Many women consider pregnancy to be the most special period of their lives, but at the same time, the most tumultuous when it comes to changes that occur in the body1. This is true, since the body is preparing to generate another life and, for this reason, undergoes several modifications. However, it is important to remember that a pregnant woman is still susceptible to external problems, such as headaches or sore throats. But can sore throat during pregnancy pose many risks? What is the right way to treat it? We will answer these and other questions in today’s article.
Is It Normal to Have a Sore Throat During Pregnancy?
Sore throats are common at all stages of our lives. For everyone. Their causes can be varied: irritation due to overuse, extreme weather such as cold or heat, very dry weather, allergy to certain types of food, and of course, viruses and bacteria2. However, a woman being pregnant has no relation to sore throats. But that does not mean it is uncommon.
During pregnancy, it is common for a woman’s immune system to become weaker, which allows viruses and bacteria to enter more easily. This, in turn, can cause a sore throat, among several other issues that may also arise.
We can then conclude that having a sore throat during pregnancy can be considered normal, as in any other phase of life. However, the care that needs to be taken must be even greater, for the reasons we have just mentioned.
Is Sore Throat During Pregnancy Dangerous?
The first thing we should mention is that there are many types and levels of sore throat, which means that some are more dangerous than others. But for a pregnant woman, of course there is greater concern, since she needs to be in the best possible health for her pregnancy to be successful.
Thus, we can conclude that the dangers that a sore throat during pregnancy presents are usually related to this increased fragility resulting from her condition. And the big concern here is the baby’s health. That’s why we will also address this issue.
Does Sore Throat During Pregnancy Harm the Baby?
This is one of the main questions on the subject, so addressing it in the article is very important. The sore throat itself does not harm the baby, but it can indicate an illness, such as the flu, for example, which in turn may end up affecting the baby. The illness itself is not transmitted to the fetus, but some consequences can occur, such as dehydration and a lack of certain types of vitamins and minerals3.
However, it is worth remembering that not all sore throats during pregnancy indicate an illness. Many times, this type of pain is related to fatigue, excessive use of the voice, or even psychological conditions. In these cases, the pain has no connection to the baby and cannot affect them.
How to Treat Sore Throat During Pregnancy?
If you have a sore throat during pregnancy, there are some home remedies that can help relieve these symptoms and stop the pain. Some of the main ones are:
- Gargling with warm water, vinegar, and salt
- Consuming more foods with vitamin C
- Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water and teas such as ginger tea
- Resting your voice whenever possible
It is also possible for you to use over-the-counter lozenges commonly sold at pharmacies to relieve throat pain. However, it is important to check if there are any contraindications for pregnant women, as it is still a medication, even if mild.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If a pregnant woman with a sore throat has symptoms that don’t heal easily or if the symptoms are very bothersome, it is important to see a doctor. Only a doctor can diagnose whether or not you have any kind of illness and tell you what steps to take for proper treatment. A doctor visit is also recommended so you can be reassured about the pain you feel during pregnancy and understand what is normal and what may or may not affect your baby.
There are many types of pain a woman may experience during pregnancy, such as in the lower back, breasts, or the groin, for example. But in addition to these more common pains caused by pregnancy itself, others may also end up affecting the pregnancy, even if only mildly. For this reason, it is always important to adopt healthy habits to protect yourself from viruses and bacteria that can cause sore throat during pregnancy, as well as to take other preventive measures. This way, you ensure your health is in perfect condition, which means your baby’s health won’t be at risk either.
