Pregnancy itself can be a difficult journey, add a sore throat to that and it can be rather difficult to deal with. However, it is important to avoid medicines during pregnancy, until and unless the infection becomes severe and you have no other option. Even then make sure that the medicine you take is safe to take during pregnancy. If your sore throat is mild then you can try some home remedies to get rid of the problem. If it persists, then visit a doctor and get your throat checked.
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, don’t leave it on for too long as it will make the room damp and cold.
In case you don’t 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
Remember to take prenatal vitamins which will make the immune system stronger and will help you fight the germs. Vitamin C and zinc are best for this purpose. Eat healthy so that you can naturally get the vitamin and minerals you need to fight off any virus. Get your daily dose of vitamin C from citrus fruits, melons, strawberries, mango and kiwi. Eat vegetables rich in vitamin C like broccoli, cabbage, peppers, spinach and lots of other vegetables. There are lots of food items which have zinc like beef, egg, oatmeal, yogurt, oysters, turkey and beef.
4. Drink Honey and Lemon Tea
Drink green tea or regular tea with a squeeze of lemon and a teaspoon of honey. Lemon is found to be very effective as it helps to break up the mucus causing phlegm in your throat. Honey is great too, as it helps to coat the itchy throat in order soothe it and reduce the coughing. Together they are a great source of temporary relief and if drunk a couple of times a day you will find the pain to eventually go away.
5. Drink More Fluids
When you feel that you may be developing a sore throat increase your fluid intake. This will help to thin the mucus and remove any toxins present in the body Mucous causes extra fluids to be removed from the body and so they have to be replaced.
6. Try Cough Candy
By using cough candy you can increase the saliva in the mouth and clean out your throat.
7. Safe Medications for Sore Throat
There are several occasions when home remedies don’t help to cure a sore throat. On such occasions it is best to use medicines which are recommended as safe for pregnancies. Some over the counter medicines which are considered safe include Tylenol (acetaminophen) for cold and flu and Saline nasal drops or spray.
Watch how to make a drink with water, lemon and ginger, to relieve sore throat during pregnancy. Please note that high doses of ginger can be harmful to your pregnancy so please consult your doctor before adding any herbs to your drink:
When to Call a Doctor About Sore Throat During Pregnancy
Usually strep throats (Group A streptococcus bacteria causes it) occur in small children, but it can occur in adults as well. This category of sore throat can also cause a fever, swollen neck glands and even small white bumps on the tonsils. It can be treated by the use of antibiotics in order to kill the infection. If you think that you have a strep throat infection, then consult a doctor. Also, if the symptoms persist after a couple of days or you experience breathing problem, then see your local physician, as you could have developed a chest infection as well.
Talk to your doctor regarding any concerns you may have as it always best to get a professional opinion. In case you start to feel dizzy or have breathing difficulties, congestion or chest pain, persistent high fever, vomiting, decreased or no movement of the baby, consult a doctor immediately. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that flu in pregnant women can be cured immediately with antiviral medicines which are not harmful for the unborn child.
