Yes! Well… experts widely consider OTC cough drops safe to use during pregnancy. However, there isn’t currently any evidence that supports whether cough drops are safe or unsafe to take while pregnant.
Before pregnancy, cough drops were many women's go-to cough suppressants. While we’re pregnant, it’s a good idea to ensure any medication, even over-the-counter options, should be checked as safe for women carrying a child.
With that in mind, there are some considerations you should take into account before reaching for those candy-shaped throat soothers. We know it’s likely been a habit formed throughout your life, but everything we ingest while pregnant, our babies do as well.
Are Cough Drops Safe To Use During Pregnancy?
While cough drops are considered safe to take during pregnancy, this relief method, like everything, should be used in moderation. Many medications, both pharmaceutical and OTC, haven’t been studied in pregnancy yet.
It’s highly suggested that women with underlying health issues review the ingredients on the cough drops they take while pregnant, particularly women with allergies or any form of diabetes.
Some additives in cough drops include natural herbal additives, including thyme, peppermint, and hyssop. Women with gestational or pre-gestational diabetes should be aware that many cough drops contain corn syrup or sweeteners that can impact glycemic control. No worries, there are sugar-free cough drops available.
Talk to a doctor if you have questions or concerns about taking cough drops during pregnancy. They can help you make the ultimate choice for what’s best for you and your little one.
Are There Safety Precautions When Taking Cough Drops While Pregnant
We know we said cough drops are relatively safe to take while pregnant. But, there are a few things to be aware of.
1: Women with diabetes should always choose sugar-free alternatives to regular cough drops. This helps avoid spikes in your blood sugar levels.
2: Extremely large amounts of menthol should be avoided during pregnancy. While it’s highly unlikely anyone would ingest enough menthol from cough drops to harm themselves or their baby. Considering that, a typical cough drop contains 5 to 10 mg of menthol. It would take around 5 to 10 bags to reach toxic levels of menthol.
Are There Pregnancy Safe Alternatives?
Yes! While cough drops are safe to use during pregnancy, natural alternatives to fight off a cough are available. Combine plenty of rest, drink enough fluids (lemon tea with honey is excellent), and gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat naturally.
Honey has been used for centuries, and studies cite that honey has been more effective for coughs and sore throats than OTC medicine.
Cough drops are deemed safe to take while pregnant. However, it’s best to consult a health care professional before taking them. Especially if you have concerns, questions, or underlying health issues.
If you experience flu-like symptoms or your current symptoms are persistent after a couple of days, please talk to your doctor. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
