Cough in pregnancy can be more intense and long-lasting than usual. Cough, in general, is a self-limiting condition. However, it can be more uncomfortable during pregnancy, when the body undergoes various physical, emotional, and hormonal changes and changes to the immune system. The American Pregnancy Association states that pregnancy-associated immune system changes can increase a pregnant woman’s susceptibility to various infections and allergens and lead to cough during pregnancy (1) (2). Moreover, one may develop a cough if they contract influenza (flu) or the common cold during pregnancy. In this post, you can read about the causes of cough, its impact on the fetus, and management and preventive strategies.
What Causes Cough During Pregnancy?
Cough can be a presenting symptom of the following conditions during pregnancy: Other conditions that can cause cough in pregnancy are (7)
Bronchitis Asthma or bronchial asthma Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or heartburn Allergic rhinitis
How Is Cough Treated In Pregnancy?
Since several factors are responsible for cough in pregnancy, the treatment depends on the type of cough and underlying cause. The following are some methods to treat cough in pregnancy (1): The following are some medications that are safe for treating cough in pregnancy (1):
Acetaminophen (paracetamol) can relieve fever, cough, and cold. Cough suppressants, including dextromethorphan at a maximum dose of 120mg per day, help treat dry cough in pregnancy (8) (9). Anesthetic sore throat lozenges can ease throat pain or irritation, which causes cough. Decongestants may be harmful to the baby if overused. Consult your doctor before using them (3) (10) OTC antihistamine drugs such as cetirizine are relatively safe and help relieve flu symptoms. They may, however, cause sleepiness.
What Are The Natural Remedies For Cough In Pregnancy?
Since cough medicines are often contraindicated in pregnancy, natural remedies are suggested to treat cough, including (1)
Drinking warm water Gargling with salty warm water Honey (9) Green tea or herbal tea
Herbs such as sage, chamomile, thyme, aniseed, fenugreek, peppermint, eucalyptus, cumin, garlic, and ginger are useful in treating cough in pregnancy. However, consult your doctor before taking these herbs (11) (12).
How Can Cough In Pregnancy Be Prevented?
To avoid falling sick or contracting a cold or cough during pregnancy, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is of prime importance. Your daily routine should include (1):
Rest: Adequate rest and sleep are critical and give the body enough time to replenish. Drink plenty of fluids: Drink lots of water, juice, or healthy soups to help restore the necessary fluids in the body. Diet: Eat balanced, healthy, and nutritious food. Routine exercise: Do exercises regularly, including aerobic and strength-conditioning exercises. However, contact your health care provider or physiotherapist before exercising (13) Have covid-appropriate behavior by wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing.
Other methods to prevent contracting a cough when pregnant are (1)
Regular hand washing
Avoiding allergen exposure (10) Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands (14) Avoiding physical contact with sick people and sharing cutlery or towels with them Avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke, which cause respiratory irritation (15). Taking your prenatal vitamins and probiotics on time Getting your flu shots, covid vaccinations and Tdap vaccine (2) (4)
Does Coughing During Pregnancy Harm The Baby?
Although contracting an ordinary cough during pregnancy may cause fatigue, it is usually not harmful to the baby. Research suggests that colds and flu with high-grade fever right before or in the early weeks of pregnancy may raise risk of congenital impairments, including (16):
Cleft lip with or without cleft palate Anencephaly Limb reduction Spina bifida Encephalocele Colonic atresia/stenosis Bilateral renal agenesis/hypoplasia Gastroschisis
When Should You See A Doctor?
Typically, cough is not a harmful condition during pregnancy. However, you should contact your doctor in the following scenarios (1) (10):
If your cough does not improve and persists for more than seven days
If you have difficulty sleeping and eating If your cough produces greenish/yellow sputum If you develop chest pain, breathing difficulty, or wheezing along with the cough If you have a fever (over 100.2°F) with the cough
