Pregnancy and Sinus Infection

Identification

• Sinus infection symptoms include "a headache or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area or on one side of the head," according to WebMD.com. Other symptoms are a fever, cough, bad breath and nasal congestion with thick secretions.

Types

• Sinus infections may be either acute (characterized by a sudden onset) or chronic (long term); chronic is the most common type, according to WebMD.

Considerations

• Doctors agree it is best not to expose a fetus to medication, particularly during the first trimester. "The medications you take usually pass through the placenta to some degree and get into the bloodstream of your growing baby," writes Dr. Marjorie Greenfield.

Drug Classification

• The Food and Drug Administration classifies medications in five categories based on their safety to pregnant women and their fetuses: categories A, B, C, D and X.
  Those in Category A are ones pregnant women have used safely. The degree of safety decreases until Category X, which consists of medications known to cause birth defects and that should not be used in any situation by pregnant women, according to Greenfield.

Solution

• Non-medical solutions such as drinking plenty of fluids and getting rest may be your best bet. Humidifiers, saline drops, warm showers and sleeping propped up on pillows may also help. If symptoms persist, you may want to seek over-the-counter help after checking with your doctor, as some popular decongestants and cough suppressants are labeled as category C drugs.

Warning

• Fever during the first trimester can cause birth defects, so if you have a fever and can't get it down, call your doctor, writes Greenfield. It's always best to contact your doctor regardless if you have any questions or concerns while pregnant.