How to Alleviate Prenatal Congestion

Sickness and congestion in pregnancy can be troubling when you feel like you have no idea what is safe to take to alleviate symptoms. Luckily, there are a plethora of natural remedies that can help alleviate symptoms for the common cold and recurring congestion. 

Since your immune system is operating on a slightly lower function because of pregnancy, your system might deal with sickness a little more often than you’re used to. I know during my last pregnancy, I did come down with a few colds that I wouldn’t typically experience outside of pregnancy.
I generally recommend that clients stay away from over-the-counter cold medications, even if they are deemed safe for pregnancy. Several “safe for pregnancy” medications are linked to an increased risk for allergies, ADHD, etc. I always recommend that clients opt for natural remedies if they’re able to.

What Should be Done if Cold Symptoms Come Up?

1. Get Plenty of Rest

2. Drink Fluids and Optimize Electrolyte Intake

3. Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods

4. Boost Immunity with Supplemental Support

   1. Vitamin D + K2  (5000IU/daily)

   2. Vitamin A (10,000IU/daily) from organ meats, cod liver oil, beef liver capsules, (code: LIVEWILD10)

   3. Zinc - (code: WILDANDWELL) I like to recommend that clients get this from a real food-based source like Oysters

   4. Vitamin C  (code: LIVEWILD10)- from a real food source like Acerola Powder

   5. Selenium - you can get this from brazil nuts and shellfish (or in your standard prenatal)

   6. Probiotics - (code: Livewild) plan to double the daily amount

   7. Wishgarden Herbs - Immunity Boost

What Should I Focus on to Boost Immunity?

1. Get Plenty of Sleep (opt for 8-9 hours a night)

2. Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods

3. Reduce Stress

4. Spend Time Outside 

5. Focus on Gentle Movement

6. Get Plenty of Sunshine and Natural Vitamin D

Supportive Nutritional, Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies for Sickness / Congestion

1. Garlic: Try to smash or grate one fresh garlic clove and eat one daily! You can mix with honey or a salad dressing to mask the taste. 

2. Raw Local Honey: This has amazing antimicrobial properties and is also helpful with combating seasonal allergies.

3. Homeopathic Remedies:

1. Bryonia Alba, Ipecac and Belladona: Homeopathic remedies for cough during pregnancy

2. Allium: Used for runny nose and congestion

4. Warm Lemon Water: It can be helpful to drink warm lemon water and you can even add in a little honey as needed

5. Warm Salt Water: Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and pain with sickness

6. Epsom Salt Baths: Epsom salts are great for detoxification with sickness. Just be sure to keep the bath under 97 degrees while pregnant

7. Elderberry Syrup: Taking 1 tbsp of elderberry syrup can help support building a stronger immune system

8. Bone Broth: Bone broth is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals and it can be super soothing for the throat with pregnancy

9. Magnesium: Add in supplemental magnesium for relief from headaches and joint pain with sickness

10. Ginger: Ginger is considered an antifungal and offers anti inflammatory properties