Did you know that when a woman is pregnant, her immune system undergoes fluctuations in response to changing fetal demands, usually making her more susceptible to getting sick? Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with countless pregnant women, many of whom sought relief from the common cold.
Today we want to share our tried and true practical and safe methods for treating your cold symptoms. Our advice comes from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective but also from 20 years of hands-on experience in working with pregnant moms or future Mamas wanting to get pregnant. It’s never too early to incorporate healthy practices to ensure a healthy future pregnancy!
Common Symptoms In Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a beautiful experience, but it can also bring unique challenges, particularly when faced with something as common as a cold. Even though a baby in utero will most likely not be affected by the virus, many conventional cold medicines would not be suitable to take because they can potentially harm the fetus, especially in the first trimester. Also, oftentimes they just don’t work.
Fortunately, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we have a time-honored, holistic approach to support your health (and your baby’s health) safely and effectively during this critical period.
Here are a few symptoms we’ve noticed in pregnant individuals when they get sick with the common cold. Have you ever experienced any of these?? Let us know in the comments.
- Prolonged Cold Symptoms: Pregnant women can hold onto a cold for a longer period of time. Whether you’re dealing with a persistent cough, nasal congestion, or general fatigue, our approach provides a range of gentle and effective strategies to help you feel better without compromising your health or that of your baby.
- More Severe Congestion: If you’re pregnant and feel more congested than before, this is NOT your imagination. Pregnant women do tend to get more congested when they are sick so not only do their symptoms last longer, they tend to come on stronger, as well… oye! When a baby grows inside a mother’s womb, it shifts her energy meridian flow and causes a blockage, or at least forces Mama’s body to find a new flow. This can cause a backup in the rest of Mama’s energy channels, including those connected to respiration and breathing. Also, many of the mother’s resources are focused on growing a healthy baby so not as much energy is available to fight the cold.
- Increased Heartburn: Pressure from the growing fetus, along with hormonal changes, can induce heartburn in up to 80% of women who are pregnant. Symptoms typically occur after eating spicy or fatty foods or lying down. But coughing can bring on these symptoms too.
Unlike approaches that focus solely on symptom relief, our reliable methods aim to address the root causes of illness while supporting your body’s natural ability to heal. Our emphasis on individualized care makes TCM an excellent choice for those navigating the complexities of pregnancy and preconception health.
Now, before diving into the methods, it’s important to have a general understanding of how TCM views the common cold. Let’s look at that now.
Understanding Colds in TCM
With a history spanning thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers more than just a collection of remedies—it’s a comprehensive system designed to restore balance and harmony in the body.
Colds are typically viewed as an external invasion of pathogenic factors, often categorized as either Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat. These terms simply describe the nature of the imbalance causing the symptoms.
Although these are generalizations, a Wind-Cold invasion might present as chills, a runny nose with clear mucus, and body aches, while a Wind-Heat invasion might cause fever, a sore throat, and yellow mucus.
TCM always focuses on your overall state of balance. Factors like your constitution, energy levels, and even the environment you’re in can influence how a cold manifests and how it should be treated. This personalized approach is especially important during pregnancy or when trying to conceive, as our goal is to strengthen your body without causing harm.
Early intervention is key. Catching a cold early allows for milder treatments to be more effective. By addressing the cold at its onset, we can prevent it from settling deeper into the body or lingering longer than necessary. This is especially helpful for pregnant individuals, who may experience prolonged congestion or slower recovery due to hormonal changes.
Ok, now that you got the basics down, let’s get into the methods!
1. Gentle Acupressure
Acupressure is a safe and effective way to alleviate cold symptoms during pregnancy. By applying gentle pressure to specific acupuncture points, you can support your body’s healing process without the need for medications.
Here are some key points we recommend:
LU7 (Lieque): Found on the wrist, near the base of the thumb, this point is excellent for opening the lungs, easing coughs, and addressing Wind-Cold symptoms. This is a great point to engage at the first onset of cold symptoms.
ST36 (Zusanli): Situated on the lower leg, just below the knee, this point is renowned for boosting immunity, improving digestion, and enhancing overall vitality. If you’re feeling burned out, this particular point will surely give you a boost.
Bi Tong (EX-Hn18): Located at the highest point of the nasolabial groove (basically at the top of your nostril) and is used to treat various nasal and sinus-related issues.
To practice acupressure, use your thumb or forefinger to apply gentle, circular pressure to each point for about one to two minutes. Remember to focus on your breathing and relax as you work on these points. If you’re uncertain about techniques or point locations, be sure to consult with a licensed acupuncturist who can guide you through the process.
Angela finally gets sinus relief with LU7 and Bi Tong.
Our pregant patient, Angela, was struggling with congestion at night which made getting a good night’s rest very difficult. After regularly applying acupressure at LU7 and Bi Tong point, she was able to breathe more easily through the night, allowing her much-needed rest for her and her little one.
2. Herbal Remedies
Herbs have long been a trusted ally in our practice, offering natural and effective ways to support recovery from a cold. However, during pregnancy, it’s essential to select herbs carefully to ensure they are safe for both you and your baby. Prescribed by a certified herbalist, you can be assured of their safety. Below are some go-to herbal remedies we often recommend to our pregnant patients:
Ginger Tea (Sheng Jiang Cha): Ginger is a warming herb that helps expel cold from the body, easing symptoms like chills and a runny nose. A simple ginger tea made by simmering fresh ginger slices in water can work wonders.
Honeysuckle and Chrysanthemum Tea: This combination is ideal for addressing mild Wind-Heat symptoms, such as a sore throat or mild fever.
Pear and Rock Sugar Tea: For those experiencing dry coughs or a scratchy throat, this soothing tea can nourish the lungs and provide relief to a dry throat.
Radish and Miso Soup: This light, warming soup helps clear phlegm and supports digestion, making it a great option when appetite is low. We also love the umami flavor!
Jujube and Goji Berry Tea: According to TCM dietetics, the deep red color of these berries makes them especially good at nourishing the blood. Both are for strengthening qi and blood and helping the body recover from the fatigue that often accompanies colds.
Before trying any herbal remedy, consult with a licensed TCM practitioner to ensure the herbs are appropriate for your constitution and stage of pregnancy.
Joanne gets a customized herbal remedy.
Expectant mother, Joanne, was experiencing recurring dry coughs and she found that the pear and rock sugar tea along with some additional herbs prescribed and added to her formula, not only soothed her throat but also helped her sleep more comfortably. This is a remedy she now swears by and keeps in stock at home.
3. Healing Foods
What you eat plays a crucial role in recovering from a cold (and preventing it, as well). In our Chinese Medicine practice, we emphasize nourishing the body with warm, easily digestible foods that support your qi and promote healing. Here are the ones we recommend the most:
Bone Broth: One of our favorites, we always keep some on hand for our patients! Rich in minerals and nutrients, bone broth provides deep nourishment and supports the immune system in so many ways.
Congee: This traditional rice porridge is gentle on the stomach and can be customized with warming additions like ginger or scallions to help soothe the stomach and open up the orifices.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: You really can’t go wrong with warm, cooked veggies like carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes. They are easy to digest and provide vital energy.
Herbal Teas: Beyond customized remedies, warm teas like chamomile or peppermint can soothe the throat, keep the body warm, and provide comfort.
Dana swears by her ginger addition.
Many of our patients have shared how comforting and restorative these foods feel during a cold. One mother-to-be, Dana, swore that by adding ginger to her congee she received an extra warming effect. She also loved the flavor too, which is always a bonus!
4. Avoid These Foods
Just as there are foods that support recovery, certain foods can hold you back and should be minimized, especially during a cold:
Dairy Products: Dairy can contribute to phlegm production and may worsen congestion so it’s wise to lay off the greek yogurt while you’re recovering.
Cold or Raw Foods: Anything cold is harder for your body to process and can create stagnation in your recovery so resume your cold smoothies after you’re better.
Sugary or Greasy Foods: Never really a great option as sugary and greasy foods tend to dampen your digestion and weaken your qi. We recommend to remove completely when you’re sick and consume only occasionally when you’re well.
By avoiding these types of foods, we remove the main roadblocks to healing so you can feel better much faster.
5. Lifestyle Upgrades
Rest is crucial when recovering from a cold, particularly during pregnancy. Your body is already working hard to support your growing baby, so allowing yourself extra rest can make a world of difference. Here are some additional, simple lifestyle upgrades we have seen to be very effective with our patients:
Stay Warm: Cover your neck and head, even if you’re feeling warm, to prevent Wind-Cold from aggravating your symptoms. Pregnancy hormones can make you feel overheated, but keeping your body protected is essential for recovery.
Hydrate: Sip on warm water or herbal teas throughout the day to stay hydrated and support your body’s natural detoxification processes. Remember to never add ice to your water as this can create stagnation, which is the opposite of what we want.
Gentle Movement: Light stretching or yoga can help improve circulation and release tension, but only if you feel up to it. Never push yourself to exercise when you’re sick, as this added stress can slow down or even reverse your healing.
Although these upgrades can seem almost too simple, don’t underestimate their power. We see time and time again how small, mindful actions done consistently can make a huge impact.
Lynn speeds up her recovery by staying warm.
One pregnant patient who struggled with lingering nasal congestion couldn’t believe that just by bundling up and sipping warm teas throughout the day, she experienced a noticeable difference in her recovery time.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, treating a cold while you’re pregnant or trying to conceive doesn’t have to be daunting. At our practice, we combine ancient wisdom with modern understanding to provide safe, effective, and customized care.
If you’re already scheduled for an appointment, and you have a mild cold, don’t hesitate to come in. We can adjust treatments to suit your current condition. And, if visiting in person isn’t an option, consider booking a virtual appointment for personalized guidance from the comfort of your home.
Remember, our goal is to support you every step of the way, empowering you to navigate pregnancy and preconception health with confidence and ease. Let’s work together to keep you and your growing family thriving.
