Cough During Pregnancy: Causes, Home Remedies, and Other Considerations
Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful but challenging journeys for the couple, especially the mother-to-be. The expectant mother’s body goes through a lot of physiological changes, some even causing occasional discomfort. Minor symptoms like cough during pregnancy may also invoke anxiety in some people. If you are wondering whether the cough is a symptom of pregnancy, how to treat it safely and some common home remedies for cough during pregnancy, you are at the right place.
Causes Of a Cough During Pregnancy
The most common causes of cough include:
A viral illness, such as the common cold or flu
Allergies
Asthma
Gastric reflux
However, a cough during pregnancy can be caused by various pregnancy-related factors that occur during pregnancy. A cough caused by various pregnancy-related factors can occur during pregnancy. The most common causes are respiratory infections, allergies and environmental irritants. The cough may also be caused by postnasal drip, which becomes more common due to increased blood circulation. Other changes like hormonal levels can also cause an obstruction in the nasal passage. Moreover, heartburn and acid reflux, which is common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, can also be a reason for your cough during those nine months.
Interestingly, some women report experiencing cough as a symptom of pregnancy itself. Although it is not widely observed as an early symptom, nonetheless this can be due to heightened sensitivity and an immune response to the woman's body during pregnancy.
Can a Cough During Pregnancy Hurt the Baby?
For many prospective mothers, the biggest concerns are what a cough during pregnancy might do to their baby, and whether it can harm the baby. Normally, a light to moderate cough is not harmful to the unborn. The child is protected within the mother’s womb by liquid and the uterine wall, shielding the baby from any movement or vibrations that take place from coughing.
While there are no harmful cough effects on pregnancy, if it becomes chronic and severe, it may cause the mother-to-be to experience fatigue or disturbance in sleep. This can indirectly affect the mother's general health and well-being. In very rare cases, over-coughing may cause stomach pain or even trigger contractions if the underlying condition is left untreated.
What Cough Medicine Is Safe for Pregnancy?
The medications that you resort to during pregnancy need to be taken carefully. Only the medications prescribed by your doctor should be taken to treat cough during pregnancy. This is because certain over-the-counter cough medications available contain drugs that should not be given to a pregnant woman. Therefore, it is always recommended to discuss with your doctor before taking any kind of medicine during pregnancy. Any drugs with alcohol, codeine and other narcotics should be strictly avoided since they can harm the foetus inside the womb.
Home Remedies for a Cough During Pregnancy
Natural and home remedies for cough are widely preferred among most people since they can help reduce the symptoms of cough without causing any harm to the baby. The knowledge of home remedies for cough is especially helpful during the first trimester when it is important to be cautious about the medicines consumed. Here are a few effective and harmless home remedies for cough during pregnancy:
Hydration is the best remedy
Drinking fluids in abundance will soften a sore throat and thin mucus so that it is easy to expel. Warm liquids, including herbal teas or broths, can be soothing.
Honey and Lemon
Honey and lemon mixed warm can help sore throats and coughs. Honey is a natural antibacterial while lemon is rich in vitamin C.
Steam Inhalation
Steaming with a bowl of boiling water or from the shower will ease the congestion in the nasal passages, which makes breathing easier for the respiratory tract.
Humidifier
A humidifier keeps the air in your home moist, this can prevent the mucous membranes inside your throat from drying out and becoming irritated. This can reduce the frequency of coughing.
Saltwater Gargle
Swishing warm salt water around in your mouth can help minimise throat inflammation and irritation and help to alleviate coughing temporarily.
When to Call Your Doctor About a Cough During Pregnancy?
Most coughs in pregnancy are harmless; however, it is crucial to know when to call for help. Call your healthcare provider if:
The cough lasts more than a week or worsens.
You have other symptoms including fever, shortness of breath or chest pain.
You notice a significant decrease in foetal movement or have any concerns about preterm labour.
You have an underlying health condition such as asthma or another chronic respiratory disease that makes the situation worse.
Conclusion
Pregnancy cough is not a matter of concern as long as it is taken care of mindfully. The knowledge of the causes and effects of cough during pregnancy has made it possible for expectant mothers to take precautionary measures and treat themselves responsibly. Home remedies and careful use of medication under the guidance of a doctor assist the mother-to-be in taking care of themselves and their baby. Communication with your healthcare provider is always a good idea to receive the best care possible and ensure that the little life growing inside of you is loved and cared for every step of the way.