Safe Cough And Sore Throat Remedies During Pregnancy
- Dextromethorphan or Dextromethorphan-guaifenesin, such as Robitussin and Robitussin DM. 120 mg in 24 hours
- Nasal drops or sprays
- Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, for aches, pains, sore throat and fever
- Salt water gargling
- Menthol rub on chest, temples and under the nose
- Chloraseptic spray
- Cough drops or lozenges containing benzocaine
- Expectorant during the day
Cough and Flu Medications to Avoid During Pregnancy
- Bactrim, an antibiotic
Are Antibiotics Safe During Pregnancy
Yes, antibiotics are usually safe during pregnancy. However, tetracycline and doxycycline can cause discoloration of an infants teeth, so its safest to avoid them. Always follow your doctors advice for your own unique situation. Here are some types of antibiotics that are commonly prescribed for pregnant women:
Can A Sinus Infection During Pregnancy Hurt The Baby
It is unlikely that a sinus infection that you get while you are pregnant can harm your unborn child on its own. On the other hand, while it is extremely unlikely, the signs and symptoms of a sinus infection can sometimes cause difficulties during pregnancy. Additionally, the intensity of sinus infection symptoms may become more severe during pregnancy.
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What Medications Are Safe During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or are planning to be, one of the first questions youll have is, what medications can I take and which ones are not safe during pregnancy? For the best answer to this question, start by having a discussion with your doctor. Discuss what medications you are currently taking and be sure to follow his or her advice. In general, here is a list of common drugs that are safe during pregnancy.
Is Acetaminophen/paracetamol Safe To Take While Pregnant

Acetaminophen is undoubtedly one of the most commonly used over-the-counter drugs available. Its also known as paracetamol, and the medication can be used to treat a variety of mild to moderate forms of pain. For example, acetaminophen and paracetamol are often used to treat aches and pains from illnesses like the cold or flu, headaches, osteoarthritis and tooth pain. Acetaminophen and paracetamol can also be used as a fever-reducer. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol, and its also included in different cold and flu combination medications sold over-the-counter. Acetaminophen is sometimes combined with stronger, narcotic pain relievers such as an opioid in prescription drugs. Since acetaminophen is used so often, most people view it as inherently safe, and for the most part, thats true. However, what about during pregnancy? Can you take Tylenol while pregnant? The information regarding the use of Tylenol while pregnant varies somewhat.
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Is There Any Cold Medicine I Can Take While Pregnant
The best option is always to talk to your doctor before taking any medication during your pregnancy, but here are some medications that have been found to be generally safe for pregnant women: Acetaminophen Diphenhydramine Pseudoephedrine
Hereof, can I take Tylenol Cold and flu while pregnant?
For example, while Tylenol pain reliever is relatively safe for occasional use during pregnancy, Tylenol Sinus Congestion and Pain and Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom liquid contain the decongestant phenylephrine, which is not. Read labels. For example, Vickâs Nyquil Cold& Flu Liquid contains alcohol.
Also Know, can you take sinus medicine while pregnant? Medication: How to Alleviate Sinus Infections While Pregnant: Medications used to treat acute sinus infections include cefprozil and amoxicillin-clavulanate. Acetaminophen is also regarded as safe to use during pregnancy for pain relief and/or headaches.
In this way, is DayQuil safe during pregnancy?
Most practitioners say to stay clear of decongestants such as Claritin-D, Sudafed or DayQuil.
How do you fight a cold when pregnant?
These include:
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Can Sinusitis Cause Miscarriage
Pregnant women who have a Sinus infection may suffer from pain in their babies. Infections of the sinus tract can cause miscarriage. Pregnant women who have a sinus infection are unlikely to harm their unborn babies. The symptoms of a sinus infection, however, can be complications during pregnancy in rare cases.
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Cold Medications To Avoid Or Use With Caution
Your doctor or midwife will likely suggest avoiding the following medications during pregnancy or may recommend skipping them in certain trimesters often because there’s a concern that they could contribute to possible birth defects or pregnancy complications:
Also keep in mind that herbal supplements haven’t been well-studied in pregnant women , so skip them unless you’ve cleared a specific supplement with your provider.
Be aware that some liquid cold medicines contain alcohol in concentrations as high as 4.75 percent. Look for products that are labeled “alcohol-free.”
Cold Medications That Are Okay To Take During Pregnancy
The following drugs have been studied or used relatively often in pregnant women and are generally considered safe to use when you’re expecting:
- Acetaminophinto relieve pain and reduce fevers. It’s best to take the minimum effective dose for only as long as you need it, and to never exceed the recommended maximum dosage per day.
- Antihistaminesto relieve nasal congestion. Antihistamines that are considered safe for pregnant women include:
- Chlorpheniramine
- Dexchlorpheniramine
- Diphenhydramine
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Is It A Cold Or The Flu
The best way to tell the difference between a cold and the flu is to take account of the typical symptoms.
- A cold is milder than the flu. Its symptoms come on gradually and typically you only run a low-grade to no fever. It generally starts off with a sore throat that goes away after a day or two, a cold ends with the main symptoms of a runny nose and cough.
- Influenza, commonly called the flu, is more severe and the onset is more sudden than a cold. Symptoms include a high fever , headache, chills, a sore throat that typically worsens by the second or third day, intense muscle soreness, and a general feeling of weakness and fatigue. These symptoms, along with sneezing and a cough, can last a couple of weeks or longer.
Can You Get Sinusitis While Pregnant
Its possible to have sinusitis at any stage throughout your pregnancy, whether youre in your first, second, or third trimester. There is an infection and inflammation in the lining of your sinuses when you have this condition. The sinuses are air-filled cavities that can be found in and around the nose and face.
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How To Treat The Flu While Pregnant
It is usually safe for pregnant women to treat the flu with Tamiflu . Keep in mind that a high fever can lead to birth defects or preterm birth, so your doctor may recommend Tamiflu to help lessen the effects of the flu. Always seek advice from a medical professional if you develop flu-like symptoms while pregnant, including:
Tylenol While Pregnant: Risks & Concerns

While acetaminophen is largely considered the safest pain reliever to take while pregnant, its not without some risks. Emerging research suggests a possible association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and a small increase in the likelihood of asthma, ADHD and autism in children. More recently, a concensus among a group of scientists was published, claiming that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen may alter fetal development.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphasizing the lack of evidence that proves a direct relationship between the use of acetaminophen during any trimester and fetal developmental issues. Dr. Yamaguchi agrees with the recommendations offered by ACOG and encourages pregnant people to consult their healthcare providers should they have concerns regarding acetaminophen usage.
The cited studies in the concensus arent considered strong scientific evidence since many were done in animals and often at much higher doses than typical, or through self-reports by women who took Tylenol during pregnancy . Much of the criticim of these studies are that they have imperfect controlswhich makes it really hard to separate what factors actually drive the results.
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Can I Take Tylenol Cold And Sinus While Breastfeeding
Breastfeedingtaking Tylenol whiletaking cold
Considering this, can I take Tylenol cold while breastfeeding?
Both Advil/Motrin and Tylenol are considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Furthermore, what cold and sinus medicine can I take while breastfeeding? Pseudoephedrine and phenylephedrine are oral decongestants for treating nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, and sinus infections. Both ingredients are common in over-the-counter medications and considered safe while breast-feeding.
Secondly, what is safe to take for a cold while breastfeeding?
Over-the-counter drugs containing dextromethorphan, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen are safe to take while breastfeeding. Pseudoephedrine is likely safe while breastfeeding, but may cause a decrease in late-stage milk production so should be taken with caution in mothers struggling to produce milk.
Can you take Advil cold and sinus while breastfeeding?
For example, Advil Cold and Sinus contains ibuprofen to help alleviate a sinus headache, but it also contains pseudoephedrine, which you may not want to take if youâre nursing. That way you wonât be nursing when the medicine is at its peak in your bloodstream.
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What Cold Medicines Are Not Safe During Pregnancy
There are a few medications that are generally not safe to take if you’re pregnant. Before starting any new medications, always check with your healthcare provider first.
Intranasal corticosteroids
Avoid triamcinolone . Studies suggest that this nasal spray is linked to birth defects. These defects were specifically in the nasal passages.
Oral decongestants
Some studies show a higher risk of birth defects with oral pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine during pregnancy. But a study of over 4,000 pregnant women taking oral decongestants, found no greater risk. Overall, the safety of phenylephrine during pregnancy is not certain. And ACOG recommends avoiding pseudoephedrine in the first trimester. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need a decongestant at any time during pregnancy.
Oxymetazoline
Intranasal decongestants deliver medication only where its needed: the nose. There isnt much research on this nasal spray in pregnancy. One study showed that there might be a link between Afrin and birth defects. Always check with your healthcare provider before using Afrin or any decongestant. Afrin shouldn’t be used for more than three consecutive days. Using the spray longer can cause a stuffy nose to get worse .
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Syrups containing ethanol
Syrups containing natural sugars
Combination products
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Safe Medications For Pregnant Women
Your obstetrician from Genesee Valley OB/GYN will review any medications you are currently taking to decide what is safe to continue taking during pregnancy. Some medications and herbal supplements can increase your chance of birth defects, and your doctor will review any medication you may need to stop taking if youre pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen, allergy medicine, and cold medicines are generally safe to take, while aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided.
How Can I Treat The Flu At Home While Pregnant
For symptoms, try these four natural flu remedies:
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Acetaminophen Risk In Pregnancy: What Patients Need To Know
One of the things I love most about the medical community is our desire to continually find better answers and care methods through research. But occasionally, sharing the findings of a new study can lead to unnecessary concern and confusion particularly if the results are not clearly communicated.
Such is the case with recent recommendations on acetaminophen use during pregnancy. Acetaminophen, also called paracetamol, is a mild pain-relieving drug commonly found in over-the-counter pain and cold medications such as Tylenol. It has generally been considered safe to use during pregnancy.
But in September 2021, a consensus statement urging caution on the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy was published in Nature Reviews Endocrinology.
Drafted by an international team of obstetricians, pediatricians, neurologists, and scientists with expertise in fetal development, toxicology, and endocrinology, the statement specifically recommends that pregnant patients:
- Do not take acetaminophen, unless medically indicated
- Consult with their provider if unsure about taking acetaminophen
- Take the smallest dose for the shortest time
These guidelines are no different from what weve already been telling patients. Whether were prescribing medication or performing ultrasounds, our advice during prenatal care is always to use the least amount of exposure to get the necessary benefits.
However, many national Ob/Gyn organizations say there is no evidence to indicate concern.
Is Tylenol Safe For Pregnancy
Tylenol is a name brand for acetaminophen, an analgesic drug. Doctors generally agree that Tylenol is safe for pregnancy to treat mild fevers and discomforts in the short termas long as you follow the dosage instructions found on the bottle. Pregnant women have been taking Tylenol for years without adverse outcomes or fetal defects, according to Daniel Roshan, MD, director at Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine. While there may not be a lot of research concretely proving that Tylenol during pregnancy is safe, the lack of data for adverse effects leads experts to largely believe it is.
However, too much acetaminophen can be hard on both your and babys liver, research shows. Recent studies have linked prenatal acetaminophen exposure to higher risks of ADHD and autism in childhood. Its important to know that this research shows correlation, not causationin other words, there may be other factors that contribute to the link researchers found.
Also, these studies tend to explore long-term use, not an occasional pill for a pounding headache. Im aware of studies linking long-term use of Tylenol during pregnancy with an increased risk of autism, says Gaither. But this is, again, causal relationship, not definitive given the many variables that existed within the study.
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Can You Take Mucinex While Pregnant
Because guaifenesin is included in each of the six different formulations of Mucinex that were stated above, you should steer clear of taking any of them if you are pregnant during the first trimester. However, it is possible that they can be used safely throughout the later trimesters of pregnancy.
What To Take Instead Of Tylenol During Pregnancy

If the idea of even taking one Tylenol pill gives you pause, know that there are a few alternative remedies safe for pregnancy that can be used for mild pain. For fever reduction, however, given the potentially dire consequences of high, prolonged fever itself during pregnancy, taking a Tylenol to reduce the fever is still probably your safest optiontalk to your doctor to discuss details.
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How To Relieve Headaches And Back Pain Naturally During Pregnancy
Two of the most common complaints during pregnancy are headaches and back pain . Body aches are more common during later pregnancy and can be treated with massage or Tylenol, if needed. For body aches, the most important thing is to try to prevent them by staying active and eating a healthy, balanced diet when you can, says Dr. Yamaguchi.
If youd like to avoid using medication, consider trying these natural ways to ease discomfort:
These home remedies for pain relief can be a big help. But if youre experiencing severe or frequent pain or have a fever, its important to talk to your healthcare provider right away. They can provide pain-relief suggestions and guidance on over-the-counter medications, and be sure that what youre experiencing isnt part of a bigger issue. Plus, being reassured by your doctor that everything youre doing is safe for your growing baby relieves stress, too.
This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more abouthow we write Babylist contentand theBabylist Health Advisory Board.
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Pregnancy And Otc Cough Cold And Analgesic Preparations
Benefits Versus RisksIn the United States, about 150,000 babies are born each year with birth defects.7 Birth defects can occur due to many nonpharmacologic factors. Some of the most common defects are spina bifida, microtia, hypoplastic left heart, cleft palate, cleft lip, esophageal atresia, anencephaly, omphalocele, and limb reduction.7 Practitioners must weigh the benefits versus the risks when recommending OTC analgesics and cough and cold preparations to pregnant women. Since ailments treated with OTC and herbal products in pregnant women are not usually life-threatening, practitioners should also consider suggesting nonpharmacologic remedies, such as rest and fluids.This article presents information on some common OTC analgesic and cough and cold preparations available. Each section discusses the product, pregnancy category, information regarding safety data in pregnancy, dosing, side effects, and contraindications. The comparison of risks and benefits must be considered for each individual patient. Information relating to when patients should refer to a physician is included to assist with the decision-making process.
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