honeyComing down with a nasty cold -- or worse, the flu -- is never fun. When you're pregnant, though, it's really the pits! Not only do all of those unpleasant symptoms seem magnified (like you weren't already queasy!), it's like there's nothing you can do to make yourself feel better. All the usual tricks of the trade, like knocking back a nighttime decongestant, are definite "don'ts" when you're preggers.

But don't get too dejected -- you're not doomed to have the most miserable winter of your life. There are some ways to make yourself feel better when you're sick and expecting, and they really do work. Really! I've tried them.

Try a Neti Pot. Okay, I know it looks weird and the concept of pouring warm salt water into one's own nostrils is less than appealing, but I'm telling you, this thing is magic! One second, you can't breathe through your nose, the next -- ah! Relief! Granted, the Neti Pot takes some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, you're golden.

Use a Humidifier. Trust me, a humidifier in the bedroom is the secret to a decent night's sleep when you're pregnant with a cold or flu. And guess what? Chances are you're going to need that humidifier after the baby is born, so might as well get a good one now!

Heat or Cold. We're gonna take it way back for a moment, ladies ... back to stuff your grandma used to do when you got sick as a little kid. Like an ice pack for a headache or a washcloth soaked in hot water on your face to relieve sinus pressure. Hey, it worked -- remember?

SLEEP. This might seem obvious, but believe me when I tell you there is nothing -- NOTHING -- like a good night's sleep to cure what ails you when you're pregnant. In fact, a good 48 hours of sleep is often more like it. If your nose is all stuffy, try sleeping propped up on a couple of pillows. Do not disturb!!

Drink, drink, drink. Again, this tip might seem like a given, but it's approximately eight million times more important to stay hydrated when you're sick and expecting. Check with your doctor about herbal teas (some aren't safe during pregnancy) and watch your caffeine intake, but otherwise -- chug, chug, chug! My all-time favorite under-the-weather pregnancy cocktail? Hot water with honey and lemon.

Have you tried any of these cold & flu remedies during your pregnancy?

 

Image via Nick Perla/Flickr