How To Get Rid Of A Cough When Pregnant

As with other pregnancy-related illnesses, treating a cough can be challenging. However, even the most chronic cases of cough can be safely relieved by drinking plenty of fluids, refraining from pseudo ephedrine, and taking cough drops frequently.

Cough in pregnancy

Causes and risk factors

Coughing during pregnancy can happen at any point of the gestational period due to the hormonal and immune system changes brought on by the condition. Women might become more susceptible to allergies or more likely to contract respiratory viruses as a result of these changes. Sluggish bronchitis, emerging asthma, gastroesophageal reflux, and allergic rhinitis are some of the major reasons for cough in pregnant women without documented bronchial pathology.¹

Signs and symptoms

Coughing is a symptom of an underlying problem rather than a disease. The underlying cause of coughing influences the coughing and the accompanying symptoms. Hay fever, gastroesophageal reflux illness, asthma, bronchitis, or exposure to allergens are frequently linked to dry cough. A productive cough, however, is a symptom of bacterial or viral infection, as well as the common cold, the flu, pneumonia, and several chronic illnesses, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis, to mention a few. Discomfort, body aches, congestion, fever, headaches, and sneezing are only a few of the associated signs and symptoms.

Complications

Coughing although extremely uncomfortable and often a painful experience during pregnancy is not associated with any compilation unless it is not associated with a life-threatening or infectious underlying condition. It is a widespread myth that coughing during pregnancy can displace the placenta or incur early uterine contractions, but neither is true.

If the coughing during pregnancy is associated with an underlying viral, bacterial or other respiratory infection or complication such as pneumonia, tuberculosis or bronchitis, or even asthma, it is associated with physiological complications.²

Although not a compilation, the pain brought on by coughing during pregnancy frequently causes sleep disruption. Additionally, coughing causes the uterus to apply pressure on the bladder, impairing urinary bladder control. As a result, women frequently experience embarrassment and unsanitary situations.

When to see a doctor

Being pregnant is a critical time in a woman's life, and it requires you to avoid using any medications, especially over-the-counter ones, without first consulting your doctor because they might harm your developing foetus. Pregnant women should exercise particular caution in early pregnancy, the first trimester or the first twelve months of the pregnancy.  

In light of this, it is crucial to consult your gynaecologist and primary care physician if your cough lasts more than seven days despite the strict implementation of medical interventions. You should see a medical professional right away if the cough is accompanied by a fever or other alarming symptoms or complications. The concerning symptoms include:

• Fever 
• Wheezing
• Dizziness or persistent headache
• Bleeding 
• Dyspnea or difficulty in breathing
• Excruciating pain
• Colored mucus secretions
• Reduction in foetal movement

Is cough common when pregnant? 

Cough is a common condition encountered by pregnant women, whether it originates from respiratory problems or rritation of the oropharynx. Even so, if properly handled, it is neither alarming nor persistent for quite long. The sooner you begin implementing precautionary measures and treatment modalities, the better it would be.

Can I get rid of a cough when pregnant?

With the exception of having to be aware of the treatment modality's potential for teratogenic effects, getting rid of coughing while pregnant is treated in a manner similar to any other time in your life. You can opt to manage your cough using over-the-counter medications or natural remedies, depending on how severe it is. However, consulting a doctor becomes necessary in the event of complications and lack of relief.

treating cough when pregnant

Given that most drugs have teratogenic potential the ability to harm the fetus and cause birth defects treating coughing during pregnancy can be challenging. As a result, it's crucial to reduce the frequency of cough bouts before seeking treatment through the implementation of precautionary measures.

Vaccines for prevention

Prevention is always a better idea than seeking treatment. So it is important to implement precautionary measures by getting vaccinated for preventable diseases that lead to coughing. The flu shot and whooping cough vaccine are integral during pregnancy.

The influenza vaccine, also referred to as a "flu shot," aims to lower the prevalence and complications brought on by the disease. It offers protection from all four types of influenza viruses, is safe for use as an immunisation during pregnancy, and is especially recommended during the flu season, which lasts from October to May.

The respiratory tract infection known as whooping cough is extremely contagious and causes violent coughing fits that are followed by gasping for breath and whooping sounds. Due to the whooping cough's high transmissibility, it can negatively impact a pregnant woman's quality of life and put her developing child at risk for infection. Since the infant cannot get the whooping cough vaccine until they are 2 months old, it is imperative that pregnant women get the immunisation to protect their quality of life and that of the child in her womb. Typically, inoculation is advised in the third or late second trimester (after 20 weeks of gestation) and is considered safe for the mother and the child.³ 

The NHS strongly advises vaccination between the 16th and 32nd week of pregnancy, and even up until labour if you happen to miss the vaccination schedule on time. This is because whooping cough virus or pertussis have the potential to have serious health consequences, including the death of the newborn babies.

Even though the pandemic is far behind us now, the COVID-19 virus is the last thing you would want to deal with during your pregnancy because it can lead to negative health outcomes.  Therefore, it is crucial to take precautionary measures whenever possible and, if you are eligible, get a COVID 19 vaccination booster shot.

Preventive measures

The secret to preserving optimum health and lowering susceptibility to diseases that cause coughing is, implementing good lifestyle choices and habits. To sustain health, it's critical to consume nutrient-rich foods high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, along with prenatal vitamins and probiotics.

To prevent any cough-inducing factors, it is advisable to consume warming beverages and nourishing soups during the cold and flu season. Additionally, honey has anti-inflammatory effects that prevent coughing and can help to relieve colds and coughs.

It is essential to keep  your social interactions strictly in check by avoiding crowded areas and maintaining a safe distance from any friends or family members who have a viral cough, cold, or flu. Furthermore, it's critical to often wash your hands because they can harbour bacteria and viruses that can compromise your health. Immune-boosting practices like getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and managing stress through meditation or other methods are strongly advised, especially during pregnancy since they help prevent illnesses and produce healthier offspring.

As a preventive step, it is also advised to have a humidifier or a room air purifier in your room because they have been linked to beneficial effects on preventing dry cough, especially those caused by allergens. 

Pregnancy-related coughs frequently originate from acid reflux, which induces oropharynx discomfort and consequently coughing. The condition is far more prevalent in the third trimester. Avoiding foods that exacerbate gastric reflux symptoms, maintaining an upright position, and even elevating the head while sleeping can all help to ease it.

Treatment

Before turning to pharmaceutical treatments, it's crucial to make sure you're adequately hydrated, especially if you have a productive cough or one that produces phlegm, as this aids in clearing out and getting rid of secretions. It is also advised to gargle with warm saline water to assist in soothing  your throat whether you have a productive or dry cough. The natural remedies are incredibly effective at relieving signs of cough, cold and flu.

Dextromethorphan syrup, an over-the-counter cough suppressant, can be used for cough alleviation when it comes to medication. According to research, it is not linked to birth abnormalities and is hence safe to take during pregnancy.⁴

It is advised to take nasal decongestants, pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, which also clear sinuses if the cough coexists with other common cold symptoms. Additionally, it can be used to reduce allergy or hay fever symptoms. The two drugs are suggested by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), and are thought to be safe for use during all three trimesters of pregnancy as they have not been linked to any birth defects. However, mothers-to-be who have a history of hypertension should abstain from using pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine throughout pregnancy. It is recommended to take your general physician and gynaecologist on board before experimenting with over-the-counter  cough suppressants. 

Expectorants are medications that help clear out the mucus from your throat and lungs and also relieve signs of congestion. Guaifenesin is one example of an expectorant. They exert their mechanism of action by thinning the mucus in the throat and lungs. 

Cough drops or throat lozenges have a taste and appearance similar to candy. The delicious, candy-like cough drops lubricate and soothe the throat, which temporarily suppresses coughing. They are also safe to use throughout pregnancy, but it's crucial to make sure you only use sugar-free cough drops if you have gestational diabetes.

All medications should be avoided in the first trimester and prescription medication including pain relief drugs, antibiotics and antivirals. So, consult your doctor before taking any one of these for the sake of your baby.

Summary

In conclusion, natural remedies and over-the-counter medications can effectively treat and soothe coughing during pregnancy, but prevention is always preferable to cure. Coughs can be avoided entirely by putting preventive measures into action. Prescription drugs, such as antibiotics and antivirals, should be avoided unless prescribed by a doctor. It is preferable to have your gynaecologist on board even with over-the-counter medications. However, if the symptoms persist for more than a week or get worse, you should visit a doctor.