A common cold is a mild, self-limiting viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, often caused by rhinoviruses, and is frequent late in pregnancy. A mother entering labor with a cold is common and generally does not signal a medical emergency for either the mother or the baby. The primary concern shifts from general discomfort to managing symptoms during the physical exertion of labor and minimizing the risk of post-delivery transmission to the newborn. Understanding the hospital’s approach helps manage anxiety and prepare for a safe delivery.
Managing Symptoms During Labor
The physical symptoms of a cold, such as congestion, coughing, and sneezing, present specific challenges when managing the intense physical effort of labor and delivery. Deep, controlled breathing is often used to manage contractions, and this process can be significantly complicated by a blocked nasal passage or a persistent cough. A forceful cough or sneeze during pushing may also temporarily disrupt the mother’s ability to focus the necessary muscular effort for delivery.
A dry, hacking cough can lead to chest discomfort, especially when coupled with the strenuous nature of pushing a baby out. Saline nasal sprays or a neti pot with sterile water are safe, non-medication options that can help alleviate severe nasal congestion during active labor. For discomfort, acetaminophen is generally considered a first-line, safe choice for pain or fever management throughout the pregnancy and during labor.
The use of specific cold medications during labor requires consultation with the medical team. Dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) and guaifenesin (an expectorant) are often considered safe for short-term use in the second and third trimesters, but their administration during active labor must be carefully managed. Decongestants containing pseudoephedrine are typically avoided in the first trimester but may be used later, though the medical team will weigh the need for symptom relief against potential effects during delivery.
Potential Risks to the Newborn
The common cold virus does not typically pass from the mother to the baby while the baby is still in the uterus, eliminating the risk of vertical transmission during pregnancy. The primary risk of illness occurs after birth, through contact with the mother’s respiratory droplets via coughing, sneezing, or direct physical contact. Newborns are susceptible to infection because their immune system is immature, even though they possess some passive immunity from maternal antibodies.
A cold in a newborn can be more concerning than in an older child due to a specific physiological trait: infants are obligate nose breathers for the first few months of life. This means that severe nasal congestion can significantly interfere with their ability to breathe, especially during feeding. Congestion makes both nursing and bottle-feeding a challenge, as the baby must interrupt feeding to breathe through their mouth.
Parents should observe the newborn for symptoms signaling a need for immediate medical attention, such as fever, difficulty or rapid breathing, or refusal to feed. While a simple cold typically resolves on its own, a high fever or signs of respiratory distress warrant prompt evaluation. Breastfeeding mothers transfer antibodies against the cold virus through breast milk, which can help reduce the severity of the baby’s illness.
Standard Hospital Protocols
When a laboring mother arrives with symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, staff implement standard infection control measures to protect patients and personnel. The first step involves an assessment to differentiate the common cold from more serious infections, such as influenza or COVID-19, which may require specific testing or treatment. These protocols are based on droplet precautions designed to limit viral spread.
The mother will typically be asked to wear a surgical face mask upon arrival and throughout the delivery and postpartum period. This measure helps contain virus-containing droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, and talking. The healthcare team entering the room will also wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including masks and frequent handwashing, before and after contact.
Hospital staff will make every effort to facilitate rooming-in, allowing the mother and baby to stay together, as a cold rarely necessitates the separation of mother and infant. Separation would only be considered if the mother’s symptoms were severe enough to compromise her ability to safely care for the baby. The hospital’s goal is to maintain the standard birthing experience while managing the infection risk through controlled hygiene practices.
Post-Delivery Precautions
Once the mother and baby are stable in the recovery room, specific hygiene practices become the primary defense against transmission. The most effective measure is diligent hand hygiene, involving washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitizer before touching the newborn. Viruses can live on surfaces and are easily transferred through direct contact.
The mother should continue to wear a face mask whenever she is holding, feeding, or otherwise in close contact with the baby. This practice helps to contain the respiratory droplets that are the main route of cold transmission. Caregivers should also avoid kissing the baby on the face, as this represents a direct transfer of viral particles.
Breastfeeding mothers should continue to nurse, as the antibodies in the milk provide protection to the baby. However, certain medications, particularly oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine, may reduce milk supply and should be used with caution during early lactation. Rest and fluid intake are also important for the mother’s recovery and for maintaining milk production.