Can You Take Cough Drops While Pregnant?

A cough can be frustrating and even painful, no matter when it surfaces. But having a cough during pregnancy can come with added challenges—and worries. I developed an intense cough during my third pregnancy, and I wasn’t sure what to do to get relief. So, I ended up soldiering through by sipping on herbal tea with honey. Did it help? Probably not, but at least it tasted good.

Like me, you might have questions about taking various remedies—like cough drops—while pregnant. Rest assured that as long as you’re not overdoing it, cough drops during pregnancy are generally safe. “Cough drops of any variety are safe to take in pregnancy,” says Megan Quimper, MD, an ob-gyn at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Want more details on how to get relief from an incessant cough during pregnancy, plus when to reach out to your doctor? Read on for expert advice.

Key Takeaways

• There are various reasons you might develop a cough during pregnancy, including viral illnesses, allergies and gastric reflux.
• Cough medicines containing dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine are generally considered safe for pregnancy. But there are some restrictions, and you should check with your doctor before taking any medications while pregnant.
• Cough drops during pregnancy are also typically considered safe, although you should always follow recommended doses.
• If you have a fever, are coughing up mucus, your symptoms seem to be getting worse or your cough just won’t go away, make sure to check in with your healthcare provider.

What Causes a Cough During Pregnancy?

Doctors stress that the causes of a cough during pregnancy are pretty standard. In other words, they’re not unique to pregnancy. Having a baby on board can bring on a lot of changes, says Alexandra Bratschie, CNM, WHNP, certified nurse midwife at Valley View in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. “What doesn’t change is why we cough,” she adds. Suffice it to say, you can’t blame baby for your bark.

There are a number of potential reasons why you might develop a cough during pregnancy or otherwise. The most common causes include:

A viral illness

Think: the common cold, flu or COVID-19. Whether you’re pregnant or not, a cough is common with all of these illnesses.

Allergies

Unfortunately, allergies can persist during pregnancy. But you may be surprised to discover that allergies can feel more severe during pregnancy due to something called pregnancy rhinitis, i.e. swelling of the nasal passages during pregnancy.

Asthma

Being pregnant is unlikely to cause asthma. However, your existing asthma may be exacerbated during pregnancy—and cause coughing symptoms.

Gastric reflux

It’s common to have gastric reflux during pregnancy, but the symptoms can include a cough, which you may not associate with the condition. You can develop acid reflux any time, but pregnancy has a few elements that raise your risk. “During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone relaxes the muscle that normally keeps stomach acid from flowing back up,” explains Jennifer Huynh, MD, an ob-gyn at MemorialCare Medical Group at Saddleback Medical Center’s Women’s Health Pavilion in Laguna Hills, California. “This makes reflux more common and can make the cough reflex more sensitive, so a cough may occur more easily.” Hormonal changes in pregnancy may also slow down how fast food moves through your stomach and your growing uterus can put pressure on your stomach, causing reflux.

Bronchitis

“Due to changes in lung function and immune defenses, pregnant people are more likely to have serious complications from respiratory infections like bronchitis,” Huynh says. Having lowered immunity during pregnancy also makes it harder to fight viruses, raising the risk of having longer or more severe illnesses, she adds.

Can You Take Cough Medicine While Pregnant?

Unfortunately, research on cold and cough medicines in pregnancy is fairly limited. “In general, more studies need to be done both for the efficacy and safety of medications in pregnancy,” says Bratschie.

Plus, research has repeatedly shown that common over-the-counter medications don’t do much to relieve coughs on their own. However, if you do want to try taking an over-the-counter option, there are certain cough medicines generally considered safe for pregnancy, notes Nancy Phillips, MD, director of the Center for Vulvar and Vaginal Health at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. They include:

• Dextromethorphan. This cough suppressant is typically considered safe throughout pregnancy, but you’ll want to consult your doctor before taking it.
• Guaifenesin. This active ingredient is an expectorant (meaning, it thins the mucus), and is generally fine to use after the first trimester if your doctor gives you the green light.
• Pseudoephedrine. This decongestant is generally recommended only for expectant moms beyond the first trimester, and should be avoided in those with high blood pressure.

“Cough syrups that contain alcohol or high levels of sugar should be avoided,” says Phillips. Always check with your doctor before taking any new medication or supplement during pregnancy. In general, all pregnant women should also avoid long-term use of cough medicine. If symptoms last more than a couple of weeks, reach out to your doctor for an evaluation and other treatment options.

Can You Have Cough Drops While Pregnant?

Looking for an instantly soothing effect? Cough drops can help. And, yes, you can take cough drops while pregnant; this includes menthol and nonmenthol options, says Quimper. That said, follow recommended doses, especially if taking those with menthol. And, of course, check in with your doctor if you have any questions about specific ingredients.

Home Remedies for a Cough During Pregnancy

Coughs typically go away after about a week, and often resolve on their own. In other words, a cough during pregnancy (or anytime, really) is a waiting game. Fortunately, there are certain home remedies you can try to help yourself feel better in the meantime. You can try:

• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Using a humidifier
• Drinking tea or hot water with lemon and honey
• Gargling with warm salt water for a cough with a sore throat
• Using saline drops if the cough is from post-nasal drip or congestion

If you suspect that your cough is from reflux, Phillips recommends that you try to avoid large meals, and instead eat several smaller portions throughout the day. Additionally, avoid spicy foods, and try not to lay flat after you eat. If your cough is from allergies, try to avoid any triggers. “Many antihistamines are safe in pregnancy like loratadine, diphenhydramine and cetirizine,” Phillips adds.

When to Call Your Doctor About a Cough During Pregnancy

If you think your cough could be due to the flu or COVID-19, it’s a good idea to call your doctor about getting tested. Your other symptoms also matter. “If you’re having any difficulty breathing, you should seek immediate medical attention,” Quimper adds. If you have a fever, are coughing up mucus, your symptoms seem to be getting worse or the lingering cough just won’t quit, get checked out. Listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to escalate any concerns to your doctor—for your sake and baby’s.

To Sum It Up

There’s no need to panic if you experience a cough during your nine+ month stint. Having cough drops while pregnant, sipping tea and taking approved over-the-counter medications should hopefully help. But if the cough isn’t going away or is getting worse, reach out to your provider. They should be able to give you advice on next steps.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.