You are expecting a child. What joy ! But a nasty sore throat has been tiring you for a few days. What drugs are allowed during pregnancy? How to overcome it with natural remedies? We take stock.
Pregnant women are not immune to winter viruses. Unfortunately, when they have a cold, sore throat, cough or headache, they only have access to a limited number of medications. Natural medicines and grandmothers' remedies are their best allies to relieve and heal pain. So how do you treat a sore throat and its associated symptoms when you are pregnant? Specialists give us some advice on this subject.
Ban self-medication
For the past few days, you have had a sore throat. Whether it is a simple cold, sore throat or the flu, self-medication is not recommended when you are pregnant. And this, whatever the stage of pregnancy. The important thing is not to take any risks for your baby. " While pregnant, the list of drugs allowed, whether prescription or not, is limited », Insists Carole Minker, doctor in Pharmacy and Pharmacognosy and author of the book Self-care during pregnancy published by Larousse (available on Fnac). " So do not hesitate to seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist ". Among the authorized and self-service medications, seawater nose sprays and some throat sprays " that target pain ". " Hygiene of the nose is very important when you have a sore throat », Assures Carole Minker. Very often the mucus runs down the back of the throat. This causes irritation or inflammation in the throat. But " be careful to read the labels to check the composition of the drugs and to know whether or not they are authorized during pregnancy », Warns Carole Minker. In case of fever or headache, you can also take paracetamol " over a limited period of time ".
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Bet on honey
You will understand that when you are pregnant, it is better to give preference to grandmother's remedies and certain natural products. Thanks to its antiseptic properties, honey is very effective in calming coughs and sore throats. Linden honey is an excellent natural remedy for sore throats such as tonsillitis or flu. Acacia and sunflower honeys are also effective in fighting respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. " For pregnant women, for whom many drugs and treatments are prohibited, honey is a very good natural remedy to fight against sore throats. », Assures Joanna Stiers, founder of the Queen's Swarm. " The healing and antiseptic effect of honey comes from the enzyme glucose oxidase, produced by bees. It allows the constant transformation of small quantities of sugar into oxygen peroxide, better known as hydrogen peroxide ".
Most often this remedy is taken as an infusion. Be careful, however, not to consume it too hot, "at the risk of causing it to lose its healing properties", assures Joanna Stiers, founder of the Queen's Swarm. " The virtues of honey disappear if the water is boiling. It is therefore necessary to wait a few minutes before adding a spoon of honey to its infusion in order to benefit from all the benefits of this product "
Testing the power of plants
" The future mother can also drink mallow or marshmallow infusion », Says Carole Minker. Mallow is known for its soothing properties. It calms the irritation and sore throat and dry cough. " This plant can be used as an infusion or as a gargle », Assures the doctor of pharmacy. For an infusion, just immerse two tablespoons of a mixture of flowers and mallow leaves in a liter of water. Let steep for ten minutes before filtering. You can drink one to three cups a day. It is in no way harmful to the pregnant woman or the baby. However, it must be consumed without excess, because it has a laxative action. Another plant known for its antitussive properties on dry coughs: marshmallow root. " Like mallow, it can be used as an infusion or as a mouthwash », Assures the specialist. As a decoction, bring 15 to 20 g of dried roots to a boil in half a liter of water. Let it boil for twenty minutes before filtering. You can drink one to three cups a day or use it for gargling.
A third plant can give you relief. Echinacea, on the other hand, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is recommended in the prevention and management of cold and flu symptoms. " Be careful, however, to take it for a short time when you are pregnant », Insists Carole Minker. Infuse 1 gram of dried Echinacea roots or aerial parts in a cup of boiling water. Let it steep before straining and drinking. " However, some precautions are in order. It is not recommended to take Echinacea during the first trimester of pregnancy ".
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Take thujanol thyme essential oils
" There are two schools concerning essential oils ”, assures the doctor of pharmacy. "Some strongly advise against them during pregnancy, others see no problem. The key is to be careful: you have to know which essential oils can be used (the list is limited), take them only over a short period and respect the recommended dosages. Thujanol thyme essential oil is a mild antibiotic ". It is particularly useful for relieving pain in the throat. " Add a drop of thujanol thyme essential oil to a teaspoon of honey or a tablespoon of oil. You can take one drop every morning and night for three days from the second trimester of pregnancy. ".
Focus on homeopathy
In homeopathy, several solutions are available to the expectant mother. There are, in fact, homeopathic throat lozenges such as Angipax from Lehning laboratories (available on universpharmacy), which are recommended in cases of angina or homeogenic 9 from Boiron (available on universpharmacy) and Mercu sol from Lehning laboratories (available on universpharmacie) in case of sore throat. It is also possible to buy a propolis spray " to be used for a short period »Or a mouthwash to use as a gargle. A specialist can also recommend a homeopathic treatment in the form of granules " which will be personalized according to the specific symptoms ". Carole Minker advises in particular Arum triphyllum compound (available on medicament.com) which calms the pain.
Take care of your diet
In case of sore throat, certain foods should be avoided such as " chili peppers or fresh fruits which can make the pain worse », Explains Carole Minker. Also be careful not to drink too hot and be sure to hydrate yourself well. Nothing prevents you from having a little pleasure – in moderation – by eating an ice cream " because cold can occasionally relieve pain ".