Coughing during pregnancy is normal and can occur at any time due to hormonal changes that occur within a woman’s body, which tend to make her a little more susceptible to allergies, flu or other problems that may cause this type of symptom.
To relieve coughing during pregnancy it is recommended to avoid cold, highly polluted or dusty areas, at the same time that pregnant women should also drink about 2 liters of water a day, as well as hot teas, along with honey and lemon, which can help relieve cough naturally.
- If your cough lasts a long time or is accompanied by other symptoms.
- Such as fever or shortness of breath.
- It is recommended to consult a family doctor to identify the possible cause and begin appropriate treatment.
Maintaining a well-hydrated throat at all times can be helpful in reducing and controlling coughing, so some tips that can help relieve this discomfort during pregnancy include:
A helpful tip for a pregnant woman coughing at night is to hug a pillow or cushion every time she coughs, as this mitigates the effects of coughing on the abdominal area.
In some cases, especially when the cough lasts a long time and the pregnant woman experiences stomach pain, stretching of the abdominal muscles and its repeated contractions, your doctor may prescribe a cough syrup or an antihistamine, such as cetirizin, to relieve it.
If the cough has mucus, the medicine mentioned above should not be taken as it reduces coughing and, in this case, it is important to help eliminate secretions from the lungs and airways.
Warning signs that may indicate the need to see your doctor include
These signs and symptoms may indicate complications and the presence of bacteria that should be treated with the use of antibiotics. Your doctor will be able to check for signs and symptoms and listen to your lungs, check for air reaching all your lungs, or if there are blocked areas, tests such as chest x-rays may also be requested to see if there are any conditions that may cause a cough.
Coughing during pregnancy does not harm the baby, as it is not a dangerous symptom and the baby does not feel it, however, some causes of coughing can harm the baby, such as diseases such as asthma, bronchitis or pneumonia, as well as certain teas, home remedies and pharmaceuticals that are taken without medical knowledge.
The pregnant woman should seek medical attention whenever she has a persistent cough or other respiratory illness to begin treatment with medicines that do not harm the baby, thus avoiding complications.
A strong cough does not cause uterine contractions or displace the placenta, but it can be very uncomfortable and cause pain in the muscles of the abdomen when it is repetitive. Therefore, medical help is essential to get rid of coughing and allow for more rest.