Question
My best friend is now 9 months pregnant, but due to the recent drastic changes in weather, she has started to have a cold with coughing and a runny nose. However, since she’s about to deliver soon, she’s afraid to take any medication randomly. What should pregnant women do when they have a cold, cough, and runny nose?
Answer
This situation involves an upper respiratory infection, which is related to viral infection. Even without treatment, as long as there are no complications, the condition usually resolves within about seven days. Therefore, if the symptoms are not severe, medication may not be necessary. Just pay attention to drinking plenty of water, getting adequate rest, and avoiding cold and spicy foods. If she is nine months pregnant and the symptoms are severe or persist for several days without improvement, she can seek appropriate medication under a doctor’s guidance.