How to Make a Pregnancy-Safe Cold & Flu Kit

I like to be prepared for any illness or injury to come my way. Maybe it’s because I used to get sick a lot &have been known to be a bit clumsy, but I have a lot of experience with running to the drug store to get medicine & first aid supplies after the fact. Not only is it annoying having to wait for what you need, but it’s unpleasant {to say the least} trying to navigate a drugstore through a fever-induced haze, or trying to hold a can of burn treatment throughout Walmart when you’ve already blistered your hand.

For a long time now, I’ve had “kits” in my utility closet that contain everything I need in the event of an accident or illness. I have one for first aid, which includes things like bandages, hydrogen peroxide, and calamine lotion; one for travel that includes trial sized versions of everything along with the much-needed motion sickness medication; and one with cold & flu remedies, including fever reducing medications, throat sprays, medicated teas and anything else.

There was a problem with the cold & flu box though. While it could still help Justin, I am currently not allowed to use basically anything in that box right now since I’m pregnant. With it being cold & flu season right now, and since the immune system is compromised during pregnancy as it is, I wanted to make sure that I had things on hand that could actually help me should I get sick.

Curious about what’s in my pregnancy-safe cold and flu treatments kit?

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1. Cough drops: Luckily, one of the things I use most during any cold or flu is still safe- cough drops! I get the menthol ones & love them because they help with more than just coughing. The menthol helps to clear my sinuses, and even helps me breathe better {something I appreciate since my asthma gets even worse with illness}.

2. Tea: While it’s not medicated, something about drinking hot tea when you have a sore throat or a fever is just perfect. It always makes my throat feel better, and taking a minute to drink a cup gives me a chance to just sit & relax for a moment instead of trying to do a million things while sick.

3. Tissues: The reason is obvious, but I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve found myself with a cold & no tissues to be found. Even an hour spent wiping my nose with toilet paper is enough to rip off several layers of skin, so now I keep an emergency box of Cool Touch Kleenex {my personal favorite} on hand.

4. Robitussin: This is one cold and flu medication that is actually considered safe for use during pregnancy. I don’t have much experience with it & plan on avoiding using it unless my symptoms are just that bad, but I wanted to make sure I had some relief available.

5. Saline spray: Easy, natural relief from a stuffy nose so you can actually get some sleep!

6. Acetaminophen: Every pregnant woman should have this already as it’s the only medication safe for headaches in pregnancy, but it also works as a fever reducer.

7. Portable humidifier: Whether you’re stuck at work with a cold or just need some extra humidity in your room while you nap, this is a convenient way to get it.

8. Antibacterial wipes: These are included as a preventative measure in two ways- if you child or significant other gets sick before you, wipe down everything so you have a chance at skipping the bug. &If you get sick first, still wipe down everything so you can have a chance at not having to take care of someone else when they get sick!

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You always think about what you can’t use when you’re pregnant, so sometimes you don’t even realize how many options are still available to make you feel better! Even if you can’t use something you usually do, there’s usually a pregnancy-safe alternative.

One thing that I had recently come to appreciate but can’t currently use is a medicated tea. I used it the last few times I was sick & the warm drink really helped to soothe my throat & made me feel better. While it’ll be awhile before I can use that again, I can drink regular {decaf} tea!

I’m partial to peppermint tea- especially this time of year- and so I picked some up to make sure that I had it on hand if I get sick. I may have to buy an extra box though as I totally see myself going through this one before I even get sick! Something about tea just makes you feel so much better when you’re under the weather. Even Justin picked up a box {he got himself some Earl Grey} to enjoy on the cold winter nights.

Are you a tea lover? What is your medicine cabinet must-have when you’re sick?