Theraflu while pregnant?

Clearing the Confusion: Can You Take Theraflu While Pregnant?

Is Theraflu safe while pregnant? Theraflu is a combination medication that you can buy over the counter at your local drugstore. The main ingredients include aspirin and decongestants to help relieve symptoms. Both of which are not suitable for use in pregnancy. If you are struggling with symptoms relating to Influenza you may need something stronger and safer prescribed by your doctor.

That means,

Unless approved by a doctor, Theraflu is not recommended to take while pregnant due to the presence of Phenylephrine, a decongestant that may reduce blood flow through the placenta, making it not suitable for a pregnant woman.

Pregnancy and Flu

Pregnancy unfolds you into wonders and wishes of who your body is creating. The thing is your body is literally making a new life, soon a little person will be making themselves known in your tummy, and with every movement you feel the excitement of who this little person will become is overwhelming.

Of course, with your body being in super pro creation mode your health can take a beating. Expectant moms are known to pick up viruses and more infections as immunity defenses are lowered.

When things like influenza and common colds take hold you may be begging for a solution to help ease your symptoms. With many over the counter medications promising to help ease the burden of blocked sinuses and rid you of the horrid cough, which ones actually work? What is safe for you and your baby? Can pregnant women take Theraflu?

What Is Theraflu And How Does It Work?

Often the question, can you take Theraflu while pregnant crops up, but what does this medicine cabinet staple contain and how does it help Flu symptoms?

Theraflu is an over the counter medication that comes in a variety of forms, from liquid, tablets, or powder it is no wonder this product is popular when it comes to beating the sniffles.

The active ingredients bode a 3 in 1 fight against fever, aches, pains, and sinus issues. The fact lies in whether this medicine is safe for expectant moms and their babies.

The four main active ingredients are Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, and Phenylephrine. Each of these ingredients works to help minimize the congestion and pains caused by the flu.

So, Can I Take Theraflu While Pregnant?

To identify the true safety a closer look at its ingredients is needed.

Acetaminophen – this ingredient is what we know as a topical pain reliever. This is deemed safe to use periodically in pregnancy.

Dextromethorphan – included to help ease a cough this is again safe in pregnancy.

Guaifenesin – this aids chest congestion that helps clear excess mucus that can make breathing harder when fighting a cold. Research suggests that there is no risk in pregnancy yet lack of data cannot prove this for definite.

Phenylephrine – this is the main game player, it’s a decongestant that theories explain it could reduce blood flow through the placenta. This means that this ingredient makes Theraflu not recommended during pregnancy.

It’s important to recognize that each of these medicines doesn’t cure the common cold or flu but it can ease symptoms for many. Unfortunately for those who are pregnant, the presence of Phenylephrine makes Theraflu not advised.

When Can You Drink Theraflu While Pregnant?

Theraflu as a product has a variety of medicines on offer from tablets to powders and liquids many of us may wonder whether the different varieties could be safe enough for use in pregnancy.

Before any medication is taken be it the liquid formula or tablets you must seek advice from your doctor. Web MD suggests that this medication should only be taken as a last resort. The risks would need to be considered compared to the benefits and only with the green light from your doctor could it potentially be used during pregnancy.

Whatever you put into your body from the moment you conceive is now entering your baby’s body so in order to minimize risk and complications it’s recommended that Theraflu stays on the shelf and stick to some alternative therapies.

How Do I Know If I Have The Flu?

Getting the flu can floor even the toughest of people. Experiencing full body aches, congestion, fever, and chills can see you in bed for longer than usual.

Getting the flu is caused by a different virus compared to your normal cold. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the two but differences taken from the CDC are stated below.

Symptoms	COLD	FLU
Symptoms onset	Gradual	Abrupt
Fever	Rare	Usual
Aches	Slight	Usual
Chills	Uncommon	Fairly common
Fatigue, weakness	Sometimes	Usual
Sneezing	Common	Sometimes
Chest discomfort, cough	Mild to moderate	Common
Stuffy nose	Common	Sometimes
Sore throat	Common	Sometimes
Headache	Rare	Common

As you can see many symptoms that coincide with one another are displayed quite differently when suffering from the flu.

Contracting the flu can also lead to more serious health conditions. For pregnant moms in particular your vulnerability of the flu developing into pneumonia is increased. Catching the flu can see you becoming hospitalized.

Can Influenza Harm My Baby?

Influenza can cause complications in the development of your baby. If mom catches the flu there is a risk of the virus being passed to the baby. This increases the risk of your unborn developing a fever in utero which increases the risk of neural tube defects.

The most common side effect of the flu is bronchitis. This is considered a serious chest infection that can lead to Pneumonia.

Catching the flu whilst pregnant can also put you and your baby at risk of the following;

Premature delivery: Influenza can cause premature delivery because the mother’s immune system is working hard to fight the virus, which may lead to early labor. A baby born too early may have underdeveloped organs and face various health challenges.
Low birth weight: The flu can result in low birth weight as the mother’s body is battling the infection, potentially reducing the nutrients and oxygen available to the baby. A baby with low birth weight may face growth and developmental difficulties later in life.
Stillbirth: increases the risk of stillbirth due to the possibility of severe complications such as high fever or infections. These complications can negatively affect the baby’s health and, in some cases, be fatal, leading to the loss of the baby before birth.

This is why many vulnerable people are now offered the flu jab to help fight off the virus before it has a chance to take hold.

Alternative Measures for Theraflu While Pregnant

It’s important to recognize that Theraflu is not a medicine that reduces risks or the length of illness, it acts as a support to your system to help you overcome the discomforts associated with colds and flu.

This may seem unfair for you who are suffering but the risks of taking this medication are not worth putting your baby or yourself through. There are other ways you can help yourself.

Firstly always seek medical advice, your doctor knows your background, your medical history, and of course your pregnancy. It is important to acknowledge any suggestions made by your practitioner so if they are advising you to steer clear from cough and cold mixtures like Theraflu then you could try the following:

Steam it out – a warm bath or steamy shower can help relieve congestion naturally giving you the very much needed breathing space away from the mucus buildup.

Fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint (make sure to check with your doctor first). Then, lean over the bowl with a towel draped over your head to trap the steam.

Take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth for about 10 minutes. The warm, moist air can help break up mucus and ease breathing.

Warm drinks – ginger, honey, or lemon-infused teas can soothe a sore throat from coughing.

Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and honey can help soothe a sore throat. Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which can boost your immune system. Mixing these ingredients together in warm water or tea can create a soothing drink that may help alleviate cold and flu symptoms.

Hydration – fluids are great at flushing your system so keep on top of your water levels. When you’re sick, your body loses fluids through sweating, coughing, and blowing your nose.

Drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, or clear broths can help replace those fluids and prevent dehydration. Staying hydrated also helps thin out mucus and makes it easier to get rid of. Additionally, some studies suggest that staying well-hydrated may help reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms.

Rest – this is probably the hardest one to come by especially if you have other children. Taking breaks or resting is essential your body needs time to recuperate so working through or being a power horse at this point will drive you further into the ground.

Prevention is Best

As with anything in pregnancy, preventing illness is always the best outcome rather than cure. Most women are advised to take the flu shot as a preventative measure to help their body fight off any flu like virus it comes into contact with.

If the flu shot is not for you then keeping the traditional measures in play will obviously help.

Washing hands: Simple but effective way to prevent the spread of germs. Regularly washing your hands with soap and water can help eliminate viruses and bacteria that may be on your skin. Make sure to lather up for at least 20 seconds and scrub thoroughly between fingers and under nails. By practicing good hand hygiene, you can reduce your risk of catching a cold or flu.

Avoid anyone with a cold/flu: When someone has a cold or flu, they can easily pass it on to others through coughing and sneezing. If possible, try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Minimize touching your face: Our hands come into contact with countless surfaces throughout the day, many of which may be contaminated with germs. Touching your face with unwashed hands can introduce these germs into your body, potentially leading to illness.
Avoid overly populated gatherings (especially during the flu season): Large crowds provide the perfect breeding ground for illnesses to spread. During flu season, it’s wise to avoid big events or gatherings where many people are in close proximity.

Theraflu & Pregnancy FAQs

Are there any Theraflu alternatives that are safe for pregnant women?

There may be alternative medications that are safer for pregnant women, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever or pain relief, and certain cough suppressants like dextromethorphan.

However, always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medications during pregnancy to ensure their safety for you and your baby.

How can I boost my immune system during pregnancy to avoid getting sick?

To boost your immune system during pregnancy, make sure to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Additionally, get regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, practice good hygiene, and get enough sleep.

Prenatal vitamins can also provide essential nutrients to support your immune system.

Are there any natural remedies that I can try for flu symptoms during pregnancy?

Some natural remedies for flu symptoms during pregnancy include using a saline nasal spray to relieve congestion, using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, and gargling with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat.

However, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new remedies during pregnancy.

Can I use Theraflu for cold symptoms during pregnancy, or is it only unsafe for flu symptoms?

Theraflu is not recommended during pregnancy, whether for cold or flu symptoms, due to the presence of Phenylephrine, which may reduce blood flow through the placenta.

Is it safe to take the flu vaccine during pregnancy?

Yes, the flu vaccine is considered safe for pregnant women and is recommended by healthcare professionals. The vaccine can help protect both you and your baby from the flu and its potential complications.

Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before getting vaccinated.

Wrapping Up

So, can you take Theraflu while pregnant? Theraflu is a great way to help relieve symptoms of flu and colds but understanding the safety precautions while being pregnant can be an understatement.

We know that some of the active ingredients can pose a significant risk to your baby so whilst it’s helping you breathe easy you may still feel rotten at the prospect of it doing more harm than good.

Pain relievers like Tylenol are okay to use to help with the aches and pains but remember to follow dosage requirements and less is more whilst pregnant. The use of lemon and honey can work wonders in soothing your throat too.

Pregnancy is hard enough with nausea, ligament pains, and sickness so the last thing you will want is to add flu symptoms to your list of ailments.

Remember prevention is better than cure so getting the flu shot could be your best chance of keeping it at bay. Also keeping up with frequent hand washing and avoiding contact with the illness is the best outcome.

If you feel extremely unwell at any moment in your pregnancy seek medical advice. You know your body best and whilst pregnant you are your baby’s guard.