How to treat a cough in pregnancy safely: The best products and home remedies

There's nothing worse than a cough that you just can't shake, especially when you're pregnant, so knowing how to treat a cough in pregnancy is important to help you feel better as soon as possible. Having a cough in pregnancy is rather common and often nothing to worry about, but it can be a real nuisance. However, the good news is with a lot of self-care, and some tried and tested over-the-counter medicines and home remedies, you can shake that pesky cough.

Whilst you may be tempted to reach for your pre-pregnancy favourite cough remedy, there are a few more things to consider when you're expecting and a few treatments, like alcoholic hot toddies, that you should straight up avoid.

To help calm your anxiety in pregnancy when you're poorly and answer all your questions about getting rid of a cough in pregnancy, we've put together the latest health advice on how to treat a cough in pregnancy that will make you feel better in no time as well as some great products to help ease your cough.

What causes a cough in pregnancy?

Common cold - There's always some virus going around, including the common cold, during pregnancy, but with a slightly weakened immune system, you're extra susceptible to catching a cold. While the runny nose and fatigue clear up quickly, a cough can linger a little longer.

Hormonal changes - Pregnancy hormones spark a whole range of changes in your body (and your mind, too). Some women even develop allergies or become more sensitive to allergens that previously didn't affect them before pregnancy. Unfortunately, some of these allergies can cause coughing. If you already suffer from allergies such as hay fever or pet allergies, pregnancy might amplify these allergies as your hormones change.

Heartburn and indigestion - Pregnancy can increase the risk of acid reflux due to hormonal changes that relax the oesophagus and physical pressure from the growing uterus on the stomach. Pregnancy heartburn is annoying and uncomfortable on its own, but it can also cause irritation of the throat and trigger a chronic cough.

Pregnancy rhinitis - Pregnancy rhinitis mimics allergy symptoms but is not caused by allergens. It is most common during the third trimester but can occur at any stage of pregnancy. Symptoms vary from person to person, but they typically include sinus pressure, a runny nose, increased mucus or phlegm in the throat, congestion, and coughing.

Can a cough in pregnancy hurt my baby?

You may be wondering if coughing while pregnant is harmful to your baby. The good news is that although it's rather unpleasant for you, a cough or cold shouldn't be harmful to your baby. This is because your little one is protected by the muscle of the uterus lining and amniotic fluid, both of which act as a barrier between the baby and any external movements such as coughing.

However, a persistent, severe cough can cause extreme discomfort and lead to other issues. Most commonly, these are muscle strain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, or even urinary incontinence due to pressure on the bladder. Prolonged discomfort or lack of sleep can indirectly affect your overall well-being, which is extremely important for a healthy pregnancy. After all, a happy mummy makes a happy baby.

So, if you are suffering from a persistent or severe cough, it is always best to consult a healthcare provider. This is especially true if the cough is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or blood production. Your doctor or midwife can then determine the cause of the cough and recommend safe treatments that will not harm the baby.

Which cough medication is safe in pregnancy?

During pregnancy, it's advised to only take medication from your family medicine cabinet (especially over-the-counter medication) if you really need to, so avoid it where you can.

If you feel like you need to take something to ease those symptoms, some types of cough medicine and throat lozenges are safe for pregnancy. To make it easier, we have shortlisted our top products that help to ease coughs. It's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new medication, supplement, or remedy during pregnancy.

Best medicine and remedies that are safe in pregnancy:

Are cough syrups and medication safe in pregnancy?

Many cough syrups and medications are safe to use in pregnancy. However, research surrounding cough and cold medicines and pregnancy is relatively limited, so it's always best to check with healthcare professionals before taking any medication. The main ingredients that are considered safe in pregnancy include:

• Dextromethorphan – Considered safe throughout pregnancy to help suppress cough symptoms.

• Pseudoephedrine – This is only recommended after the first trimester, isn't suitable for those with high blood pressure, and helps relieve congestion.

• Guaifenesin – This helps to thin mucus but is only safe after the first trimester.

For those aches and pains that you might get with a cold, it is safe to take painkillers in pregnancy, such as paracetamol in pregnancy. Just try to take the lowest dose and only when you really need to.

If your cough is a result of allergies such as hayfever in pregnancy, you might be tempted to take an antihistamine tablet, but it's important to discuss this with your GP before taking it.

Natural home remedies

During pregnancy, and especially if you have a cough, you should aim to get as much rest as possible and drink plenty of water and fluids. This can also help a dry cough too.

A nice mug of good ol' honey and lemon can help soothe your throat and cough. Similarly, a nice cup of decaf tea can also do the trick. Some also find gargling with warm salt water helps, particularly if a sore throat accompanies your cough.

It's also a good idea to avoid any areas of heavy pollution or particularly dusty areas or places, as this could worsen your cough. If it's winter, avoid spending too much time in cold temperatures, as this can also amplify a cough.

When to see a doctor about a cough in pregnancy

As mentioned, you should visit your doctor if your cough comes with a fever. Secondly, if you've had your cough for more than ten days and the cough is quite severe, then you should speak to your doctor about any other potential causes that could need treatment.

How can I prevent catching a cough?

Here are some of the main things you can do to avoid catching a virus:

• Regularly wash your hands with warm water and soap, or use hand sanitiser if you're not near a sink.

• Ask your GP about getting a flu jab in pregnancy.

• If someone in your house has a cold or cough, avoid sharing towels with them and physical contact.

• Avoid touching your mouth or eyes as this is how viruses can infect our bodies.

• Stay fit and healthy, and aim to eat a balanced diet to boost your immune system.

• Drink plenty of water to keep your throat and respiratory tract moist, which helps prevent irritation that can lead to coughing.

• Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing. Stress is very bad for your body, not only when you are pregnant but throughout your life. Stress releases cortisol, suppressing your immune system, interfering with digestion and altering your blood pressure.

• Keep the air in your home moist, especially during dry weather or winter months, by using a humidifier.

Hannah Carroll is our Senior Digital Writer. In her capacity, she curates top-notch listicles, crafts insightful how-to guides, and delivers expert product reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah draws upon her comprehensive understanding of all facets of family life to bring true insight into all the products that make running a home easier.