If your nose is prone to bleeding, take care not to blow it too hard if it is blocked (or you have a cold). If you have a nose bleed, try pinching the bridge (or top) of your nose near your eyes, but keeping your head in a neutral position, looking forward. Avoid leaning back, as blood drains into the back of your throat and you may risk choking. Some people find that applying a cold cloth (or some ice) to their forehead, or the back of their neck, helps to stem the bleeding quicker.
If you are feeling very unwell with a cold, flu or sinus, you should contact your caregiver. It is generally not recommended that you take any medications, natural therapies or over-the-counter treatments without checking with your caregiver first. Be aware that in most cases, a cold or flu is a viral infection. This means that taking antibiotics will not help. However, if the cold or flu lasts for more than a week or two, you may need to be checked to make sure you do not have an infection.
Dealing with colds and flu during pregnancy is usually just a matter of putting up with your symptoms, until your body recovers and the illness passes. (As it would be if you were not pregnant.)
In the meantime, eat nourishing foods such as soups, salads, vegetables and fruit and rest as much as possible, to support your body in dealing with being unwell. It is thought that garlic and foods rich in
vitamin C (such as citrus fruits and red and yellow fruits and vegetables) may help boost the body's immune system. Some naturopaths may even suggest
Zinc supplements. Check with your practitioner.
Drinking plenty of water (at least 8 glasses of water or more a day) can also help keep you hydrated and the mucous in your nose 'runny' and easier to clear. Some natural therapists recommend avoiding dairy products because they are thought to increase mucous production. You will need to take into consideration your
calcium