A cough is common during pregnancy, often resulting from hormonal changes, an altered immune response, or a simple cold virus. Because a developing fetus is sensitive to external substances, careful consideration is necessary for all treatments, including home remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Consulting with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any new treatment is the safest first step toward managing symptoms.
Safe Home Remedies for Cough Relief
Non-pharmacological approaches are the preferred first line of defense against a cough, as they carry virtually no risk to the fetus and provide significant comfort. Increasing fluid intake is foundational, as staying well-hydrated with water, broth, or warm decaffeinated teas helps to thin mucus secretions in the respiratory tract. Warm fluids, especially those containing lemon or ginger, can be particularly soothing for an irritated throat and may help reduce coughing episodes.
Utilizing moisture in the air can also greatly reduce irritation and congestion. Using a cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom, maintaining the humidity level between 40–50%, helps keep nasal passages and the throat moist. Brief steamy showers or inhaling steam from a basin of hot water also help to loosen mucus and ease pressure, which can alleviate a cough caused by post-nasal drip.
Simple, non-medicated throat lozenges or hard candies stimulate saliva production, which naturally coats and soothes the throat lining to suppress the cough reflex. For those who do not have diabetes, a spoonful of honey or mixing it into warm water is a well-regarded natural cough suppressant. For nasal congestion contributing to coughing, a saline nasal spray or rinse can safely clear the nasal passages, as the solution is not systemically absorbed.
Understanding Over-the-Counter Medication Safety
When home remedies do not provide sufficient relief, some OTC medications may be considered. The safest approach is to select single-ingredient products to avoid unnecessary exposure to multiple active compounds. Acetaminophen is the preferred choice for managing fever or pain that often accompanies a cough, as it has the most established safety profile during pregnancy.
For cough suppression, dextromethorphan is generally considered acceptable when used as directed, though its efficacy for a common cold cough is often questioned. Guaifenesin, an expectorant that helps thin mucus, may also be considered, especially when paired with good hydration. Because some recent research suggests a possible link between their use in early pregnancy and certain birth defects, medical guidance is essential before using these ingredients.
Medications that constrict blood vessels, like the oral decongestants pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, require careful use, particularly in the first trimester. Due to the potential for vasoconstriction that could affect placental blood flow, these are generally avoided in the first three months of pregnancy. If a woman has high blood pressure, she should strictly avoid oral decongestants, as they can raise blood pressure. Combination cold medicines should be avoided altogether, as they often contain unnecessary or potentially contraindicated ingredients.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, must be strictly avoided from 20 weeks of pregnancy onward. Use in the second half of pregnancy can cause serious kidney problems in the unborn baby, potentially leading to low levels of amniotic fluid. Use after 30 weeks carries a risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, a vital blood vessel in the fetal heart.
Key Symptoms Requiring Medical Consultation
A cough that persists or is accompanied by certain warning signs should prompt an immediate call to a healthcare provider, as this can indicate a more serious infection. A high fever, defined as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, requires prompt medical attention, especially if it does not respond to acetaminophen. This level of fever can signal a more serious condition like the flu or a bacterial infection.
Any difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain are serious indicators requiring urgent medical evaluation, as they may suggest a lower respiratory tract infection. A change in the nature of the cough, such as coughing up blood or mucus that is greenish or yellowish in color, can signal a bacterial infection requiring prescription treatment. Symptoms that worsen after a few days of self-treatment or a cough that lasts longer than 7 to 10 days also warrant a professional consultation.