Medications for Sore Throat During Pregnancy

Sore throats often accompany pregnant women. There are many reasons for the onset of this unpleasant sensation, and we’ll discuss most of them below. Today, we will also discuss which medications can be taken for a sore throat during pregnancy without harming the baby.

Causes of Sore Throats

Researching the causes of throat illnesses, specialists have identified several main reasons that lead to discomfort during pregnancy:

1. Penetration of viral flora onto the nasopharyngeal mucosa. This provokes discomfort when swallowing and redness of the throat.
2. Bacterial infections of the mucosa. These can cause the development of various diseases of differing severity.
3. Acute inflammatory processes.
4. Soreness and irritation due to stomach and pancreas issues.
5. Allergic reaction to plants, animals, dust (even if this was not noted before).
6. Hormonal changes accompanied by side effects.

It is important to understand the causes of the disease. Since each of them can lead to serious consequences, especially in the 1st trimester. For example, during an inflammatory process, pathogenic microorganisms may cross the placental barrier and harm the fetus. A visit to the doctor is essential to choose medications for a sore throat during pregnancy. Not all usual medications can be taken during the delicate period of carrying a baby.

First aid for sore throat

During pregnancy, medication may be part of a woman’s life. Before resorting to it, first aid should be provided. Why is this so important?

1. First aid can prevent the illness from escalating. This is very important during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. The development of clinical symptoms complicates treatment, particularly given the limited range of possible medications.
2. You can avoid the need to take medicine for a sore throat during pregnancy.
3. First aid alleviates discomfort and aids in further treatment.

It’s important to remember that self-care measures are possible if there is no fever, dizziness, swelling of the nasopharynx, or lymph node swelling. 

DIY sore throat remedies during pregnancy:

1. Inhalation using gentle herbs (chamomile, sage). They soothe and relax the mucous membranes.
2. Tea with cranberries, raspberries, lingonberry infusion, cranberries. They help relieve pain, reduce swelling, and boost the immune system.
3. An oak bark infusion can also be helpful for this task. Rinse your mouth and throat several times a day.
4. Milk with honey can soften the mucous membrane and ease swallowing.
5. Of course, the best remedy for a sore throat during early pregnancy is gargling. This removes microorganisms and bacteria, hydrates the mucous membrane, and the medicinal products protect the throat from new infections.

In addition to medications for a sore throat during pregnancy, dietary and drink restrictions should be considered. Avoid hot, cold, and sour foods. Do not continue such treatment without consulting a doctor for more than 2-3 days. If symptoms do not subside, it is advisable to visit a specialist who will prescribe medication.

Medication treatment for a sore throat during pregnancy

Treating a sore throat outside of pregnancy usually doesn’t present any issues. Pharmacies offer plenty of remedies to alleviate any symptoms. Emollients, antibacterials, refreshing agents, antibiotic-based products, etc. However, 90% of these are strictly prohibited during pregnancy.

Nevertheless, there are medications for pregnant women, and we have prepared a selection of the best throat pain medications for use during pregnancy.

1. Products based on herbal components are safe. The famous Doctor Mom product is one of the best solutions for scratchy throat, mild cough, and throat redness.
2. Faringosept is an excellent choice of medication for sore throat during pregnancy.
3. If you need to relieve swelling, use Ingalipt. It acts effectively without entering the bloodstream, thus not harming the baby.
4. Oralcept.
5. Hexoral for mucous membrane protection.
6. Bronchicum with mucolytic action.
7. Cameton with antiseptic action.

To increase the effectiveness of medications, consider a couple of tips for using medicinal sprays:

1. Before applying throat pain medication in spray form during pregnancy, rinse your throat with sage or chamomile. Herbs can be purchased at any pharmacy.
2. Pay attention to the dosage, as sprays are medicinal products just like injections, tablets, etc.

Despite the fact that all these drugs are recommended by the manufacturer for use during pregnancy, treatment should be carried out with caution, following the precise dosages in the instructions.

Prevention of Viral Infections During Pregnancy

The above are common causes of throat diseases. But there are more serious causes of pain. Severe diseases are dangerous not only for the mother but also for the child.

During pregnancy, it is especially important to prevent any illness. To protect yourself from infectious diseases, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures daily. Note that prevention not only helps protect against sore throat, it eliminates the need to take sore throat medication during pregnancy and provides overall protection against viruses.

Prevention includes:

1. Constant personal hygiene control. It’s simple: wash your hands, change clothes and underwear daily, wash towels frequently or use disposable paper ones.
2. Cleanliness in the home is the second most important step. Do wet cleaning, ventilate, and store away unnecessary notebooks and books (they accumulate a lot of dust).
3. Avoid cash. Money carries millions of bacteria and diseases. It is better to use cashless payments exclusively during pregnancy.
4. Vitamins. Eat fruits, vegetables, and take doctor-prescribed vitamins. But be cautious with them as there is a risk of provoking allergies.
5. Swimming, yoga, and other health-strengthening activities.

If you experience a sore throat that worsens and is accompanied by a fever, avoid self-medicating for a sore throat during pregnancy. It’s advisable to consult a doctor.