Many over the counter medications for cold and flu should be avoided during pregnancy, but natural remedies can offer just as much relief, and are much safer for you and your baby.

With natural remedies, you don't have to worry about getting the right dosage or over-usage. You can use these remedies as often as needed for symptoms.

Plenty of Fluids

When you are sick, and especially when you are pregnant, it's important to get plenty of fluids. This can include water, juice, tea, and broth.

Fresh Air

As long as you feel up to it, going outside for some fresh air is a great thing when you're sick. Sunshine can help boost your immune system, and cool air can calm a nasty cough.

Warm Bath or Shower

The steam from warm water can help loosen head and chest congestion, opening up the sinuses and helping you breath easier.

Soothing Liquids

Warm liquids like hot water, tea, or broth can be soothing on a sore throat or cough, and can help with congestion. Try peppermint or chamomile tea with honey and lemon. Honey especially helps to coat the throat and calm a cough.

Herbal Remedies

Herbs are used to make a variety of remedies, from teas and syrups, to capsules and cough drops. Herbs that are used to treat colds and flu are elder berry, hibiscus, and echinacea, just to name a few.

Learn to make elder berry syrup.

Garlic and Onion

These two ingredients are easy to find and cheap, and they boost your immune system, fight bacterial infections, and ward off viral infections rapidly. They are best taken in raw, but can also be taken in capsule form, or lightly cooked into a broth, soup, or other recipes. Try adding it to your favorite homemade chicken broth or chicken soup.