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Under the Weather? Here's How to Treat a Cold or Flu During Pregnancy

Getting a cold or flu is always a downer, but it can be even harder when you're pregnant and your go-to meds are off-limits. Here's how to treat your illness safely -- and feel better fast (18 Photos)

Patty Onderko on Dec 13, 2012 at 8:59AM

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Under the Weather? Here's How to Treat a Cold or Flu During Pregnancy

Burazin/Photographer's Choice RF/Getty Images

Always Treat a Fever

For many cold and flu symptoms when you're pregnant, it's often better to try non-medical treatments before heading to the pharmacy. But there's one important exception: a fever of 100 degrees or higher. High maternal temperatures, particularly during the first trimester, have been linked with defects of the central nervous system in fetuses. If you're burning up, don't hesitate to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) according to the manufacturer's instructions, and call your doc if the fever doesn't subside.