While selecting a remedy for a cough while you are pregnant, it has to be ensured that it is safe for the unborn baby. Here’s some help…
A constant, nagging cough during pregnancy is not a serious issue but a bothersome problem indeed. It is quite a common occurrence as the immune system is quite weak during this period. It is usually caused by cold and flu or some allergic reactions. Cough is often accompanied by nasal congestion and a sore throat. Those women who have asthma may face breathing problems as well. The main aim of the remedy for this should be to provide an early relief to the expecting mother without causing any harm to the unborn baby.
Medications
There are several over-the-counter medicines available to treat cough and cold. However, you should not take any medicines during pregnancy without consulting your doctor, as you do not know if there are any side effects of these medicines. Cough suppressants with dextromethorphan as a component are most commonly used for the treatment of cough during pregnancy. Cough drops available in the form of candy keep the throat moist and reduce the cough. But cough drops should be taken with utmost caution and only after consulting a doctor. Saline nose drops are recommended if there is nasal congestion. Antihistamines may be prescribed if the problem is caused due to allergies. Acetaminophen is used to bring down fever and mild pain. Along with these medicines, doctors prescribe zinc and vitamin supplements, as they are helpful in fighting this kind of common infections.
Natural Remedies
Take Rest: When you are battling a persistent cough, it is very difficult to catch sleep at night. However, plenty of rest is important for the body to recover from the infection. While sleeping, put two pillows under your head to make breathing comfortable.
Drink Fluids: Fluid intake helps keep the body hydrated and replenish for the fluid loss. Drink at least eight glasses of water daily to eliminate the phlegm. Chicken soup or warm teas are also very helpful for this purpose. Even if you do not feel like eating anything, you have to keep healthy food for the sake of your baby.
Orange Juice and Honey: This is one of the best dry cough remedies for pregnant women. Prepare a mixture of one glass of fresh orange juice and two tablespoons of honey. Have it at least two to three times a day. The natural properties of honey works wonders against the phlegm of sore throat. Orange juice is a great source of vitamin C that strengthens the immune system.
Saline Water: Gargling with saline water is an excellent cough remedy. Take a cup of lukewarm water and add a teaspoon of table salt into it, and mix it well. Use this saline water for gargling. If you do it before going to bed, the nasty cough is not going to trouble you throughout the night.
Steam: Inhalation of steam provides a lot of relief to a stuffy nose, chest congestion, and cough. Boil water, pour it into a large bowl, and put a few drops of eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil into it. Cover up your head with a towel and inhale the steam. It opens up the blocked nose almost instantly. It can also help get rid of a headache as well.
All these cough remedies will help get rid of the symptoms within a week. Common cold is very contagious. Therefore, once you are free from infection, take suitable preventive measures so that you do not get the infection all over again. Maintain good personal hygiene. Stay away from people who are already having the infection.
