Most often, a cough that occurs during pregnancy indicates the presence of an infection or an allergic reaction of the body to an irritant. The symptom itself does not pose any threat to the life of the mother and child, but the disease that causes it can jeopardize the health of both and even cause a miscarriage.
If signs of any disease occur in this case, you should consult a specialist. Cough during pregnancy must be treated, but with the use of safe and predominantly natural medications - tablets or syrup.
What expectorant and antitussive syrups are allowed for pregnant women?
On the shelves of pharmacies you can find many cough medications in various forms (tablets, syrups). But not all of them are allowed for pregnant women. How do you know whether you can take the drug during pregnancy or not? The instructions will help with this. Indications, side effects, and so on are always indicated there.
The most reliable way is to buy on the advice of a doctor. Self-prescription can harm the expectant mother and child. In addition, some products contain substances that intensify cough (to remove phlegm), they act on the abdominal cavity.
It is necessary to take into account that if the expectant mother takes a certain drug, but there is no effect from it, perhaps the drug is not suitable or it is addictive. The product should be replaced with another one.
What drugs are prohibited?
It is not recommended to take:
- "Ascoril", "Tussamag" and others. "Ascoril" has a lot of side effects.
- "ACC" and the like ("Bronchobos", "Fluimucil") affect digestion and the heart.
- Medicines containing codeine.
- Alcohol syrups.
Medicines should not contain:
- St. John's wort.
- Licorice.
- Coltsfoot.
- Echinacea.
- Ginseng.
- Ginkgo biloba.
- Eleutherococcus.
- Oregano.
Attention! Most medications contain sugar, so they should not be taken if you have diabetes.
Effective remedies in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester of pregnancy
Table with an approximate list of drugs allowed in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimesters:
| Trimester | Name | Description | Average cost (in rubles) |
| 1st | "Stodal" | This drug:
| 250 |
| 2nd | "Doctor MOM" | Syrup:
| 180 |
| "Lazolvan" | The product should be used with caution | 190 | |
| "Doctor Theiss" | Syrup:
| From 180 | |
| "Gerbion" | Medicinal product:
| 250 | |
| 3rd | "Stoptussin" | The syrup is suitable for the treatment of bronchitis and tracheitis | 210 |
| "Marshmallow Root" | The product smells pleasantly of herbs | 30 | |
| "Flavamed" | The medicine has a raspberry flavor | 165 |
Severe cough during pregnancy
Prolonged hacking cough during pregnancy can lead to undesirable consequences. This symptom contributes to a decrease in the tone of the uterus, which is manifested by a deterioration in the woman’s well-being, the appearance of bloody discharge and nagging pain in the lower abdomen. Cough is especially dangerous for women who are at risk of miscarriage. They are advised to consult a specialist at the stage of sore throat, who will prescribe effective and safe treatment.
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A severe cough is usually caused by bronchitis or tracheitis. Both diseases can occur as complications of a viral infection. If viruses can be dealt with using folk recipes, then if bronchial inflammation is diagnosed, treatment with medications cannot be avoided.
Treatment for pregnant women is prescribed taking into account the period of pregnancy. Taking any medications is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy, at the initial stage of fetal formation. In the later stages of pregnancy, treatment with certain medications that are predominantly of herbal origin is allowed ( Doctor Mom , Linkas , Stoptussin ). For a severe dry cough, it is advisable to take syrup based on licorice root, thermopsis.
Syrups for dry cough
A cough of this origin causes a lot of suffering. It does not help remove mucus to reduce inflammation. To relieve symptoms, antitussives are produced; they make the cough moist to release phlegm. The main thing is to choose the right product.
"Marshmallow Root"
Cough syrup for pregnant women is available in syrup form.
The drug promotes:
- Tissue healing.
- Expectoration.
- Reduce cough.
- Reducing the inflammatory process in the respiratory system.
- Softening throat plaque.
- Restoration of the mucous membrane.
The syrup helps get rid of not only bronchial asthma, but also tonsillitis. The drug is effective against cough during influenza and acute respiratory viral infections.
The syrup consists of dry marshmallow root extract and excipients.
Clinical trials of the drug during pregnancy have not been conducted. Therefore, when prescribing, it is necessary to compare the effectiveness of administration and the risk of complications. Experts believe that there is no need to take the drug in the 1st trimester. At other stages of pregnancy, syrup is prescribed without fear, since marshmallow can be taken by children from infancy.
In addition, after the 1st trimester, a pregnant woman’s immunity normalizes and the risk of complications is minimal.
Marshmallow syrup is effective against diseases such as:
- Tracheobronchitis.
- Bronchial asthma.
- Tracheitis.
- Bronchitis and others.
The drug is prohibited in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug or diabetes mellitus. Side effects from using the medicine are rare.
But a pregnant woman may experience:
- Itching of the skin and mucous membranes.
- Hives.
Cough syrup for pregnant women Marshmallow root can cause hives. - Nausea, vomiting.
Reviews from the use of syrup during pregnancy are positive. Expectant mothers note the herbal composition and safety of the drug. Very rare cases of allergies.
Advantages of the drug:
- Does not cause side effects.
- Inexpensive cost.
Disadvantages of the product:
- Mawkishness.
- Contains sugar, therefore prohibited for diabetes.
- Causes nausea during toxicosis.
"Liquorice root"
The drug contains plant components (licorice root extract). The product is available in bottles of 100-150 ml, depending on the manufacturer, and contains alcohol. “Licorice root” is not expensive (about 80-90 rubles).
Treatment of cough with homeopathic tablets
This type of drugs became popular only recently in the territory of the former USSR, however, they showed their effectiveness even during this period. Their main advantage is their completely plant-based composition.
They are produced in such a way that one type of preparation uses effective plant extracts that work comprehensively on the disease and symptoms, while their concentration is sufficient for treatment, but not enough to provoke an allergic reaction.
But the small concentration of active ingredients and the minimal content of synthetic components lead to the fact that treatment with such drugs lasts slightly longer than with traditional medicines. But in the early stages of the development of the disease, it is worth trying to stop the disease with similar drugs; for this you can use a remedy such as “Broncho-gran”.
Syrups for wet cough: indications and contraindications
A wet cough can bother you for a long time. Sometimes it becomes permanent due to viscous sputum, which is difficult to separate. The expectant mother needs to quickly free the bronchi from such sputum in order to prevent a constant flow.
Medicines for such a cough make the sputum thin, so they should be taken if there is viscous sputum. Products are prohibited in case of hypersensitivity to the components.
"Doctor Theiss": instructions for use
The manufacturer produces the drug in the form of syrup:
- Ordinary.
- No sugar content.
- To be taken before bed (at night) - ensures breathing throughout the night.
For cough there are forms of release of the drug in the form:
- Ointments with eucalyptus for external use and inhalation.
- Solution for oral use (“Bronchosept”).
- Lollipops with honey and plantain.
- Capsules with anise oil.
The syrup is well tolerated by pregnant women due to its natural ingredients, but in rare cases allergies may occur.
Advantages of the product:
- It has a mild action and high efficiency.
- The manufacturer produces a form of night syrup that makes breathing easier.
- Economical consumption.
Flaws:
- There is a low chance of allergies.
- The usual syrup form contains sugar.
"Bromhexine"
The drug contains bromhexine, which is a synthetic substance. The product can be used from the 2nd trimester.
Advantages of the drug:
- It works quickly.
- Inexpensive cost.
- A measuring spoon comes with the syrup.
Disadvantages of Bronhexine:
- Many people complain about the bitter taste.
- Can cause allergies.
Syrups for dry and wet coughs
Such means are called combined. Not every person has the means to buy syrups for different types of cough. Therefore, you can purchase a universal remedy in pharmacies. There are enough such medications, but you need to pay attention to contraindications, whether you are pregnant, since some cannot be taken by the expectant mother.
"Stodal"
The medicine belongs to the group of homeopathic remedies. The syrup consists of plant components.
Advantages of the product:
- Pleasant taste due to the caramel content.
- Soft action.
- Lasts for a long time.
Cons of "Stodal":
- Doesn't work right away.
- Contains sugar and alcohol.
"Doctor MOM"
Cough syrup for pregnant women relieves coughs from influenza and ARVI. The drug consists of oils and herbs.
How else can you treat cough in pregnant women?
To treat cough, in addition to medications, you can use the following methods:
1. Folk remedies, several recipes:
- Honey is an effective cough remedy during pregnancy. The product soothes the throat, thereby helping to cope with sore throat. To prepare the solution you will need 1 tbsp. honey and 1 glass of warm water. You should mix everything and take it before bed and in the morning before meals.
- Lemon . Citrus fruits contain a lot of vitamin C, which fights the virus during colds. If the expectant mother has a cough, lemon juice should be mixed with warm water. You can add 1 tsp to this solution. honey.
- Onion syrup . You will need 1 onion, which needs to be finely chopped or grated. Take 3 tbsp. sugar, mix everything. Let it brew for 24 hours, take 2 tablespoons of syrup. 1 per day.
- Aloe juice can be mixed with lemon and honey.
- Milk . Add 1 tbsp to a glass of milk. honey, heat everything up.
- for coughs include chamomile, sage, mint. You can brew one thing or make a collection at once.
2. Inhalations:
- This method is only suitable if there is no temperature (up to 37 degrees). Inhalations should be done 2-3 times a day for 10-15 minutes.
- Potatoes should be boiled in their skins (5-6 pcs.). You should wait so that the steam is not hot, otherwise you may burn your face.
- From herbs. You can use linden, sage, chamomile.
How can you cure a cough in the second trimester?
After 12 weeks, the child is already stronger, so the range of medications that a mother can take in case of illness is somewhat larger. However, even at this moment it cannot be said that it is worth going to the pharmacy and choosing cough pills that are suitable for pregnant women. Only a antenatal clinic doctor can prescribe drug therapy.
During this period, cough syndrome entails a number of dangers:
- It can lead to premature birth.
- It can cause phytoplacental insufficiency.
- May negatively affect bone formation and the nervous system.
At this time, the child is already protected by the placenta, so infection is no longer so scary, but muscle contraction during coughing can cause uterine tone, and failure of breathing can lead to a decrease in the supply of oxygen to the mother’s body.
Coughing during the second trimester can lead to oxygen starvation of the baby, which has a very detrimental effect on the developing body. Insufficient oxygen supply can lead to neurological disorders and even mental retardation in the child.
At this stage of pregnancy, the doctor may prescribe Mucaltin tablets, which need to be dissolved 1 tablet 3-4 times a day. But this remedy is prescribed only if there is no individual intolerance to the marshmallow, on the basis of which the drug is made.
If a non-productive suffocating cough is observed, then the use of bronchodilator tablets "Intussin" is possible. This drug contains substances that dull the functioning of the cough center, dilate the bronchi and help with the discharge of sputum.
And even though this effective remedy can be bought for little money, it can lead to low blood pressure, nausea and diarrhea, so not everyone can use it.
During this period of pregnancy, it is allowed to use medication therapy based on:
- coltsfoot;
- plantain;
- wild rosemary;
- thyme
- violets.
These plants have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects and make coughing easier. Therefore, after the 12th week of pregnancy, it is sometimes allowed to take tablets such as Bronchicum and Bromhexine. These drugs are available and have proven their effectiveness; in addition, they do not cause side effects in the 2nd–3rd trimester.
But they have an unpleasant taste, so they can cause slight nausea. A special advantage of these drugs is their rapid action, so during acute attacks they are sometimes very helpful.
The most effective remedies, according to doctors
According to doctors, the safest method is folk remedies. There are no additives, flavors or preservatives in the plants. The advantage of the method is accessibility. Not every person can afford to buy an expensive drug.
If traditional methods are not effective, syrups are suitable for treatment:
- "Doctor Theiss." The drug has different syrup forms. For example, if you have diabetes, you can choose the “sugar-free” form. A night syrup is produced that makes breathing easier at night.
- "Gerbion" is a safe herbal medicine.
- "Marshmallow root."
- "Travisil."
- "Fluifort."
- "Gedelix".
- "Bronchostop".
- "Stoptussin."
In most cases, syrups contain sugar, so these products are not suitable for people with diabetes. Some preparations contain dyes, flavors, and alcohol. For example, in Prospana, sugar is replaced with fructose, so it can be taken for diabetes, but contains flavorings.
An expectant mother should always take care of her health and treat diseases in a timely manner. In case of a cold, when a cough cannot be avoided, it is still better to consult a therapist. The doctor will prescribe the safest remedy, be it traditional medicine or cough syrup for pregnant women. Even drugs that are approved according to the instructions for pregnant women should not be taken without a prescription.
Article design: Oleg Lozinsky
Features of using Linkas during pregnancy
Since the release of the drug, a sufficient amount of documentary data and research materials have not yet been received that can clearly confirm the complete harmlessness of the drug for the pregnant woman and the fetus.
So far, the instructions for the product indicate that, due to the lack of confirmation of the harmlessness of the drug Linkas during pregnancy, during breastfeeding, it is not recommended to use it or use it on an individual prescription from a doctor and under medical supervision.
Since the drug is based on prefabricated plant materials, it can cause the development of allergic reactions of various types, from urticaria to Quincke's edema.
It also contains sucrose and glycerin, so it cannot be recommended for use by patients with diabetes. When using products containing licorice, you need to remember that in many people it provokes allergies, and in some patients it can cause disruption of the gastrointestinal tract and the appearance of diarrhea, sometimes very severe. You need to be especially careful with young children with a “weak” stomach and with adults who have problems with the digestive system.
You can learn more about how to treat colds during pregnancy from the video:
There are no complete analogues of Linkas in terms of composition, but in terms of its action and pharmacokinetics there are quite a lot. Most of them, like Linkas, are prohibited for use by pregnant and nursing mothers.
Among these drugs, the most famous are the following: ACC, Bromhexine, Herbion, Breast preparations, Tylenol, Dr. Theiss Syrup with plantain, Codelac, Lazolvan and many other effective antitussives.
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