Coughing is one of several health issues that mothers may experience during their pregnancy. Coughs in pregnant women cannot be treated with any medication because some cough medicines may cause harm to the fetus.

Does a cold cough affect the fetus?

During pregnancy, mothers' immune systems weaken, making them more vulnerable to viral infections that cause colds and coughs, which also take longer to heal.

Coughs and colds in pregnant women have little effect on the developing fetus. Nonetheless, pregnant women must exercise caution when choosing their medications. Pregnant women should also be cautious if the condition does not improve or if the symptoms include chest pain, phlegm changes, a decrease in appetite, and fever.

Lists of safe cough medicines for pregnant women

If a pregnant woman has a cough, it is best to use medication that is safe for both the mother and the fetus. When purchasing over-the-counter medication, consult with a doctor or pharmacist to ensure that the medicine is appropriate for the pregnant woman's condition. Some examples of safe cough medications are:

Expectorants

Expectorants are mucus-thinning medications used to treat phlegmy coughs and relieve respiratory distress. These medications work by thinning the mucus or phlegm in the respiratory tract, making it easier to expel.

According to GoodRx, research suggests that expectorants should be taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, when entering the second and third trimesters, it's advisable to consult a doctor before taking an expectorant such as guaifenesin and bromhexine.

Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan is a medication used to treat dry coughs caused by certain respiratory tract infections. This medication works by suppressing the urge to cough. You can get dextromethorphan without a prescription.

Decongestant

A decongestant is a medication used to relieve nasal congestion due to coughs, colds, allergies, and sinusitis. It comes in the form of oral medication and nasal sprays. Inhalable decongestants like oxymetazoline are relatively safe for pregnant women. However, for oral decongestants, it's advisable not to buy them without a doctor's prescription.

Acetaminophen

Pregnant women can take acetaminophen or paracetamol if coughing is associated with a fever. Paracetamol is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever. Take paracetamol as directed and avoid exceeding the recommended dosage per day. If the fever persists for several days, seek medical attention promptly.

Lists of cough medicines not recommended for pregnant women

Pregnant women are not advised to take medications containing codeine and iodine. Codeine is a moderate-to-severe pain reliever. It can be combined with cough medicine and used to treat diarrhea. When used to relieve coughing, it works by reducing activity in the brain areas that cause coughing.

Codeine is usually prescribed if pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen are not effective in addressing the complaint.

Another medication not recommended for pregnant women is iodine. Iodine is not recommended for pregnant women because it can swell the fetal thyroid gland and damage the baby's airways.

Home remedies for pregnant women

In addition to taking medications, pregnant women can also relieve coughs with home remedies. Some recommended home remedies for cough relief include:

• Drinking honey
• Gargling with salt water
• Drinking plenty of water or warm water
• Eating healthy foods
• Getting plenty of rest
• Taking immune-boosting supplements

Pregnant women should be cautious when selecting cough medications. If you have a cough, you should see a doctor or try home remedies until the symptoms improve. If the symptoms worsen, resulting in dehydration or nutritional deficiencies, it is best to see a doctor immediately.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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