A pregnant mother may wonder what she can do to relieve herself of congestion without harming her unborn baby. If discharge is clear in color, it will likely pass on its own. Yellow or green discharge usually signals an infection, and a pregnant woman should see her doctor or midwife right away. Together they can discuss her symptoms and what kind of medication is safe.
Decongestants Defined
Common oral decongestants include phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and guaifenesin. Common nasal decongestants include xylometazoline and oxymetazoline. Decongestants decrease swelling in the ears, nose and throat, allowing excess mucus to exit the body. The National Institutes of Health says decongestants treat symptoms but they do not treat the underlying cause of the illness.
Usage
Decongestants may be purchased over the counter in pill, liquid or spray form. They are usually taken every four to six hours over a period of days or until symptoms improve. If symptoms do not improve within a week, patients need to stop use and check in with their doctors. Cough medicines are often combined with decongestants in the same medication. The National Institutes of Health says decongestant use is not necessarily contraindicated for pregnant women, but they should be extra vigilant about reading drug labels.
Research
A July 2010 "Birth Defects Journal" study found that women who took decongestants during their second or third trimesters actually had a decreased chance of giving birth prematurely, or before 37 weeks gestation. This was a followup to another study that had the same results. More studies are needed to make an official statement on the protective connection between decongestants and premature birth.
Alternatives
In Spiritual Midwifery, famed midwife Ina May Gaskin recommends pregnant women use a neti pot rinse for decongestant purposes. A steam humidifier with water and 10 to 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil opens nasal passages. Pregnant women can also soak a cotton ball in eucalyptus oil and place it under their nose. Hot lemonade with honey is not a decongestant, but it is a safe way for a pregnant woman to calm her throat, which may be irritated from excess drainage.
Warning
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists warns pregnant women not to take any over-the-counter medications before consulting their doctors or midwives. They can offer information on which medicines are safe and which medicines could potentially harm the unborn baby.
References
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs During Pregnancy
- "Canadian Family Physician"; Treating the Common Cold During Pregnancy; A. Erebara, MD, P. Bozzo, MD; May 2008
- National Institutes of Health: Phenylephrine
- National Institutes of Health: Pseudoephedrine
- "Birth Defects Research"; Decongestant Use During Pregnancy and Its Association with Preterm Delivery; RK Hernandez, AA Mitchell; July 2010
