While a sore throat is rarely a sign of something serious, the discomfort is real. From safe medications to natural home remedies, here is everything you need to know about soothing a scratchy throat during pregnancy.
Key Takeaways
- Common causes: Most sore throats stem from viruses, environmental irritants, or pregnancy-induced acid reflux rather than serious infections.
- Treating infections: Viral infections must run their course, while bacterial infections (like strep) require prescription antibiotics to prevent complications.
- Safe relief: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), salt water gargles, and running a humidifier are generally considered safe ways to manage pain and irritation.
- When to call the doc: Contact your provider if you experience a fever over 100°F, a rash, or symptoms that persist for more than a few days.
What Causes a Sore Throat During Pregnancy?
A sore throat is essentially inflammation of the pharynx, the tube in the back of your throat. It can range from a mild tickle to severe pain. Common sensations include:
- Dryness: A raw or scratchy feeling.
- Burning: Often caused by irritation or acid.
- Sharp pain: Severe discomfort when swallowing.
While your immune system changes during pregnancy to protect the baby, it can leave you slightly more vulnerable to bugs. Here are the most common culprits:
- Viruses: The vast majority of sore throats accompany viral infections, such as the common cold or the flu. Antibiotics do not kill viruses, so these illnesses typically need to run their course over five to seven days.Some viruses are more severe than others. One way to minimize your chances of getting the flu is to get your annual flu shot at the beginning of your pregnancy, which will protect you and your baby. Pregnant women are more severely affected by the flu, and this can cause complications during pregnancy. The flu can even cause preterm delivery and low birth weight in some instances (1).
Editor's Note:
Dr. Njoud Jweihan, MD - Bacteria: Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, are less common but require treatment. Strep often presents with white spots on the throat and a high fever. If diagnosed, you must finish your full course of antibiotics to prevent resistance (2).
- Environmental Irritants: Dry air, dust, pollen, and smoke can wreak havoc on your nasal passages. If the air in your home is dry, especially in winter, using a humidifier can help keep your mucous membranes moist.
- Postnasal Drip: When your sinuses drain, excess mucus drips down the back of your throat. This constant dripping causes irritation and a chronic cough, often lingering after a cold clears up (3).
- Pregnancy Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations can cause oral symptoms like dry mouth and excessive thirst, which lead to a scratchy throat. Hydration is your best defense here.
- Acid Reflux (GERD): This is a massive contributor during pregnancy. The hormone progesterone relaxes the valve between your stomach and esophagus, allowing acid to creep up and burn the throat. Later in pregnancy, your growing baby also pushes up on your stomach, exacerbating the issue (4).
Is a Sore Throat Dangerous?
On its own, a sore throat is rarely dangerous. It is usually a symptom of a minor illness or irritation. However, because pregnancy affects your immune system, you should always monitor your symptoms closely to ensure a minor cold doesn’t develop into something more significant.
When Should I See a Doctor?
While most sore throats heal with rest and home remedies, certain symptoms warrant a call to your healthcare provider.
- Fever: Call your doctor if you have a fever of 100°F or higher. A prolonged high temperature, especially in the first trimester, can be harmful to the baby and requires monitoring (5).
- Flu Symptoms: If you experience chills, body aches, and fatigue alongside your sore throat, it could be the flu. Antiviral drugs like Tamiflu are most effective if started within 48 hours of symptoms, so getting tested early is key (6).
- Rash: A sore throat accompanied by a skin rash could indicate infections like scarlet fever or other viral conditions that need medical attention.
- Severe Pain or White Spots: Sudden, severe throat pain without a cough, often with white patches on the tonsils, suggests strep throat. A quick throat culture at the doctor’s office can confirm this.
Many patients think that the bacteria that causes strep throat is the same bacteria that the doctor checks for around week 36 of pregnancy, or Group B Strep bacteria, which can spread to your baby from the vaginal or rectal area. However, they are not the same bacteria, and there is no need to worry. In fact, the bacteria from strep throat will not spread to your baby.
Editor's Note:
Dr. Njoud Jweihan, MDRemedies to Avoid While Pregnant
Not all over-the-counter (OTC) medications and herbal remedies are safe for your baby. Avoid the following:
- NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Aspirin are generally not recommended during pregnancy unless specifically prescribed by your OB-GYN, as they can affect fetal development.
- Certain Herbal Teas: While tea is soothing, some herbs can trigger uterine contractions. Avoid teas containing licorice root, cinnamon, or excessive amounts of chamomile and red raspberry leaf, particularly in the first trimester (7).
- High-Dose Supplements: Avoid “mega-dose” Vitamin C or Zinc supplements unless cleared by your doctor. Your prenatal vitamin already contains the necessary daily amounts, and high doses of certain minerals can be problematic.
Safe Medications for Sore Throat
There are safe pharmaceutical options to help you manage pain and irritation. Always follow the dosing instructions on the package.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): This is the first-line pain reliever recommended by most obstetricians. It helps with both throat pain and fever. However, use it only as needed and avoid exceeding the daily limit (8).
- Throat Sprays: Most OTC throat sprays that numb the throat (like Chloraseptic) are considered safe for occasional use.
- Cough Drops: Lozenges containing menthol or pectin are generally safe. Avoid drops with high herbal content or added zinc unless approved by your provider.
- Antacids: If your sore throat is triggered by heartburn, calcium carbonate antacids (like Tums) can neutralize the acid. Avoid products with sodium bicarbonate or aspirin (salicylate).
- Antibiotics: If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe safe antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, or cephalexin.
6 Home Remedies to Treat a Sore Throat
If you prefer to skip the medicine cabinet, these natural remedies can provide significant relief.
1. Monitor Your Temperature
Before trying to treat the pain, ensure you aren’t running a fever. A temperature over 100°F indicates your body is fighting an infection. If your temperature spikes, contact your doctor immediately to rule out serious illness (9).
2. Gargle With Warm Salt Water
This is one of the oldest and most effective tricks in the book. Salt water helps pull excess fluid out of swollen throat tissues and loosens mucus.
How to do it: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Gargle for 30 to 60 seconds and spit it out. Repeat several times a day.
3. Honey and Lemon
Honey is a natural cough suppressant and coats the throat to reduce irritation. Lemon cuts through mucus and provides a boost of Vitamin C. Mix a tablespoon of honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon into warm water or safe herbal tea.
4. Stay Hydrated
It hurts to swallow, but dehydration will only make a sore throat worse. Drinking fluids keeps your throat moist and thins mucus secretions.
What to drink: Warm broths, ice water, or pregnancy-safe herbal teas (like ginger or peppermint) are excellent choices. Avoid caffeine, as it acts as a diuretic.
5. Use a Humidifier
Dry air dries out your mucous membranes, making a sore throat feel like sandpaper. Running a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep adds moisture to the air, soothing your throat and nasal passages.
6. Prioritize Rest
Your body is doing the hard work of growing a human, and now it has to fight off a bug, too. Listen to your body and slow down.
Rather than being suppressed, your immune system is weaker — meaning your body has to work harder to fight off bacteria and viruses. One of best things you can do to help your immune system function properly is to get adequate rest, allowing your body to use its energy to fight off the bug.
Editor's Note:
Dr. Njoud Jweihan, MDFAQs
What Can I Take for a Cough and Sore Throat While Pregnant?
For a cough and sore throat, plain cough drops or lozenges are generally safe. Many doctors also approve Robitussin DM for cough suppression, but check with your provider first. Simple home remedies like honey in warm water can also effectively soothe a cough without medication.
How Long Will My Sore Throat Last?
The duration depends on the cause. A viral sore throat usually peaks within two to three days and resolves within a week. If symptoms persist longer than seven days, or if they worsen despite home treatment, see your doctor to rule out secondary infections.
Why Is My Sore Throat Worse at Night?
Sore throats often flare up at night due to postnasal drip. When you lie flat, mucus accumulates at the back of the throat rather than draining down the esophagus, causing irritation. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated and using a humidifier can help alleviate this.
Should I Take a COVID-19 Test?
If you have a sore throat, it is a good idea to take a COVID-19 test, especially if you have other symptoms like loss of taste or smell. While a sore throat is a common cold symptom, knowing your status helps you make informed decisions about your prenatal care and exposure to others.
How Do I Know if It Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat typically comes on suddenly and feels more severe than a viral sore throat. Signs include difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and white patches on the tonsils. Notably, strep throat usually appears without the runny nose or cough typical of a cold.
Can I Pass My Sore Throat to My Unborn Baby?
Generally, a common cold or sore throat will not cross the placenta to affect your baby. Your baby is well-protected in the womb. However, a high fever resulting from an infection can be risky, which is why managing your temperature with Tylenol (if approved) is important.
Is Ginger Tea Safe for a Sore Throat During Pregnancy?
Yes, ginger tea is widely considered safe and beneficial during pregnancy. It can help soothe a sore throat and is also excellent for settling nausea or morning sickness. Just ensure it is real herbal ginger tea and does not contain other restricted herbs.
The Bottom Line
A sore throat during pregnancy is uncomfortable, but it is rarely a cause for panic. Whether it’s a virus, allergies, or just pesky pregnancy acid reflux, simple home remedies like salt water gargles and staying hydrated often provide the best relief.
Remember to avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, monitor your temperature, and reach out to your doctor if you suspect the flu or strep throat. Rest up and let your body heal!
