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Should I Take Cough Drops While Pregnant?
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
In most cases, it is safe to take cough drops while pregnant, but it is always best to consult a doctor before taking any medicine or supplements during pregnancy. It is true that there are a number of medicines that women should avoid when they are expecting, but most kinds of cough drops are safe. There are a few kinds of cough drops that a pregnant woman should review with her doctor before using. These are the kinds of cough drops that include medicine to suppress the cough or numb the throat. The best rule for pregnant women is that, when in doubt, it is best to consult the doctor.
For women who are especially nervous about using any kind of medicine during pregnancy, it may be best to use all-natural cough drops while pregnant. These kinds of cough drops are usually made out of ingredients such as honey, lemon, and chamomile, which can soothe the throat. There are a number of companies that sell herbal or natural cough drops. These can be found in health food stores, stores that specialize in natural products, and even in drug stores that have a large selection of products. They can also be ordered from online retailers that sell natural remedies.
One of the most important things for pregnant women to avoid is alcohol, which is present in a number of cough medicines. There are a few other ingredients or drugs that are also found in cough medicines that should be avoided by pregnant women. These include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, which are both decongestants. There is evidence that these decongestants can create problems with the flow of blood to the placenta, so pregnant women should be sure to avoid any kinds of cough medicine that includes any of these ingredients, even in very small doses.
The good news is that most cough drops do not include any of these potentially harmful ingredients. Even still, it is important to make sure to use safe cough drops while pregnant. Consider getting a list from the doctor of safe cough drops to use while pregnant. Furthermore, it is important to not rely on cough drops while pregnant if a serious cold or flu beings to take over. While taking cough drops while pregnant might help in this situation, a doctor should be consulted to make sure that both mother and child stay healthy.
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for TheHealthBoard, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
Learn more...
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for TheHealthBoard, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
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![A pregnant woman.]()
By: annaA pregnant woman. -
![Most cough drops are safe to take during pregnancy.]()
By: Mark HerreidMost cough drops are safe to take during pregnancy. -
![Honey is an ingredient in all-natural cough drops, which are safe to take while pregnant.]()
By: tetxuHoney is an ingredient in all-natural cough drops, which are safe to take while pregnant. -
![There are a few ingredients that are found in cough medicines that should be avoided by pregnant women.]()
By: Cyrus CornellThere are a few ingredients that are found in cough medicines that should be avoided by pregnant women. -
![It is always best to consult a doctor regarding medications to be taken while pregnant.]()
By: Valua VitalyIt is always best to consult a doctor regarding medications to be taken while pregnant.
Discussion Comments
I'd say, after consulting with the OB/GYN to make sure what you take is on the safe list, the biggest problem would be whether the cough drop smell or taste might trigger nausea.
It's a fact that pregnancy can change the way a woman smells or tastes familiar things, and I would think, since cough drops usually have a strong flavor or smell, that pregnancy might affect how these come across to a pregnant woman.
I'd try something like Riccola or similar, since these usually aren't quite as strong. And I’d start with a fruit flavor, like cherry. Might go down a little easier.
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