Key takeaways:
Emergen-C is a line of over-the-counter (OTC) products that claim to help support your immune system. Most Emergen-C products contain vitamins and minerals that are generally safe during pregnancy. But most are already included in prenatal vitamins.
Taking Emergen-C while pregnant is unlikely to prevent illness or speed up recovery from a cold.
For cold relief during pregnancy, focus on rest, fluids, and home remedies. You should always check with your prenatal care team before trying any OTC supplements or medications for your cold symptoms.
Save on related medications
Millions of people get a cold every year in the U.S. While getting a cold is never fun, it can feel even tougher when you’re pregnant. During pregnancy, the immune system can weaken, which makes it easier to get sick.
You may be wondering about natural remedies to treat a cold during pregnancy. Here, we’ll talk about Emergen-C — a line of popular over-the-counter (OTC) supplements that claim to support your immune system. Can you take Emergen-C while pregnant? Do immunity support products help treat or prevent colds? Read on to find out.
Is Emergen-C safe to take while you’re pregnant?
It’s likely safe to take most Emergen-C products during pregnancy. But they’re unlikely to provide any benefit, especially if you’re already taking a prenatal vitamin. And it’s best to check with your prenatal care team before starting any OTC supplements, including Emergen-C.
There are several types of Emergen-C products. Their most common ingredients include:
Electrolytes such as calcium, sodium, and potassium
Sugars
Most of these ingredients are considered safe to take during pregnancy. But there are a couple things to consider before taking an Emergen-C product if you’re pregnant:
Researchers don’t have much information on algae-based beta glucan (BetaVia) and whether it’s safe during pregnancy. So it’s best to avoid products that contain this ingredient unless your prenatal team says otherwise.
If you’re taking a daily prenatal vitamin, it likely already contains the recommended amount of these vitamins and minerals. Taking more than the recommended amount by adding Emergen-C to your routine can lead to unwanted side effects — some of which can be life-threatening.
Emergen-C products don’t actually do much to keep you from getting sick or help you get better faster. We’ll discuss this more later.
Emergen-C also makes a line of botanical products that contain ingredients such as:
Ashwagandha
Turmeric
Ginger
Elderberry
Apple cider vinegar
Most of these ingredients have limited evidence as to whether they’re safe to take during pregnancy. And herbal supplements aren’t regulated the way OTC and prescription medications are. So there’s also a risk of being exposed to contaminants or ingredients not listed on the label. It’s best to steer clear of these products unless your prenatal care team recommends or OKs them for you.
Does vitamin C actually prevent or treat colds?
Vitamin C is a vital part of a healthy immune system, especially during pregnancy. Chronically low levels of vitamin C can raise your risk of infections. But taking vitamin C supplements, including Emergen-C, isn’t likely to prevent you from getting a cold unless your baseline levels are low.
Taking vitamin C on a regular basis may help reduce how long your cold symptoms last and how severe they are. But according to studies, you’ll need at least 200 mg of vitamin C every day on a regular basis — not just when you get sick —- in order to receive this benefit.
If you only take products like Emergen-C when you feel a cold coming on, it isn’t likely to do much. The electrolytes can help keep you hydrated, and the sugar can give you a temporary energy boost. But it’s unlikely to keep you from getting sick or help you feel better faster.
What natural remedies can you use to treat a cold while pregnant?
There are plenty of non-medication options other than Emergen-C you can try at home to help with cold symptoms when you’re pregnant. Some examples are:
Getting plenty of rest. People who get 8 hours or more of sleep per night tend to have fewer colds.
Drink plenty of fluids. When you’re pregnant, you should try to drink 8 to 12 cups of water every day, especially if you’re sick.
Try a nasal saline rinse or spray for congestion.
Use a humidifier to help with congestion and sinus irritation.
Gargle with salt water for a sore throat.
What can you take for a cold while pregnant?
Generally, home remedies are preferred over medication during pregnancy when possible. But there are some OTC medications for cold symptoms that are considered safe during pregnancy. These include:
Dextromethorphan (Delsym) and guaifenesin (Mucinex) for cough
Antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine, for a runny nose
Some steroid nasal sprays, such as budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy), for a runny or stuffy nose
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever, sinus pain, or body aches
Keep in mind that evidence is limited when it comes to the safety of most medications during pregnancy. So you should always check with your prenatal care team before taking any cold medications while you’re pregnant. They can help you make an informed choice about your options.
Frequently asked questions
Vitamin D is often included in prenatal vitamins, since it’s an important nutrient for fetal development. But you shouldn’t start taking a vitamin D supplement during pregnancy unless your prescriber recommends it. Taking more vitamin D than recommended can lead to unwanted side effects, such as high calcium levels.
Topical vitamin C products are likely safe to use during pregnancy. Just be sure to check the product label for other ingredients you should avoid. This includes retinol, hydroquinone, and parabens.
In most cases, you’ll take a daily prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid throughout your pregnancy. Your prenatal care team will let you know what type of vitamin is best for you. They’ll also let you know if you need any additional supplements based on your blood levels and medical history. But you shouldn’t take any vitamins or supplements on your own without getting the OK from your prenatal team first.
Vitamin D is often included in prenatal vitamins, since it’s an important nutrient for fetal development. But you shouldn’t start taking a vitamin D supplement during pregnancy unless your prescriber recommends it. Taking more vitamin D than recommended can lead to unwanted side effects, such as high calcium levels.
Topical vitamin C products are likely safe to use during pregnancy. Just be sure to check the product label for other ingredients you should avoid. This includes retinol, hydroquinone, and parabens.
In most cases, you’ll take a daily prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid throughout your pregnancy. Your prenatal care team will let you know what type of vitamin is best for you. They’ll also let you know if you need any additional supplements based on your blood levels and medical history. But you shouldn’t take any vitamins or supplements on your own without getting the OK from your prenatal team first.
The bottom line
Emergen-C is a line of over-the-counter (OTC) products that claim to help support your immune system. Most contain vitamins and minerals that are considered safe to take during pregnancy. But in most cases, you’ll get these nutrients from your daily prenatal vitamin. And taking Emergen-C won’t prevent you from getting sick or help you feel better faster in most cases. So taking Emergen-C while pregnant isn’t likely to provide much benefit.
If you’re looking for cold symptom relief during pregnancy, focus on rest, hydration, and home remedies, such as a nasal saline rinse. If needed, some OTC cold medications are considered safe during pregnancy and can help with severe symptoms. But it’s best to check with your prenatal care team before taking any OTC supplements or medications while you’re pregnant.
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References
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