Pregnancy presents a fair amount of questions when it comes to how to treat yourself if you get sick. Even something as minor as a sore throat can make a pregnant woman pause before taking any over-the-counter medications. But what sore throat medicines are acceptable for pregnancy? Most, if not all, advise consulting your healthcare provider before taking anything, because while many drugs have an excellent safety profile, some have unproven safety or have been known to adversely affect the fetus, per American Family Physician. In other words, you can never be too careful. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that pregnant women are more likely to contract colds and flus due to a weaker immune system during pregnancy. Show But there are many treatment options for a sore throat, according to Dr. Kecia Gaither, an OB-GYN, women's health expert, and Director of Perinatal Services for NYC Health+Hospitals/Lincoln. It's just important to first determine what is causing the sore throat. In an interview with Romper, Gaither writes, "A sore throat can be an indicator of many types of clinical entities. There are important points to consider: has anyone else been sick around you? Is there an associated fever or headache? Swollen tonsils or white spots on tonsils? Have you had nausea or vomiting? Do you have difficulty breathing, a cough, or ear pain?" If it's determined that it is, after all, just a simple sore throat, Gaither suggests, "A warm salt water gargle, tea with honey and lemon, Tylenol, and soothing throat lozenges may be beneficial. However, as with any unusual symptom during pregnancy, it is best to contact your healthcare provider." She says that some providers, depending on your symptoms, may want to evaluate you for strep or another clinical entity that could become more serious if not treated properly. There are also medicines you should avoid completely during pregnancy, regardless of ailment. Sarah Johnson, an RN and the health ambassador for Family Assets, tells Romper, "Pregnant women should avoid ibuprofen, and naproxen, especially once they reach the third trimester, to mitigate the risks associated with early delivery, low birth weight, and other complications." Additionally, Dr. Danielle Plummer, a doctor of pharmacy in Las Vegas writes, "Choose products without preservatives or alcohol, and always use the least amount for the shortest amount of time that will provide relief." Johnson and Plummer also concur on the use of Tylenol for a simple sore throat. "Acetaminophen — e.g. Tylenol — is generally considered to be the safest analgesic and antipyretic to take," writes Johnson. fotostorm/E+/Getty Images As stated above, if you prefer to stay away from over-the-counter medicines altogether, there are natural alternatives to a sore throat that you might feel more comfortable with, like gargling a warm mixture of salt water and baking soda, and drinking a soothing herbal tea like Chamomile or hot water with lemon and honey, according to Healthline. To boost your immune system and fight off future infections, practice good hand hygiene, eat plenty of healthy foods, take a prenatal vitamin, drink water and get plenty of sleep. At the end of the day, those "check with your doctor" labels are there for a reason. If you are experiencing any other symptoms and are concerned that this may be more than a simple cough, call your healthcare provider first before taking any over-the-counter medications. Experts: Dr. Kecia Gaither, OB-GYN, women's health expert, and Director of Perinatal Services for NYC Health+Hospitals/Lincoln Sarah Johnson, an RN and the Health Ambassador for Family Assets Dr. Danielle Plummer, a Doctor of Pharmacy and 3-time Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) survivor Allergy Medications First choice: Claritin; Allegra; loratadine; Zyrtec Second choice: Benadryl (diphenhydramine); chlor-trimeton (chlorpheniramine) Third choice: Sudafed (after 1st trimester. Limit daily use) In general, avoid any medication that contains phenylephrine. Nasal spray Saline nasal spray Ipratropium 0.06% nasal spray Cromolyn
sodium (5.2mg/spray) Allergy Eye Drops Decongestant Nasal Spray Cough & Cold Cough & Cold: Cold Rubs
Halls Menthol Cough Suppressant/Oral Anesthetic Cough & Cold: Cough Drops Halls Menthol Cough Suppressant/Oral Anesthetic Plus Medicine Center Vicks Menthol Cough Suppressant/Oral Anesthetic Drops Cough & Cold: Sore Throat Relief Cepacol Dual Relief Sore Throat Spray Cepacol Sugar Free Extra Strength First Aid: Anti-itch Creams Aveeno Active Naturals Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion Gold Bond Medicated Body Lotion Extra-Strength or Anti-Itch Cream Lice Treatment Pain Relief (Long-term chronic use is not advised.) Tylenol Extra Strength PM Pain Reliever/Sleep Aid Tylenol PM Extra Strength Pain Reliever/Nighttime Sleep Aid Hemorrhoid Care Preparation H Medicated Wipes with Aloe Tucks Witch Hazel Hemorrhoidal Medicated Pads Stomach Remedies: Antacids Antacid
with Calcium, Chewable Tablets Maalox Maximum Strength Multi-Symptom Antacid/Antigas, Chewable Tablets Mylanta Antacid/Anti-gas Regular Strength Pepcid AC Original Strength Acid Reducer 10 mg, Tablets Rolaids Extra Strength Multi-Symptom Antacid & Antigas Plus Extra Strength Antacid & Antigas Tagamet 200mg Tums Regular Strength E-X 750 Extra Strength E-X 750 Extra Strength Ultra 1000 Maximum Strength Stomach Remedies: Anti-Diarrheal (Call before taking to assess medical condition.) Stomach
Remedies: Fiber Supplements Metamucil Fiber Laxative Stomach Remedies: Gas Relief Phazyme Ultra- Strength Gas Relief Rolaids Multi-Symptom Antacid & Anti-gas Simethicone /Anti-Gas Stomach Remedies: Nausea/Vomiting (Contact us if you are unable to keep any food or liquids down for 24 hours.) Unisom Stomach Remedies: Stool Softeners Colace Stool Softener 50 mg Colace Stool Softener 100 mg Vaginal Yeast
Infection How do you get rid of a sore throat and cough while pregnant?Expectorants like Mucinex, cough suppressants like Robitussin, vapor rubs like Vicks VapoRub, and cough drops are all considered safe during pregnancy.
What kills a sore throat fast while pregnant?breathing warm, humid air to help ease congestion; a facial steamer, hot-mist vaporizer, or even a hot shower can work. chicken soup to help relieve inflammation and soothe congestion. adding honey or lemon to a warm cup of decaffeinated tea to relieve a sore throat.
What is the fastest way to cure a cough while pregnant?To help eliminate secretions, drink plenty of water.. Dextromethorphan syrup (e.g. Benylin DM) can be used to relieve a dry cough.. Most cough drops (e.g. Halls) are safe in pregnancy.. Consult your family doctor if: Your cough persists beyond seven (7) days. ... . Avoid preparations containing pseudoephedrine.. What can I take for a cold and sore throat while pregnant?Safe OTC Cold and Flu Treatment to Use During Pregnancy. Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Actifed.. Saline nasal drops or spray.. Sudafed.. Tylenol Sinus.. Tylenol Cold and Flu.. Warm salt/water gargle.. |