How to Manage Cold Symptoms with Natural Remedies During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Cold and flu symptoms can feel more intense during pregnancy and after birth, especially when treatment options are limited. Supporting your body with hydration, rest, and natural cold remedies during pregnancy can help ease discomfort and promote recovery.

Battling Dry Air During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Winter months tend to come with very dry air. Combined with indoor heating, this dryness can make any cold or virus even more painful on your throat and sinuses.

Using a Humidifier for Cold Relief

Using humidifiers in your bedroom and living spaces can help mitigate dryness and irritation. Adding moisture to the air may:

• Reduce inflammation

• Thin mucus

• Soothe airways

• Ease coughing

It is very important to keep your humidifier clean. Dirty humidifiers can contribute to allergy and asthma issues. Ideally, humidifiers should be cleaned daily to prevent bacterial growth. Rinse humidifier parts with white vinegar and use a brush or sponge to clean small crevices thoroughly.

Some humidifiers now include stainless steel components that can be placed directly in the dishwasher, making daily cleaning easier.

Saline for Nasal Congestion and Sinus Relief

Using a saline spray or saline drops in your nasal passages can have a huge effect on reducing discomfort in the nose and sinuses.

Saline products are generally considered safe because they contain no medication and can be used throughout the day as needed. Regular use helps moisturize and soothe nasal passages while thinning and loosening mucus.

Gargling with warm salt water may also help ease a sore throat.

Natural Colds Remedies During Pregnancy and Postpartum

While most over-the-counter cold medications are not recommended during pregnancy—and many during postpartum—there are simple, natural remedies that may help reduce how long you are sick and ease symptoms.

Honey for Cough and Throat Relief

There are historical texts referencing the use of honey as a natural cold remedy for its healing properties dating back to ancient Rome, Greece, Egypt, and Sumeria.

Honey has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties. It is also a natural cough suppressant and is often shown to work as well as—or better than—some over-the-counter cough medications.

Honey can be eaten straight or stirred into warm water, herbal tea, or milk. This helps coat the throat and provide soothing relief.

Honey may also be helpful for children with coughs, as many children refuse liquid medications. Honey should never be given to children under one year of age, due to the risk of infant botulism.

Staying Hydrated and Rested While Sick

Rest and hydration are especially important when dealing with a cold during pregnancy or postpartum. Both are essential for supporting your immune system and allowing your body to heal efficiently.

Proper hydration helps support your skin and mucus membranes, which act as protective barriers to prevent harmful bacteria from entering the body.

If drinking enough water feels challenging, consider incorporating:

• Herbal teas

• Bone broth

  
  

Bone broth is both nourishing and hydrating. It is especially supportive during postpartum recovery, as it provides minerals, collagen, and gut-healing properties.

Immune-Supporting Foods During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Focusing on foods rich in vitamin C, folic acid, lean protein, and zinc can help strengthen immune function and support recovery.

Immune-supportive foods include:

• Broths and soups

• Cooked leafy greens

• Citrus fruits

• Garlic

• Legumes

Many of these foods can be combined into warm, hydrating meals that nourish your body while supporting immune health.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider, midwife, or medical professional before using new remedies or treatments, especially during pregnancy, postpartum, or while breastfeeding.