cough in pregnancy

Overview

A cough is a reflex that clears your airways. Many pregnant women experience a cough at some point. It can be caused by a cold, allergies, or sometimes reflux from pregnancy.

Yes, coughing is very common in pregnancy. Your immune system changes, and many women catch colds more easily.

It affects pregnant women at any stage. Women with asthma or reflux may be more likely to cough.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A dry or tickly cough
• A chesty cough with mucus or phlegm
• Sore throat or runny nose
• Feeling tired
• Mild fever (if you have an infection)

Symptoms in children

• This article is about cough in pregnancy. If you are concerned about a child's cough, speak to your child's healthcare provider.

Symptoms in older adults

• This article is about cough in pregnancy. Older adults with a persistent cough should also seek medical advice, because the causes may be more serious.

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections such as colds or flu
• Inhaled irritants like smoke or strong fumes
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Reflux or heartburn (stomach acid coming up into your throat)

Risk factors

• Being pregnant (immune system is weaker)
• Having asthma or allergies
• Having heartburn or reflux
• Smoking exposure
• Being around people with coughs or colds

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you cough up blood
• If you have severe shortness of breath
• If you have high fever and feel very unwell
• If your cough goes on for more than 3 weeks

Book a routine appointment if:

• If a cough is bothering you and not getting better after a week
• If you have questions about safe treatments during pregnancy
• If you have asthma and your coughing is getting worse

Diagnosis

Your doctor or midwife will ask about your symptoms, listen to your chest with a stethoscope, and ask about any other problems like reflux or asthma.

Tests that may be done

• A physical exam
• Checking your temperature and oxygen levels
• A sputum (mucus) sample if the cough is chesty
• Chest X-ray only if your doctor thinks it is necessary (it is usually safe but only used when clearly needed)

What to expect at your appointment

The appointment is usually quick and reassuring. Your doctor will explain the likely cause and suggest safe ways to feel better. They will also tell you which symptoms should make you call again.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on easing your symptoms and protecting your baby. Most herbal and over-the-counter cough mixtures are not well tested in pregnancy, so you should always ask your doctor, midwife, or pharmacist before taking anything.

Self-care at home

• Rest and drink plenty of fluids
• Sip warm water with lemon and honey (honey should be pasteurised)
• Use steam from a warm shower to soothe a cough
• Avoid smoke and smoky places
• Sleep with extra pillows if reflux is the cause
• Gargle with warm salty water for a sore throat

Medical treatments

If a cough is caused by asthma or reflux, your doctor may recommend a safe inhaler or an antacid (heartburn medicine). For a bacterial chest infection, a doctor might prescribe an antibiotic that is safe in pregnancy. Do not buy cough medicines without asking your pharmacist first.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a usual treatment for cough in pregnancy.

Living with this condition

Try to keep your energy up. A cough can disturb your sleep, so take gentle rests during the day. Use pillows to keep your head raised at night, especially if heartburn is the cause.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
• Wash your hands regularly to reduce infections
• Stay up to date with recommended prenatal vaccinations
• Wear a mask in crowded places during flu season if you prefer

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables to support your immune system. Gentle exercise like walking or prenatal yoga can help your circulation and breathing, but stop if you feel dizzy or short of breath.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A long cough can be tiring and stressful, especially during pregnancy. It is normal to feel anxious. Talk to your midwife or doctor if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent a cough, but you can reduce your risk of colds and flu by washing your hands and avoiding people who are sick. If you have reflux, eating smaller meals and not lying down straight after eating may help.

Vaccines

The flu vaccine and whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine are recommended during pregnancy. They help protect you and your baby. Ask your midwife or GP about them.

Screening programmes

Screening for cough is not routinely done. Your doctor will assess your symptoms if you are concerned.

Complications

If left untreated

• A bacterial chest infection could become worse
• A severe cough can cause stress incontinence (leaking urine)
• Lack of sleep may make you feel exhausted
• In very rare cases, a severe cough could affect the pregnancy, so it is important to seek advice

Long-term outlook

Most coughs in pregnancy clear up in one to two weeks. With proper care, the baby is usually completely safe. Even if a cough lasts longer or comes from reflux, there are safe ways to manage it and keep you comfortable.

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