Common Discomforts of Pregnancy

Allergies, Cough, Common Cold, and Sore Throat

Allergies

Treatment: There are several over-the-counter options to treat allergies that can be found at your local pharmacy. 

  • Oral Medicines (medicines taken by mouth)
    • Loratadine (such as Claritin)
    • Diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl)
    • Cetirizine (such as Zyrtec)
    • Fexofenadine (such as Allegra)
  • Nasal Medicines
    • Fluticasone (such as Flonase)
    • Mometasone furoate (such as Naxonex)ent: There are several over-the-counter options to treat allergies that can be found at your local pharmacy. 

Limit exposure to allergens by changing home and car air filters frequently.  Vacuum carpets daily with a hypoallergenic filter. Wash pillowcases and bed linens frequently.  Vacuum or wash heavy window linens.

Cough

  • Honey and lemon juice mixed with warm water
  • There are many over the counter options of cough suppressants that can be found in any pharmacy
    • Dextromethorphan hydrobromide (such as Delsym)
    • Dextromethorphan polistirex (such as Benylin)
    • Dextromethorphan guaifenesin (such as Robitussin DM)

Upper Respiratory Infection (Common Cold)

Drink fluids, eat healthy, and rest. Try some of the following for relief:

  • Warm salt water rinses for throat irritation and pain
  • Oral analgesic (such as Chloraseptic throat spray)
  • Cough drops
  • Dextromethorphan HBr (such as Robitussin) for cough
  • Pseudoephedrine HCl (such as Sudafed) for nasal and sinus congestion (should only be taken after 12 weeks of pregnancy, and avoid using if you have high blood pressure)
  • Plain saline (salt water) for nasal congestion
  • Guaifenesin (such as Guiatuss) for chest congestion
  • Chlorpheniramine maleate (such as Chlor-trimeton)

Avoid:

  • All products with phenylpropanolamine and phenylephrine
  • Motrin, Advil, or Naproxen. These pain relievers are not safe to use during pregnancy

Sore Throat

  • Warm salt water rinses
  • Oral analgesics (such as Chloraseptic throat spray)
  • Cough drops
  • Lozenges containing benzocaine or spray containing phenol should only be used for 2 days
  • Sugar free throat lozenges recommended for those with diabetes
  • Follow package directions



     
Allergies