Being sick is never fun, but being sick while pregnant is a special kind of misery. You want relief, but you are suddenly hyper-aware of everything you put in your body.
You might be staring at the pharmacy aisle, wondering if that bag of cherry-flavored relief is off-limits. With so much conflicting advice floating around, it is hard to know what is safe for your baby and what you should skip.
We have researched the ingredients, the risks, and the alternatives to help you treat that sore throat safely.
Key Takeaways
- Most over-the-counter cough drops are considered safe during pregnancy when used in moderation.
- Ingredients like benzocaine and menthol generally do not enter the bloodstream in significant amounts.
- If you have gestational diabetes, look for sugar-free options to keep your blood glucose levels stable.
- Always check with your doctor before using drops containing herbal supplements or specific medicines like dextromethorphan.
When Cough Drops Are Useful
While we call them “cough drops,” these lozenges do more than just silence a hacking cough. They act as a local anesthetic or demulcent to coat the throat. They can help with:
- Sore throat pain and irritation.
- Suppressing a dry, tickly cough.
- Clearing a stuffy nose (if they contain menthol).
- Relieving dry mouth.
However, you should not just grab the first bag you see. Read the label to ensure you are treating your actual symptoms rather than ingesting unnecessary medication.
Are Cough Drops Safe During Pregnancy?
The short answer is yes, most cough drops are safe.
Cough drops might taste like candy, but they are technically medicine. However, the general medical consensus is that over-the-counter lozenges are safe to use for short-term relief (1).
Because you dissolve them in your mouth, they work locally on your throat tissues. Very little of the active ingredients make it into your bloodstream to reach the baby. Since you typically use them for a few days to get through a cold, the risk is extremely minimal.
Of course, moderation is key. You do not want to pop them like popcorn. If you are worried about specific chemicals, stick to drops with simple ingredients like pectin or honey.
Active Ingredients in Cough Drops
Not all drops are created equal. Here is the lowdown on the most common ingredients you will find on the label.
Benzocaine
Benzocaine is a local anesthetic. It numbs your throat tissue to stop the pain instantly. It is the same stuff found in some teething gels.
The Bottom Line
Menthol and Eucalyptus
Menthol (often derived from peppermint) and eucalyptus oil are responsible for that cooling, vapor-like sensation that helps clear your sinuses. They act as mild antiseptics and help loosen mucus.
The Bottom Line
Zinc Gluconate
Zinc is popular for boosting immunity and potentially shortening a cold. Your prenatal vitamin already contains zinc, so you need to be careful with your total daily intake.
The Bottom Line
Pectin
Pectin is a natural fiber found in fruit. It works as a “demulcent,” which is a fancy way of saying it coats your throat to reduce irritation and swelling.
The Bottom Line
Dextromethorphan
This is a cough suppressant found in some “medicated” lozenges. It works by blocking the cough reflex in your brain.
The Bottom Line
Sugar vs. Sugar-Free
Most cough drops are mostly sugar or corn syrup. If you have Gestational Diabetes (GD), this matters.
The Bottom Line
Natural Sore Throat Remedies
If you prefer to skip the pharmacy aisle entirely, there are plenty of effective home remedies to soothe the scratchiness.
- Salt water gargle: It sounds old-school, but it works. Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Gargle for 30 seconds and spit it out. This pulls fluid out of the swollen throat tissue and kills bacteria.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration makes mucus thicker and stickier, which irritates your throat. Drink plenty of water to keep things thin and moving.
- Honey and lemon tea: Mix a tablespoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon into hot water or decaf tea. Honey is a natural cough suppressant. While you may hear warnings about raw honey, the risk of botulism is extremely rare in adults, and the toxin does not cross the placenta. However, using pasteurized honey is the safest bet to avoid any worry (5).
Additional Symptoms To Watch For
Sometimes a sore throat is just a sore throat. Other times, it is a sign of something that needs medical attention, like Strep throat or the flu. Call your doctor if you experience:
- A fever over 100°F (37.8°C).
- A skin rash accompanying the sore throat.
- Symptoms that last more than 3 or 4 days without improvement.
- White patches or bright red spots on your tonsils or throat.
- Significant difficulty breathing or swallowing.
FAQs
How Can I Sleep With a Cough While Pregnant?
Sleeping propped up on pillows helps keep mucus from pooling in your throat. We also recommend running a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom to keep the air moist. Dry air can make a cough much worse. A cup of warm caffeine-free tea with honey right before bed can also coat the throat for better sleep.
Can Coughing Hurt the Placenta?
No, coughing will not detach or damage the placenta. Your body is designed to protect your baby, and the amniotic fluid acts as a shock absorber. While your abs might get sore from coughing, your baby is safe and sound inside.
Can Cough Medicine Cause Birth Defects?
Most OTC cough medicines, including Dextromethorphan, are Class C drugs, meaning animal studies have shown some risk but human data is limited. However, they are widely considered safe for occasional use, especially after the first trimester. Always consult your doctor for specific advice on your situation.
Can Excessive Coughing Cause Miscarriage?
No. Coughing, sneezing, or laughing does not cause miscarriage. Miscarriages are typically caused by chromosomal abnormalities or developmental issues, not physical movement or abdominal pressure from coughing. If you have severe abdominal pain, however, you should contact your provider.
Which Cough Drops Are Safe During Pregnancy?
Brands like Halls, Ricola, and Luden’s are generally considered safe because their active ingredients (menthol, pectin, or herbal blends) are mild. If you want to be extra careful, choose non-medicated drops like Luden’s Honey Lemon, which use pectin to soothe the throat without other chemicals.
Are Halls Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, Halls are generally safe. Their primary active ingredient is menthol, which helps clear nasal passages and numb the throat. Unless you have a specific allergy or sensitivity, using them in moderation to treat a cold is fine.
Can I Use Herbal Cough Drops?
You should be cautious with herbal drops. While culinary herbs (like small amounts of thyme or sage) are fine, medicinal doses of herbs found in some “natural” supplements are not regulated and may not be safe for pregnancy. Always check the ingredient list against a reliable pregnancy safety database or ask your doctor.
The Bottom Line
Navigating pregnancy while sick is tough. You want to protect your baby, but you also need to function. The good news is that you do not have to suffer in silence.
Most over-the-counter cough drops are perfectly safe when used as directed. Whether you choose a menthol drop to clear your nose or a pectin drop to soothe the scratch, relief is available.
Playing It Safe
