Coughing during pregnancy can be a very bothersome condition for both the mother and baby. It can cause sleep problems and urinary incontinence, and even respiratory infections. During pregnancy, you should consult your doctor if coughing is bothersome or causes problems during labour or delivery.
One way to avoid coughing while pregnant is to use a humidifier. These devices are good because they add moisture to the air, which thins mucus. Try to use a humidifier in your bedroom, especially at nighttime. There are models that even allow you to add essential oils to the air.
A healthy lifestyle is the best treatment for cough during pregnancy. A healthy diet and plenty of rest will help keep your body healthy and prevent coughing during pregnancy.
Cough during pregnancy is a common condition. Your immune system is weakened while you are pregnant. This is to protect your developing baby from harmful germs. A weakened immune system will make you vulnerable to cold symptoms during pregnancy.
If you want to know more about cough during pregnancy: causes, prevention & home remedies, continue reading this article.
In this Article
What Is Coughing During Pregnancy?
Coughing is a common symptom of pregnancy. While it’s often harmless, coughing can be a sign of a more serious condition. Coughs can be caused by various conditions, including a bacterial or viral infection. If you’re pregnant, you should consult your doctor for advice. A dry cough may cause a woman to experience a sleep disorder or a sleepless night. Coughing can also result in urinary incontinence, which can cause discomfort for a pregnant woman.
Excessive coughing during pregnancy can affect the developing baby. The condition affects both the mother and her unborn child. It’s important to treat coughing during pregnancy, and there are several home remedies and prescription medications available. It’s also important to consult your doctor if your symptoms get worse.
Preventing coughs during pregnancy is as simple as adopting a healthy lifestyle. This means eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and taking prenatal vitamins and probiotics. It also means washing your hands regularly and avoiding contact with sick people. Finally, you should avoid smoking, which can irritate the respiratory tract. You should also avoid secondhand smoke.
What Causes Excessive Coughing During Pregnancy?
A chronic cough is a common occurrence during pregnancy, but it can be a cause for concern if you’re worried about the possibility of contracting a respiratory illness. Because your immune system is weaker during pregnancy, you’ll be more vulnerable to germs. Here are some common causes of cough during pregnancy.
- Common Cold
- Mild upper respiratory illness
- Influenza or flu
- Compromised immune system
- Pregnancy rhinitis
- Bronchitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or heartburn
- Asthma or bronchial asthma
- Allergic rhinitis
- SARS-CoV-2 infection
How Do I Prevent Getting a Cough or Cold During Pregnancy?
Keeping your body healthy is one of the most important steps to avoid catching a cold or cough during pregnancy. This includes eating nutritiously, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and taking prenatal vitamins or probiotics. It is also important to wash your hands often. If you are around people who are sick, avoid touching their hands or eating after they eat. Here are some things you can do to prevent getting a cough or cold during pregnancy.
- Get adequate rest and sleep
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Follow routine exercises
- Eat a balanced and healthy diet
- Wear a mask and follow social distancing
- Wash your hands regularly
- Avoid physical contact with sick people
- Avoiding allergen exposure
- Avoid smoking or secondhand smoking
- Take prenatal vitamins and probiotics
- Get your flu shots
Home Remedies For Dry Cough During Pregnancy
If you are prone to getting a cough during pregnancy, some simple natural remedies can be used to get relief. Raw honey has antiviral properties, and it’s safe to drink with lemon or hot water. Here are some natural home remedies you can try to get rid of cough during pregnancy.
- Honey
Honey is a natural remedy for treating the cough that plagues expectant mothers. The antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of honey can help a pregnant woman to fight off the coughing virus. This remedy is best taken before the onset of cold symptoms and is usually taken two to three times daily. Honey is a natural anti-inflammatory and is often recommended by medical professionals for coughs.
- Ginger
Coughs during pregnancy can be a huge problem for a pregnant woman. Ginger is an excellent remedy for coughs and colds. It also relieves nausea and stomach problems. You can consume ginger in many forms, including tinctures, capsules, and chewable tablets. You can also make a ginger infusion by mixing ginger juice with hot water and drinking it.
- Gargle With Salty Water
Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a cough and control the throat. It can also help wash away the post-nasal drip. Gargling with salt water can also reduce the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth. It also reduces your risk of dental plaque and gum inflammation. It can also relieve discomfort from mouth sores and sore throats.
- Garlic
Garlic for treating a cough during pregnancy can be a safe treatment when taken in moderate amounts. It is a powerful natural medicine that helps to increase immunity, but it should not be taken in large amounts during pregnancy. This herb is safe to eat in small quantities, but consuming large amounts could affect the baby’s development and blood pressure.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy that can help treat a cough during pregnancy. It has been proven to help the body become more alkaline, which makes the body more resistant to viruses and bacteria. It can be taken as a drink, mixed with warm water or black tea, two to three times a day, and helps to fight the symptoms of cough during pregnancy.
- Humidifier
During pregnancy, the humidifier will help clear mucus from the air, reducing the symptoms of coughing and congestion. However, you should clean your humidifier often since it can contain bacteria and mould.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C can help treat a cough during pregnancy and prevent it from worsening. Vitamin C is essential to a healthy diet and helps the body fight off infection-causing microorganisms. It also promotes quality sleep, which is important for healthy immune function. A
- Zinc
Zinc is one of the simple natural remedies to help you fight a cough during pregnancy. Zinc is a mineral that helps fight against rhinovirus, the common cause of colds and coughs. It has been shown to help prevent the virus from multiplying and from lodging in mucous membranes.
Indian Home Remedies For Cough During Pregnancy
One of the most effective Indian home remedies for colds during pregnancy is ginger. Ginger is known for its antimicrobial and warming properties. It also helps strengthen the immune system and fight off infection-causing bacteria and viruses. Here are some other home remedies for colds in pregnancy.
- Warm turmeric milk
- Gargle with saltwater
- Ajwain in boiling water
- A mixture of honey and ginger juice
- Basil water
- Flaxseeds with lime juice and honey
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Eat nutritious food
Is It Safe to Use Cough Syrup In Pregnancy?
There are many over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications, but some should not be taken while pregnant. This is because some of them contain alcohol, which can adversely affect the developing baby. Therefore, reading the label and asking your pharmacist for a safe cough syrup is important.
Although most over-the-counter cold and flu medications are safe to take while pregnant, it is best to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medications. This is especially important during the first trimester. It is essential for pregnant women to ask their healthcare provider about the safest dosage and the recommended duration for use.
Cough medicines contain dextromethorphan, a chemical that breaks up mucus. The drug can help reduce the severity of coughs but has not been proven effective against the common cold in pregnant women. Mucinex, Robitussin, Vapor Rubs and cough drops are all considered safe during pregnancy. Alternative recommendations for cough relief include using humidifiers, vaporizers, hydration, and home remedies.
FAQs
- What is the Fastest Way to Cure a Cough While Pregnant?
The fastest way to cure a cough while pregnant is drinking plenty of water, drinking a glass of warm lemon water, and taking safe over-the-counter cold medicines.
- What Can a Pregnant Woman Take For Cough and Cold?
There are a number of medications that a pregnant woman can take for a cough or cold, including acetaminophen for fevers and body aches. Other medications that are safe for pregnancy include cough suppressants and expectorants. Robitussin is a safe cough syrup in pregnancy.
- Does Coughing Affect the Baby?
Although coughing during pregnancy may not cause harm to the baby, it can be very tiring. If you have a coughing problem during pregnancy, you should contact your obstetrician as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Coughing is a common problem during pregnancy. As your immune system is weak, it is easier to catch a cold and cough. While it is not a serious problem, you should consult your doctor to get the right treatment plan. You can also use home remedies like honey, ginger and warm water to get rid of coughing problems. Typically a cough can go on its own, but if it persists, you should consult a doctor.
