What medicine can i take while pregnant for sore throat

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.

Table of Contents Show

Which medicines are safe?
Herbal and homeopathic remedies and aromatherapy in pregnancy
More information
What helps a sore throat when pregnant?
What can I take for a cold and sore throat while pregnant?
Is sore throat OK when pregnant?
What medicine can you take while pregnant for a cold?

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

Most medicines taken during pregnancy cross the placenta and reach the baby.

Before taking any medicine when you're pregnant, including painkillers, check with your pharmacist, midwife or GP that it's suitable.

When deciding whether to take a medicine during pregnancy, it's important to find out about the possible effects of that medicine on your baby.

This is the case both for medicines prescribed by a doctor and for medicines you buy from a pharmacy or shop.

Which medicines are safe?

You can find out information on medicines in pregnancy on the bumps (best use of medicines in pregnancy) website.

They also have advice on what to do if you have already taken a medicine in pregnancy.

But it's also important to never stop taking a medicine that's been prescribed to keep you healthy without first checking with your doctor.

Stopping taking your medicine could be harmful to both you and your baby.

If you're trying for a baby or are already pregnant, it's important to always:

talk to your doctor immediately if you take regular medicine, ideally before you start trying for a baby or as soon as you find out you're pregnant
check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before taking any prescribed medicines or medicines that you have bought
make sure your doctor, dentist or another healthcare professional knows you're pregnant before they prescribe anything or give you treatment

If you cannot find information about a specific medicine on bumps, you can ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist to contact the UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS) for advice on your behalf.

Herbal and homeopathic remedies and aromatherapy in pregnancy

Not all "natural" remedies or complementary therapies are safe in pregnancy.

Some products used may not be of a high quality and may contain other substances, such as lead, that could be harmful.

You're also advised not to take herbal remedies if you're trying to get pregnant.

Tell your midwife, doctor or pharmacist if you're using herbal, homeopathic or aromatherapy remedies or therapies.

If you do decide to use these therapies, you should always consult a qualified practitioner.

You should tell your practitioner that you're pregnant before discussing any treatment.

The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA) provides information on qualified or registered practitioners.

Organisations with PSA-accredited voluntary registers include:

the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council
the Federation of Holistic Therapists

Complementary remedies or therapies cannot replace conventional antenatal care.

It's important to go to all your regular antenatal check-ups throughout your pregnancy.

More information

Medicines A to Z

Are complementary therapies safe in pregnancy?

What helps a sore throat when pregnant?

You can try the following:.

Gargle with warm salt water to help your sore throat feel better..

Avoid cold liquids, which can aggravate a sore throat. Instead, try caffeine-free herbal teas, such as chamomile or lemon tea with cinnamon. Be sure to stay hydrated..

Get plenty of rest to allow your body to heal..

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..

Is sore throat OK when pregnant?

A sore throat during pregnancy is usually not a cause of concern. But if it is accompanied by fever, chills, and a severe sense of malaise, it could be the flu and you should see your doctor right away. If it is strep throat, which is a severe form of sore throat caused by bacteria, you may require a doctor's visit.