How to Treat a Cough During Pregnancy
A cough can be a nuisance—and a painful one at that. But enduring a wet, dry or incessant cough during pregnancy may feel extra irritating and even worrisome. First, know this: You’re far from the first person to have a cough in pregnancy, and you definitely won’t be the last. The good news: It’s most likely nothing, and with some TLC, you’ll likely feel better soon. That said, there are some important things to consider before you reach for your preferred cough medication to quell that croupy hack of yours. Here’s what you need to know about coughing while pregnant, plus tips to help you get some relief.
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, says Megan Quimper, MD, an ob-gyn at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. The most common causes include:
- A viral illness, such as the common cold, flu or COVID-19
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Gastric reflux
The good news is that while it may be annoying, coughing alone won’t hurt baby, says Kjersti Aagaard, MD, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and Texas Children’s Hospital in that city. And, no, it won’t cause you to go into labor either.
“Baby is protected inside the muscle of the uterus and is surrounded by amniotic fluid, which acts as a buffer against movements associated with coughing,” explains Nancy Phillips, MD, director of the Center for Vulvar and Vaginal Health at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Of course, while this is reassuring, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re entirely in the clear. As Aagaard points out, left untreated, an illness that causes a cough during pregnancy could potentially hurt baby. For example, pregnant women are at a higher-than-normal risk of developing serious complications of viral illnesses that cause coughs like COVID-19 and the flu, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is why it’s important to figure out why you have a cough, and begin treating the underlying cause, if necessary.
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, Phillips notes that there are certain cough medicines generally considered safe for pregnancy, including:
- Dextromethorphan. This cough suppressant may be considered safe throughout pregnancy, but you’ll want to consult your doctor before taking.
- 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,” notes 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. “Cough drops of any variety are safe to take in pregnancy,” she adds. That said, follow recommended doses if taking those with menthol.
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. These include:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Use a humidifier
- Drink tea or hot water with lemon and honey
- Gargle with warm salt water for a cough with a sore throat
- Use 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.
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.
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.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Alexandra Bratschie, CNM, WHNP, is a certified nurse midwife at Women’s Health at Valley View in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. She received her master of science degree from Georgetown University.
Megan Quimper, MD, is an ob-gyn at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. She received her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Kjersti Aagaard, MD, is a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital. She received her medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Nancy Phillips, MD, is the director of the Center for Vulvovaginal Health at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She received her medical degree from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pregnant and Recently Pregnant People, October 2022
TheBMJ, Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials of Over the Counter Cough Medicines for Acute Cough in Adults, February 2002
National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus, Dextromethorphan, January 2022
National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus, Guaifenesin, January 2022
American Family Physician, Over-the-Counter Medications in Pregnancy, October 2014
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), What Medicine Can I Take for Allergies while I'm Pregnant?, February 2021
Mayo Clinic, High Blood Pressure and Cold Remedies: Which Are Safe?, April 2023
American Pregnancy Association (APA), Does a Cough and Cold During Pregnancy Affect the Baby?
Cleveland Clinic, Cough, January 2022
Learn how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
