Sore throat is very common in pregnancy. It can cause itching, irritation and pain in the throat. Some people can also experience difficulty swallowing and talking due to sore throat.
A sore throat can be treated with medicines, but during pregnancy, most of them are considered unsafe for both the mother and the developing baby. Hence, it is very important to take proper care and avoid self-medicating with any medicines until prescribed by a doctor.
Thanks to some home remedies that are safe and effective in reducing sore throat in pregnant women.
What are the causes of sore throat in pregnancy?
Various reasons can cause sore throat in pregnant women, such as
- Hormonal changes
- A slight decrease in the immune system in pregnant women
- Heartburn and nasal congestion are common in pregnancy and can cause a sore throat.
How to manage sore throat in pregnancy?
These are some home remedies that can help reduce sore throat during pregnancy. These remedies are safe and effective in reducing sore throat.
- Gargling:
Gargling with salt water is one of the ancient ways to reduce swelling and pain in the throat. You can also go for gargling with turmeric milk, as some women may feel nauseous while gargling with salt water.
- Try herbal tea:
A hot tea containing herbs like tulsi and ginger will help to reduce the severity of sore throat. If the sore throat is due to an infection, try lemon water with honey. It will help reduce the infection and the pain in the throat.
- Warm fluids:
Drinking warm water or fluids can help reduce the swelling in the throat and thereby calm the sore throat.
- Soup:
Soup is a rich source of water and antioxidants. It may reduce the swelling in the throat. You can go for chicken or vegetable soup. Add turmeric, garlic and black pepper to get faster relief.
Things to avoid during sore throat
Various foods need to be avoided during a sore throat in pregnancy. Some of these include
- Avoid drinking cold beverages and cold water. If possible, drink warm water.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Do not take any OTC medicine without consulting a doctor.
Conclusion
A sore throat is nothing but the itching and irritation caused in the throat. It can be due to various reasons and is very common even in pregnancy. Since taking medicines during pregnancy is not considered safe, it is good to opt for home remedies that can help to combat the symptoms.
But it’s always better to talk to your obstetrician/gynaecologist if the problem persists for more than 3-5 days.
So, next time you have a sore throat, try these home remedies to get relief.
