It is common to experience a cough during pregnancy, and while it can be uncomfortable, it is typically not a cause for serious alarm. Understanding the various factors that contribute to coughing during this period can help alleviate concerns and manage symptoms. Many bodily changes during pregnancy can influence respiratory health and increase the likelihood of a cough.
Pregnancy’s Physiological Influence
During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant physiological adaptations that can contribute to or worsen a cough. Hormonal shifts, particularly the surge in progesterone, play a substantial role. Progesterone increases sensitivity in the respiratory center, leading to changes in breathing patterns. This hormone also affects the smooth muscle tone of the airways, causing mucosal swelling and irritation, which can result in nasal congestion. This increased sensitivity can make even mild irritants trigger a cough.
Increased blood volume is another factor, as it can lead to swelling and irritation in the throat and nasal passages, potentially causing congestion and post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip occurs when excess mucus drains down the back of the throat, irritating the airways and often leading to a dry cough. The immune system also adapts during pregnancy to prevent rejection of the developing fetus, making pregnant individuals more susceptible to certain infections.
The growing uterus exerts physical pressure on internal organs, including the stomach. This pressure, combined with hormonal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter—a muscular valve between the esophagus and stomach—can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as heartburn. Stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus can irritate the throat and activate the cough reflex, particularly when reclining. This can result in a persistent cough, often worse at night.
Common External Contributors
Beyond pregnancy-specific physiological changes, several external factors commonly cause coughing in pregnant individuals. Viral infections, such as the common cold, influenza, or other respiratory viruses, are frequent culprits. Pregnant individuals may be more vulnerable to these infections due to changes in their immune system. A cough from a viral infection often serves to clear mucus and irritants from the airways.
Allergies, including allergic rhinitis, can also trigger a cough. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can sometimes amplify allergic reactions, leading to symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and coughing. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can also cause a cough, and its symptoms may fluctuate during pregnancy. Uncontrolled asthma can lead to persistent coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness.
Environmental irritants like cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, or air pollutants can directly irritate the sensitive mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Exposure to these substances can provoke a cough as the body attempts to expel the irritants. Maintaining good indoor air quality and avoiding known triggers can help reduce the frequency and severity of such coughs.
When to Seek Medical Guidance
While most coughs during pregnancy are temporary and resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant medical evaluation. It is important to consult a healthcare provider if a cough persists for more than 10 days, worsens quickly, or is accompanied by concerning signs. These signs include a persistent fever, especially if it is higher than 100.4°F (38°C). Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing are also indicators that medical attention is needed.
Chest pain or pressure should prompt immediate consultation, as should coughing up discolored mucus, particularly if it is yellow, green, or bloody. Severe vomiting or if the cough significantly impacts daily activities, such as eating, sleeping, or breathing comfortably, are also reasons to contact a doctor. These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or other infections that require specific treatment. A healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate, safe management.
Managing Cough Safely
For managing a cough during pregnancy, non-pharmacological approaches are often preferred. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids like water, juice, or broth helps to thin mucus and keep airways moist. Using a humidifier in the bedroom can add moisture to the air, which helps soothe irritated nasal passages and throats, making it easier to breathe and reducing coughing. Warm liquids such as lemon tea with honey or ginger tea can also provide comfort and help hydrate the throat. Honey itself can help relieve cough symptoms.
Gargling with warm salt water can help alleviate throat irritation and pain associated with a cough. Elevating the head while sleeping can reduce post-nasal drip and lessen nighttime coughing. For over-the-counter medications, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking anything, as not all common cough remedies are safe during pregnancy. Generally, medications containing dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) and guaifenesin (an expectorant that thins mucus) are considered safe for use after the first trimester, but only under a doctor’s guidance. Avoid combination medications, especially those containing alcohol or pseudoephedrine in the first trimester.