Over-the-counter an prescription medications should generally be avoided during pregnancy due to the potential risk to the fetus. A report published in the June 2003 "American Family Physician" by Drs. Ronald A. Black and Ashley Hill points out that many over-the-counter medicines have a proven safety profile, but many others don't. This is what contributes to the avoidance of nearly all medicines by pregnant women. With the advice of a medical professional, though, a pregnant woman can find a safe cough medicine to use when needed.
Decongestants
Decongestants can be taken to alleviate some of the symptoms that contribute to coughing, such as nasal congestion. This type of medicine decreases swelling in the nasal passage to allow mucus to drain and breathing to become easier. Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is the decongestant of choice during pregnancy according to Black and Hill. With any cough medicine, a pregnant woman must carefully read the label or use only what her health care provider has approved because many medicines are made of multiple drugs. One common ingredient in some cough medicines is alcohol, which is to be avoided during pregnancy.
Expectorant
An expectorant helps improve coughing by bringing mucus up from the chest and loosening stubborn mucus. Guaifenesin is considered to be potentially unsafe during the first trimester but it may be safe in the second and third trimesters, according to Black and Hill. The Food and Drug Administration has given the drug a risk classification of C, which indicates that either animal studies have revealed adverse effects to the fetus and the same was not shown in human studies or no controlled studies have been done on humans. This type of medication should only be used when recommended by a health care professional or when the benefit outweighs the potential risk. Any cough medicines should be taken only as directed because using the drug too much or for too long can increase the risk of potential harm to the baby.
Cough Suppressant
A cough suppressant is useful in treating a dry cough that seems unproductive but bothersome. DrSpock.com explains that dextromethorphan is a common ingredient found in this type of cold medicine and is assumed to be mostly safe during pregnancy. Any cough medication that is used should only be the basic strength instead of a type that is labeled extra strength or maximum strength, warns FamilyDoctor.org. These may have an increased risk to the fetus or may not have been studied as thoroughly. The same can be said about combination medicines that treat multiple symptoms like headache and coughing.
References
- OBFocus: Medications Considered Safe for Use During Pregnancy
- "American Family Physician"; Over-the-Counter Medications in Pregnancy; Drs. Ronald A. Black and Ashley Hill; June 15, 2003
- BabyCenter: Is it Safe to Take Cold Medications During Pregnancy
- DrSpock: Coughs and Colds in Pregnancy
- FamilyDoctor.org: OTC Medicines and Pregnancy
