Getting a sore throat during pregnancy is common. But is it caused by a sore throat or something else?
There are a few reasons you might be experiencing throat discomfort. While some can be soothed by home remedies, others require treatment.
To learn more about your throat pain, keep reading.
“I’m Pregnant and My Throat Hurts:” 5 Causes
If you’re pregnant with a sore throat, you’re not alone. There are a few reasons you might be experiencing soreness:
- Virus. During pregnancy, you’re more susceptible to viruses because your immune system is lowered. For that reason, you’re more likely to get illnesses, such as a sore throat.
- Strep throat. You could also be pregnant with strep throat, which is a bacterial infection. Strep throat soreness is typically more intense than the pain caused by a common cold.
- Congestion. During pregnancy, you’re also more likely to become congested. Congestion can be caused by extra blood and fluid in the body, higher levels of estrogen or other hormones. Pregnancy congestion typically causes a runny nose, but it may also give you a sore throat.
- Heartburn. Heartburn is a common symptom during pregnancy. It can make your throat feel sore if the acid damages your throat, causing a burning feeling. You might also feel like there’s a lump in your throat. A sore throat can be a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Morning sickness vomiting. If you’re still experiencing morning sickness, vomiting can make your throat feel sore and irritated.
When you’re unsure of the cause of your sore throat during pregnancy, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional in case you have a condition that requires treatment.
In the sections below, we’ll discuss each cause in more detail.
Pregnant with Sore Throat Caused by a Virus
As we mentioned above, you’re more likely to get sick during pregnancy because you have a weakened immune system. In addition to that, while expecting, you might feel sicker than usual and your illness might last longer.
If you’re sick because of a common cold virus, you might experience a sore throat for one or two days. You might also have other symptoms, like a runny or stuffy nose.
Pregnant Sore Throat Medicine
If you’re pregnant with a sore throat, you might be wondering, “what can I take?”. The pregnant sore throat medicine below can be purchased over the counter. Always ask your doctor before using a medication during pregnancy.
- Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered safe during pregnancy and there’s well-documented evidence that it doesn’t pose risks while expecting. It can help reduce throat discomfort.
- Dextromethorphan. The cough suppressant dextromethorphan is also generally considered safe.
- Numbing throat sprays and lozenges. During pregnancy, you might be wondering if you can use throat lozenges. Lozenges are generally safe during pregnancy, but always be sure to read the label. Benzocaine, usually in the form of sprays and lozenges, is generally safe and can numb your throat to reduce sore throat pain.
Note that a sore throat caused by a common cold does not require antibiotics. The recommended medications are intended to reduce discomfort while the virus runs its course. If your cold lasts for more than a few days or is accompanied by a fever, seek medical attention.
Also read: What Medicine Can Pregnant Women Take? 31 Common Questions
Pregnant with Strep Throat
If you’re pregnant and have strep throat, the soreness will probably feel especially harsh.
Symptoms of strep throat include:
- Throat soreness
- Pain when you swallow
- Swollen or red tonsils
- Streaks of puss on the tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
Unlike a cold, you won’t experience cough, runny nose or pink eye when you have strep throat.
Strep throat is a bigger cause for concern during pregnancy because it can cause rheumatic fever, which can cause health complications. Unlike the common cold, strep throat is a bacterial infection and should be treated with antibiotics. For this reason, you should see your doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment.
Pregnant Sore Throat Caused by Heartburn
If you have heartburn during pregnancy, consider whether your sore throat could be caused by the acid in your throat. Symptoms of acid reflux include:
- A burning feeling in the middle of your chest
- A sour taste in the mouth
- Regurgitating food
- Burning feeling in your throat
- Long-term sore throat
Acid reflux can damage your esophagus. In fact, a sore throat is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Your doctor may diagnose you with GERD if you have acid reflux more than twice a week for several weeks. Although it requires treatment, GERD is common, especially during pregnancy.
If you think your sore throat is caused by heartburn or GERD, talk to your doctor. GERD requires treatment.
Read: 11 Easy Ways to Prevent Acid Reflux In Pregnancy
Sore Throat Caused by Vomiting
A sore throat can also be caused by irritation from vomiting and stomach acid. Esophagitis happens when your esophagus lining becomes inflamed. Esophagitis symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- The feeling of something being stuck in your throat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty or pain swallowing
Morning sickness can be a common cause. Although it typically subsides by the second trimester, for some women, nausea lasts longer and repeat vomiting causes a sore throat.
If your morning sickness is leading to a sore throat, you should talk to your doctor about whether your pain is normal and possible treatments.
7 Pregnant Sore Throat Remedies
Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure about the cause of your sore throat pain or to see if it requires treatment.
When your sore throat doesn’t require treatment, you can try these pregnant sore throat remedies below.
Gargle with Warm Salt Water
Mix about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt with warm water in a cup and gargle it. This simple home remedy can help ease throat pain as well as loosen any mucus if you’re sick.
Drink a Pregnancy-Safe Herbal Tea
Drinking warm tea can help soothe your throat and alleviate discomfort. Since it’s a good idea to limit your caffeine intake during pregnancy, you might consider sticking to herbal teas. Remember though: not all herbal teas are considered safe during pregnancy. Make sure what you’re consuming is pregnancy-safe!
Drink Hot Lemon Water with Honey
A good alternative to herbal tea is hot lemon water with honey. Simply boil water and squeeze in a couple of slices of a fresh lemon wedge. Add honey to sweeten. Sip to soothe your sore throat.
Suck on a Hard Candy or Lozenge
When you have a sore throat, increasing saliva production can help soothe your throat. Sucking on a hard candy can help.
If you have a sore throat caused by a virus, using a numbing lozenge can also reduce pain.
If your sore throat is caused by morning sickness vomiting, consider purchasing a lozenge for morning sickness. These are typically formulated with ingredients made to prevent morning sickness — and they can relieve your sore throat too!
Hydrate
Along with sucking on hard candy, staying hydrated can also help soothe your throat. Be sure to have a water bottle handy or consider carrying around a warm herbal tea.
Chicken Soup
When it comes to what meals to eat when you have a sore throat, chicken soup is a tried-and-true option! Warm soup can help soothe your aching throat and if you make it yourself, it’s healthy too! Check out this recipe for Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup.
Rest
Whether your sore throat is caused by an illness or by a pregnancy symptom like acid reflux, rest is always a good idea. During pregnancy, your body is dealing with a lot and so is your mind. Pregnancy can bring about different symptoms and it’s important to give yourself time to rest.
Summary: Pregnant Sore Throat
If you’re pregnant and your throat hurts, there could be several causes. A pregnant sore throat can be caused by an illness, like a common cold, or a bacterial infection, like strep throat. Your throat discomfort could also be caused by pregnancy symptoms, like heartburn or soreness from morning sickness vomiting.
If you’re unsure about the cause of your sore throat—or if your sore throat requires treatment—talk to your doctor.
In some cases, like if your sore throat is caused by strep throat or GERD, medical treatment is required. If you have a sore throat or congestion, consider using the home remedies listed in this guide.
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