When To Be Worried & Contact The Doctor
It might be tough to make a determination over the true reason of the sore throat without medical assistance. Lots of women may prefer to ensure the signs at first, using home remedies or self treatment to relieve them. There`s nothing wrong with this if you also get in touch with the doctor.
You should also contact him if any of the following symptoms occur:
- Diarrhea or vomiting.
- Not being able to swallow water or food because of the pain.
- Reduced movement of the fetus.
- Short of breath.
- Fever over 100.4 °C.
Additional Symptoms To Watch For
There are a few indicators your sore throat could be a symptom of a more severe illness that requires medical treatment. If you experience any of the following symptoms, head to your doctor for a more thorough evaluation:
- Fever above 100 degrees.
- A sore throat that has persisted for more than 3-4 days.
- Red or white spots in the back of the throat.
- Sore throat and cold that improved but then suddenly worsened.
A Word About Antibiotics
So many patients call asking for antibiotics for a cold,usually when theyve had symptoms for several days. There are a few times whenantibiotics are appropriate, for instance, strep throat or sinus infectionscaused by bacteria. But antibiotics simply dont work against viruses thatcause the common cold. Overprescribing antibiotics for viral illnesses leads toantibiotic resistance, which means the bacteria grow stronger over time andbecome tougher to beat with antibiotics.If a doctor prescribes an antibiotic for cold symptoms, its usually a short,three-day round of drugs. The patient often feels better after finishing themedication but probably would have recovered in that timeframe anyway withoutthe drug.
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What Is A Sore Throat
A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, refers to a condition in which the throat becomes inflamed and feels uncomfortable and painful. During pregnancy, your natural immune system undergoes complex modifications to support the growing fetus. While it is not completely suppressed, it lowers its defense mechanism so that it doesnt attack the growing baby mistaking it for a foreign body. These changes may make you more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections that may cause a sore throat .
Tonsillitis in pregnancy involves the tonsils, a pair of soft-tissue structures located on either side at the back of your throat, right where your tongue ends. Tonsils are considered to be the first line of defense against bacteria, viruses, or other foreign substances that go through your mouth. Tonsillitis or the inflammation of the tonsils also presents as a sore throat.
Whether you get pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or both, you may experience a number of symptoms besides a sore throat, as mentioned in the next section.
Herbal And Homeopathic Remedies And Aromatherapy In Pregnancy
Not all “natural” remedies or complementary therapies are safe in pregnancy.
Some products used may not be of a high quality and may contain other substances, such as lead, that could be harmful.
Tell your midwife, doctor or pharmacist if you’re using herbal, homeopathic or aromatherapy remedies or therapies.
If you do decide to use these therapies, you should always consult a qualified practitioner.
You should tell your practitioner that you’re pregnant before discussing any treatment.
The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care provides information on qualified or registered practitioners.
Organisations with PSA-accredited voluntary registers include:
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What Types Of Remedies Should I Avoid While Pregnant
Several common remedies should be strictly avoided while pregnant, including:
- Aspirin.
- Caffeinated teas.
- Vitamin C supplements: Vitamin C supplements marketed to boost immunity are typically safe for consumption. While it may be tempting to use these products to ward off a larger cold at the first sign of a sore throat, its best to check with your doctor first especially since your prenatal vitamin should already contain Vitamin C.
- Zinc lozenges: As is the case with Vitamin C, your prenatal vitamins give you all the vitamins and minerals you need during pregnancy, so taking more can cause you to take too much. Check with your doctor about whether you can take zinc lozenges to stave off a cold and if theres any question, skip it.
Can Taking Antibiotics While Pregnant Hurt The Baby
As safe as antibiotics are, you should never overdose on them. Taking too many antibiotics can be harmful to both you and your baby. Take the antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms should generally improve within the first 24 hours of treatment, but do not take more if the antibiotics seem to have no effect. Instead, talk to your doctor for a new treatment plan.
Similarly, make sure you take the complete course of the antibiotics you have been prescribed. Even if you feel better, the full course is designed to eliminate the bacteria from your system.
Taking insufficient antibiotics may leave bacteria in your system, allowing them to grow and potentially cause even more severe symptoms. The bacteria can also gain immunity to the antibiotics, meaning you may have to take more powerful antibiotics that may present harmful side effects for you and your baby.
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Common Cold Symptoms During Pregnancy
Generally, a cold will start with a sore or scratchy throat lasting about a day or two, followed by the gradual onset of other symptoms which may include:
- Sneezing
- Mild fatigue
- A runny, then later stuffy nose
- A dry cough, particularly as the cold is ending which may continue for a week or more after the other symptoms have mostly subsided
- A low-grade fever typically under 100 degrees Fahrenheit
Cold symptoms usually last between 10 to 14 days. However, if your symptoms persist longer than that time frame or seem to progressively worsen, you should talk to your primary care physician so they can ensure it hasnt turned into something more serious like an infection or the flu.
What Can You Do To Feel Better If You Get A Cold During Pregnancy
Although many of the medications that relieve cold symptoms are typically off-limits during pregnancy, you dont have to suffer with a runny nose and hacking cough when youre pregnant. Some of the most effective cold remedies dont come from the pharmacy shelf. Here’s how to feel better faster:
What to Expect selects products based on independent research and suggestions from our community of millions of parents learn more about our review process. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
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What Are Cough Drops
Cough drops are primarily made up of menthol, a naturally occurring compound obtained from plant-derived peppermint and eucalyptus. You might also know them as throat lozenges or cough sweets and use them to reduce the irritation you can get in the back of the throat when you have a cough or sore throat. They are typically available over the counter without a prescription.
Cough drops a small solid oral medication utilized for short term relief of a sore throat as a result of a cold, flu, or oropharyngeal infection, says Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, FACOG, director of perinatal services at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Centre. Most of the preparations utilized contain menthol, which is soothing to an inflamed throat.
Coughing is normal from time to time, but if you are experiencing a persistent cough, reach out to a healthcare provider to get checked out.
You should consult with your doctor or obstetric provider if you have a cough during pregnancy so that a proper evaluation and treatment plan can be initiated, particularly in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, says Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, MD, MS, a professor at the department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at UC San Diego Health Sciences.
Natural Sore Throat Remedies For Pregnancy
If youre on the fence about taking cough drops while pregnant or if theyre just not doing the trick these are some other methods you can try to relieve your sore throat:
- Gargle with salt water: Mix one-half teaspoon of salt in a cup of hot water, gargle for about one minute, and spit it out. This can help loosen mucus, soothe your throat, and even kill bacteria.
- Drink water to stay hydrated:Dehydration not only keeps irritating mucus extra thick but can also result in a dry, itchy throat. Drink plenty of water, especially if your sore throat is persistent.
- Drink tea with honey and lemon: If you have trouble drinking cold liquids because of your sore throat, drink with a squeeze of lemon and a tablespoon of honey. Though you may be tempted to use raw honey because of its antiviral properties, its safest to choose regular, pasteurized honey to avoid exposing your baby to potentially harmful bacteria.
Evidence-based research indicates that unpasteurized honey in pregnancy is likely safe. Botulism in adults from honey is exceedingly rare in women who dont have gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, the botulinum toxin does not cross the placenta .
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Risks Of Strep Throat During Pregnancy
This bacterial infection makes your throat sore and scratchy, along with other unpleasant symptoms. Usually, its accompanied by a fever and general exhaustion.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a strep throat infection that is left untreated can cause potentially serious complications including kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever.
Strep throat comes from bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus. Sometimes, its confused with Group B streptococcus. This is a separate, unrelated bacterium that can be found in the vaginal or rectal area. A mother can pass this type of infection to her baby during delivery. It isnt related to the bacteria that cause strep throat.
Group A streptococcus, which does cause strep throat, is a very contagious bacterium that spreads easily. You could catch it if someone with the infection sneezes or coughs and you inhale airborne droplets. You can also catch it if theyre sharing food or drinks with you. The bacteria can also survive on surfaces like doorknobs and then be transferred from your hand to your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Home Care For Strep Throat During Pregnancy
How do you get rid of burning in your throat while pregnant? There are a variety of things you can do at home to ensure your own comfort and expedite your recovery from strep throat. The most important thing is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and juice, and avoid any acidic drinks, like orange juice or lemonade, which may just irritate your throat more.
Does apple cider vinegar kill strep throat? While this concoction does have some antibacterial properties, there is no research showing its effectiveness killing strep throat bacteria. Some people claim the drink provides soothing relief for a sore throat.
Focus on cold liquids to numb any pain and warm drinks, like broth and tea, to soothe your throat. You can also try gargling a mixture of salt and water to soothe pain and remove bacteria in your throat.
Garlic is also a common home remedy for strep throat. It is considered a natural antibiotic that may help reduce your symptoms. You can chew a clove of garlic, letting the juice flow down your throat. You only need to keep the clove in your mouth and do not need to swallow it. Alternately, you can mix a tablespoon of garlic with a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon and cayenne pepper in a cup of water.
Can you take sore throat sweets when pregnant? Yes, sore throat sprays and lozenges are safe to consume while pregnant.
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How Do You Treat Strep Throat While Pregnant
Strep throat in toddlers, children, and adults can be easily treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin, amoxicillin, and cephalexin. So, what can you take for a sore throat while pregnant and what is cures strep throat fast?
- Penicillin â Assigned to pregnancy category B by the FDA, penicillin has been shown to have no negative impact on women as long as they are not allergic to the drug. Diarrhea is often associated with any antibiotic use, but contact your doctor just in case as it may point to a penicillin allergy. Studies show that small amounts of penicillin may also pass into your breast milk, but there is no evidence of negative side effects when using penicillin while breastfeeding.
- Amoxicillin â Amoxicillin has also been assigned to pregnancy category B. Animal studies show that amoxicillin use has no effect on the growth or development of the baby, but controlled human studies are lacking. Amoxicillin is usually only prescribed in pregnant women if the benefit outweighs the risk.
- Cephalexin â According to animal studies, cephalexin should have no negative effects on the fetus, nor should it affect fertility. However, cephalexin has been shown to cross through the placenta and distribute to the fetus, and there are very few controlled studies on its effects on pregnant women. Cephalexin should generally be avoided unless you truly need it.
Sore Throat Remedies That Are Safe To Use During Pregnancy
Being pregnant can be a wonderful thing. Your skin develops its pregnancy glow, your hair becomes long and luscious, and your immune system becomes a little sluggish. This is a good thing, as the suppressed immune system keeps the baby protected and stops the body from treating the fetus as a foreign entity. Unfortunately, this also means that you are left susceptible to common illnesses such as the cold and flu.
The good news is that even if you develop an illness, it is not passed on to your unborn baby. Even so, getting sick is never fun. A common symptom you may experience is a sore throat. This can be one of the first symptoms of the cold, flu, or even strep throat.
Before you had a baby on the way, you may have run down to your local drugstore and purchased some over-the-counter medication to ease your symptoms. Now, your doctor warns you against many medications, and it can be complicated to determine what is and isnt safe to use during pregnancy. Even many natural remedies are better avoided when pregnant. Luckily, there are a few natural remedies for sore throat that can be used during pregnancy to reduce discomfort.
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Dealing With The Flu While Pregnant
Flu is an infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It’s not the same as a cold. Flu is caused by a different group of viruses. Symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer.
You can catch flu short for influenza all year round, but it is especially common in winter.
If you are pregnant and think you have the flu, see your doctor as soon as possible. It is recommended that pregnant women who have the flu are treated with antiviral medicines because they are at much higher risk of complications. Antiviral medicines work best when started within 48 hours of symptoms starting.
Antivirals will not cure flu, but they will help to:
- reduce the length of time you are ill by around one day
- relieve some of the symptoms
- reduce the potential for serious complications
If this is the case, you should also:
- rest
- drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
You can take paracetamol to help lower your high temperature and relieve aches.
How To Treat Sore Throat During Pregnancy
Recent studies show that there are several possible reasons which could cause a sore throat during pregnancy. Some of the common causes include bacterial or fungal infections, allergies, pollutants in the air, acid reflux or even chemical allergies.
Most medicines are harmful for a baby so doctors advise against taking medicines so bearing the sore throat can be rather itchy and frustrating for the pregnant mother. Below are some home remedies that can provide relief:
1. Warm Salt Water Gargle
To prevent a sore throat from getting worse, it is best to stay away from cold drinks or even drinking cold water. The best way to soothe your throat is by using warm salted water for gargles. Add a teaspoon of salt to warm water and gargle at least once every hour to provide you with some relief. Another home remedy includes the use of turmeric in warm water as a relief for sore throat.
2. Humidifier to Help You Breathe Properly
One of the best remedies for a stuffy nose during a sore throat is the use of a humidifier. The mist it creates helps to restore the swelling in the air passages. If you have a dry cough, then the cool mist can relieve the hoarseness of the voice. However, dont leave it on for too long as it will make the room damp and cold.
In case you dont have a humidifier handy then simply boil some water for a couple of hours or even use a shallow pot of water to make the air damp and humid.
3. Take Prenatal Vitamins
4. Drink Honey and Lemon Tea
5. Drink More Fluids
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How Is Sore Throat Different From Strep Throat
Strep throat is a severe form of a sore throat caused by Group A streptococcal bacteria, which is highly contagious . A strep throat has these symptoms:
- Chills
- Stomach ache
- Red, sandpaper-like rash
A sore throat infection need not always be a streptococcal infection Your doctor will make a proper diagnosis to determine if you have a strep throat. It might require a doctor visit, who may then prescribe medications to reduce the bacterial infection.
Which Cold Medicines Are Safe During Pregnancy
A variety of cough and cold medications are available at your local pharmacy. But it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are safe to take while pregnant. Different medications target different cold symptoms. Pinpointing your specific symptoms can help you decide which medications to take.
Research on cough and cold medications during pregnancy is limited. Some research suggests that certain medications should be avoided during the first trimester. This is because the first trimester is an important time of development for your baby. And you dont want anything to interfere with that process.
Below, well cover different medications that can be used for various cold symptoms. Always ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any medications while pregnant. If you need medications, take the lowest amount needed to relieve your symptoms. And only take them for the shortest period of time possible.
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