Cough in pregnancy: symptoms and natural remedies to calm cough and sore throat during pregnancy
Cough in pregnancy is not a disorder to be underestimated: during pregnancy the female body is more exposed to seasonal ailments, her immune defenses are put to the test and an "airway infection" is not uncommon. Cough can therefore be one of the most frequent flu symptoms is accompanied by a sore throat, fever and cold, so you will need to see your doctor, especially if your cough and other flu symptoms persist.
Coughing in pregnancy - whether it is a dry, oily cough or a peevish cough - can be very annoying for the expectant mother, as well as for the future newborn, still in the womb. To calm the cough it is good not to resort to drugs (or, at least, not to resort to them immediately and not at all, as we will see specifically below), but first try to cure it with natural remedies. So let's find out together what are the types of cough in pregnancy, the risks for the baby and the best remedies to calm it down. Meanwhile, here is a video that teaches you how to pamper the baby inside the belly:
Cough in pregnancy: symptoms and risks for the baby
The symptoms of cough in pregnancy are no different from those of a normal cough, which is often accompanied by a cold, stuffy nose and sore throat. If the pregnant woman suffers from a fat cough, the presence of phlegm will manifest itself: it will always be good, in these cases, never to hold back the cough, because it is precisely in this way that the phlegm is expelled from the airways.
If, on the other hand, it is a dry cough, the phlegm will be absent, but an infection may be in progress that should be treated as soon as possible by contacting your doctor to avoid complications.
Cough and sore throat should not be underestimated during pregnancy, just to prevent them from escalating into fever. The fetus, from the first to the last week of pregnancy, is protected by the placenta, which keeps viruses and bacteria away. Unfortunately, however, it may happen that the placenta undergoes a laceration, letting the viruses infiltrate, with risks for the baby. Having said that, if you have a bit of a cough, don't be afraid, just contact the doctor who is following you and keep the disorder under control.
How to cure cough in pregnancy: yes or no to drugs?
To calm the cough in pregnancy it is preferable, as anticipated, to resort to natural remedies rather than drugs. The only drug allowed to treat coughs, sore throats and flu states is paracetamol: in fact, it is not proven that this drug - if taken in the recommended doses - increases the risk of miscarriage or congenital diseases in the child, as is the case with other drugs. In any case, frequent use could involve risks for the newborn and it is always advisable to take it under strict medical supervision.
No, however, to aspirin, especially in the first trimester: some studies show that it would increase the risk of spontaneous abortion. Aspirin, as well as ibuprofen or diclofenac, are completely prohibited after the 30th week of gestation, because they could cause serious damage blood circulation in the fetus.
Finally, we must be careful not to take antibiotics without having been specifically requested by the attending physician: these drugs, in fact, do not cure fever caused by viruses, as happens in most cases! If this also applies to women who are not pregnant, expectant mothers should be careful: not all antibiotics can be taken if you are pregnant, but only some and only on medical prescription.
Natural remedies to calm coughs in pregnancy
How to cure cough in pregnancy then? Among the most popular natural remedies ever there is honey, known for its emollient and soothing properties. You can enjoy a teaspoon of it directly by letting it slide down your throat, or dissolve some in milk or herbal tea.
Another grandmother's remedy is onion syrup, which has always been appreciated for its antibacterial and disinfectant properties: try cutting an onion into slices and putting it in a cup, covering it with sugar. Let it steep for an hour, then take four to six teaspoons of the resulting liquid per day.
Equally useful for sore throats and coughs are sage infusions, better if prepared specifically by you with sage purchased at a herbalist's shop. Leave the sage to steep in the tea and then use the brew obtained to gargle.
Other natural remedies are turnip syrup (to be prepared exactly like onion syrup) and fumigations with hot water and coarse salt or bicarbonate. Attention, however, to propolis: doctors advise against using it during pregnancy, especially in alcoholic solutions, which could pose a risk to the fetus.
Finally, prevention is very important during pregnancy: try to anticipate sore throats and coughs by hydrating yourself properly and taking care of your diet. Eat mostly foods rich in vitamin C, such as those featured in our album below.
