A severe cough during pregnancy can be bothersome but DrSpock.com reassures mothers that the baby is protected by the amniotic fluid in the womb. Any number of illnesses can cause a cough in pregnancy, including a cold, flu or other similar infections. Not all cough medicines are recommended for use during pregnancy, but when the coughing is severe, a doctor may recommend an over-the-counter drug.
Self-Care
Several nonmedical treatments can be attempted to remedy a severe cough. DrSpock.com suggests increasing fluid intake to thin mucus secretions. Good choices include water, chicken soup, juices and warm tea. A humidifier can be used, especially at night, as moist air is less likely to trigger a cough. Other options include using a mentholated chest rub or putting peppermint or eucalyptus oil drops in the shower. The drops will create soothing vapors in the steam of the shower, much like a chest rub.
Decongestants
When natural remedies aren't sufficient, a pregnant woman can use over-the-counter medications under the advice of a medical professional. A decongestant reduces the swelling in the nasal passages that occurs when an illness causes inflammation. American Family Physician lists pseudoephedrine hydrochloride as the decongestant of choice during pregnancy. The Food and Drug Administration has classified the drug as a risk level B, meaning animal reproduction studies have either demonstrated a fetal risk but the same studies have not been replicated in pregnant women or the drug has shown no adverse effects in animal studies.
Expectorants
Many cold medicines are made with a combination of ingredients, including a drug that suppresses the reflex to cough or helps loosen thick phlegm. These type of cold medicines may also contain alcohol, which should be avoided during pregnancy. Guaifenesin is an expectorant considered unsafe during the first trimester, according to American Family Physician. In the second and third trimesters the drug may be suggested but the FDA risk category is a level C, meaning animal studies have revealed negative effects on the fetus and the same has not been confirmed in pregnant women or no animal studies have been completed.
