Banish those winter colds...
Pregnancy experts Dr Dawn, a GP based in Gloucestershire who runs a women's health clinic and Dr Sonia Kumar who is a GP at a surgery in South-East London, talk us through how to handle those pesky winter colds.
A blocked nose, watery eyes and a sea of tissues scattered around the house; every year, winter means the same thing. Cold season. “It’s not clear why colds are more common in the winter months,” explains Dr Dawn, “but there are a number of theories. Some scientists believe it could be because the cold virus survives better at low humidities, that we are more susceptible in the winter because our immune systems are lower, or that mixing indoors more allows colds to spread easily, but there is no definite answer.”
Whatever the case, colds and winter clearly go hand in hand, and when you’re a new mum with a lot on your plate the prospect of you or your baby catching one can be pretty daunting.
“Adults get about two or three colds a year,” continues Dr Dawn, “but for babies the likelihood of catching a cold is much higher. Their immune systems are still developing so they are more prone to the virus, catching nearer to eight colds a year, which makes them a pretty regular occurrence.” “Your baby’s first cold can be quite distressing for both of you,” expands Dr Kumar, “and you may want to go to your GP to make sure that everything is OK. The common symptoms are a slight temperature (up to 38 degrees), a runny nose, and watery eyes. They are likely to be irritable and may be up a lot at night, they may also be off their food because it is difficult to feed with a blocked up nose.”
So what can you do about it? “Unfortunately there is no miracle cure for the common cold,” says Dr Dawn, “all you can do is treat the symptoms as your baby’s immune system fights the virus. Always keep an infant paracetomal or Nurofen in the house to help bring down a temperature and ease your baby's symptoms. Make sure you always read the label and that you are giving your baby the right dose for his age.” You might also want to try using menthol drops on your baby’s mattress to ease their breathing at night, or prop up their mattress by placing a rolled up towel at the top end. “Creating a steamy atmosphere which eases a blocked nose can also help,” she adds, “try boiling a kettle in the room and if you have radiators on, cover them with a warm damp tea towels.”
Although colds can’t be prevented, the likelihood of you, or your baby catching one can be reduced. “
Breastfeeding boosts your baby’s immune system with your own antibodies, which is great for their defences,” explains Dr Kumar, “but on top of that you might want to stay away from family and friends if they have a child who is ill and make sure you avoid places where there are smokers too as they all increase the likelihood of your baby picking up a cold.”
But it’s not just about baby. Getting a cold when you are already stretched and adjusting to being a new mum can be a real challenge. “It is so important to take care of yourself and give your body what it needs to stay strong and healthy,” Dr Kumar continues, “I know it can be difficult to find the time when you have a little one to look after, but if you make sure you get enough rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat fruit and vegetables to keep your vitamins up, your body will thank you for it. You’ll be less likely to get ill and more likely to be able to get on with being a great new mum.”
Being pregnant and catching a cold isn’t much fun either – you’re going through enough without the added pain of a blocked up nose and sore throat. “If you’re expecting, it’s normal to feel quite run down and tired at times and this can have a bad effect on your immune system” explains Dr Dawn. “Again the best advice is to drink plenty of fluids and eat a well balanced diet. Your five portions of fruit and vegetables a day are more important than ever and if you can try to do some gentle exercise to boost your immune system that will help stave off a cold too.”
It is also important to remember that however bad your cold is, it won't affect your growing baby so don't worry about your unborn child. Just keep drinking plenty of fluids and eat as healthily as possible (with a blocked up nose and sore throat!) to ensure you stay in tip top condition throughout.
Colds are part and parcel of the winter, whether we like it or not. Luckily the symptoms are simple to treat and pass in a few days. “The best advice is to make yourself, or your baby, as comfortable as possible and let your body do the rest,” concludes Dr Kumar.
Well said. Pass the tissues.