
What medications can pregnant women take for a cold?
Disease description:
I'm four months pregnant, but I've caught a bit of a cold recently. I would like to know what medications are safe for a pregnant woman to take for a cold.

Pregnant women need to be especially cautious when taking medication for the common cold, as certain drugs may have adverse effects on the fetus. In general, non-pharmacological treatments should be the first choice for pregnant women to alleviate cold symptoms, such as getting more rest, drinking warm water, and using a humidifier. If symptoms are severe, the following suggestions may be considered:
1. For nasal congestion and runny nose, normal saline nasal spray may be tried, as it is safe and helps clean the nasal passages.
2. For coughing, honey or honey-containing preparations, such as lemon honey water, may be used to soothe the throat.
3. For fever, physical cooling methods are recommended, such as sponge baths with warm water. Aspirin should be avoided, as it may cause Reye's syndrome in the fetus.
4. For mild pain or discomfort, consult a physician to determine whether acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used, but dosage and frequency must follow medical advice.
Before taking any medication, including over-the-counter drugs, consultation with a physician is necessary. The physician will evaluate the specific condition of the pregnant woman and provide the safest recommendation after weighing the potential benefits and risks.