Although cough, a common winter symptom, is easily treated in adults, it requires special precautions in the event of pregnancy. Indeed, in the event of infectious origin, it can cause contractions and complications for the fetus. Furthermore, usual treatments are often not recommended for pregnant women. Find out how to relieve a pregnant woman’s cough, and when it is necessary to consult a doctor.
1. When should a pregnant woman worry about her cough?
Cough in pregnant women can be of viral or bacterial origin. It generally dissipates within a few days, without risk to the fetus. However, there are special cases in which you should be concerned and consult your doctor:
- If the cough is accompanied by a high fever. It means that the cough is potentially of bacterial origin, and therefore requires appropriate treatment to avoid miscarriage or premature birth.
- If coughing causes contractions.
- If the sputum contains blood.
- If it causes great fatigue, because it is frequent, including at night.
- If it is accompanied by weight loss.
2. Relieve coughs in pregnant women
Relieving a pregnant woman’s cough requires some precautions. Indeed, certain drug treatments are contraindicated, due to the risks of heart defects that they present for the fetus. During pregnancy, women prone to cough can take:
- Medications: these are cough suppressants such as codeine or dextromethorphan, specifies the Reference Center for Teratogenic Agents (Crat), provided that the prescription is short-term. If it is really necessary, a bronchial thinner such as acetylcysteine or ambroxol can also be given to the pregnant woman.
- Water: good hydration is essential, especially if the pregnant woman has a fever, to avoid contractions. Alternating with water, drinking herbal tea with honey has a soothing effect on coughs.
- Homeopathic treatments: Oscillococcinum, aconite.
3. Natural treatments to avoid in pregnant women
Even though these are so-called natural treatments, they can have harmful effects on the development of the fetus. Thus, essential oils rich in phenols, ketones or aldehydes are contraindicated during pregnancy. Likewise, certain herbal treatments such as thyme, peppermint, ginseng, rosemary or even sage, which are active against coughs, should be avoided in pregnant women. It is therefore recommended to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
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Read also :
⋙ I cough: what’s behind it?
⋙ When should you see a doctor for a persistent cough?
⋙ How to calm a cough at night?