Sore Throat During Pregnancy: Signs & Remedies To Get Relief

What Is A Sore Throat?

A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, refers to a condition in which the throat becomes inflamed and feels uncomfortable and later causes throat pain. During pregnancy, your natural immune system undergoes complex modifications to support the growing fetus. While it is not completely suppressed, it lowers its defense mechanism so that it doesn’t attack the growing baby mistaking it for a foreign body. These changes may make you more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections that may cause a sore throat (1).

Tonsillitis is one the most common pregnancy health issues, that involves the tonsils, a pair of soft-tissue structures located on either side at the back of your throat, right where your tongue ends. Tonsils are considered to be the first line of defense against bacteria, viruses, or other foreign substances that go through your mouth. Tonsillitis or the inflammation of the tonsils also presents as a sore throat.

Whether you get pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or both, you may experience a number of pregnancy symptoms besides a sore throat, as mentioned in the next section.

Signs & Symptoms Of Sore Throat During Pregnancy

Pharyngitis and tonsillitis usually present signs such as (2), (3):

•  Persistent pain in the throat
•  Swollen and red tonsils
•  Red and inflamed throat
•  Trouble swallowing
•  Hoarse voice
•  Redness of throat
•  Difficulty in swallowing
•  Fever
•  Earache

You may get some or none of these symptoms along with your sore throat during pregnancy. It all depends on what is behind your sore throat.

What Causes Sore Throat During Pregnancy?

Any of the following causes of sore throat during pregnancy may be responsible for your pregnancy discomfort (2), (3), (4):

•  Acid reflux
•  Allergies (dust and pollen)
•  The strain on the throat from talking loudly or continuously
•  Chemicals or pollutants
•  A throat infection
•  Sinusitis

When your sore throat is caused by something other than an infection or an allergy, you may not need medications to treat it.

Even with some infections or pregnancy illness, home remedies can be used to treat pregnancy health concerns like sore throat in pregnancy may suffice. Let’s see what some of them are in the next section.

Best Natural Remedies To Treat Sore Throat During Pregnancy

•  Lemon Honey Tea

Honey might help in soothing the throat, and lemon could combat bacteria and clear the mucus.
Honey also has antimicrobial properties and helps in soothing an irritated throat. Lemon is rich in antioxidants and may strengthen your immune system. Combining these two can be one of the best pregnancy remedies. This may help to fight off an infection that may be causing your sore throat (5), (6).

To make lemon honey tea, follow these steps:

1.  Boil a cup of water in a saucepan.
2.  In a cup, squeeze the juice of half a lemon and add one tablespoon of honey to it.
3.  Pour the boiling water from the saucepan into the cup, stir it and let it cool slightly.
4.  Enjoy warm lemon honey tea.

• Turmeric Saltwater Gargle

Turmeric is a mighty antioxidant and has antimicrobial properties that may help to fight off any infection in your throat (7). Combined with salt, which itself has antimicrobial properties, it can become a powerful tool to cleanse your throat, soothe and offer pregnancy discomfort relief. A warm gargle may also help to loosen up mucus and make it easier to expel (8).

To do a turmeric saltwater gargle, follow these steps:

1.  Add ½ teaspoon salt to 4 ounces of warm water.
2.  Add ½ teaspoon turmeric powder to the saltwater mix and stir well.
3.  Take a small mouthful of the turmeric saltwater and swish it around your throat. Do not swallow.
4.  After a few seconds spit the water out and gargle with the remaining water.
5.  You can repeat this gargle every 4 hours till you get relief.

• Chamomile Tea Gargle

Chamomile is a great herb for soothing an irritated throat due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties (9). However, chamomile in large quantities may be associated with a higher risk of miscarriages. Therefore, it is not recommended to drink chamomile tea to soothe a sore throat during pregnancy (10). However, you can use a chamomile tea infusion to gargle your inflamed throat with it once a day for relief for pregnancy health precautions.

To make a chamomile tea infusion for gargling, follow these steps:

1.  Bring a cup of water to a boil.
2.  Take off the heat and add a chamomile tea bag to it.
3.  Let it steep for 5 minutes.
4.  Remove the teabag and let it cool slightly before you gargle with it.
5.  Do not swallow the tea.
6.  Repeat this once a day for pregnancy health management.

•  Ginger Tea After Meals

Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent with antifungal and antibacterial properties, which may help soothe your throat and fight off infections. Apart from that, ginger can help with gastrointestinal symptoms and may bring relief from a sore throat caused by acid reflux (11). Ginger is safe during pregnancy in limited quantities, so you can drink up to two cups of ginger tea after your meals daily.

To make ginger tea, follow these steps:

1.  Pour two cups of water into a saucepan and put it on heat.
2.  Peel and slice an inch of ginger and add it to the water that is heating.
3.  Cover with a lid and bring to a boil.
4.  Remove the lid and let it boil for 5 minutes.
5.  Pour it through a strainer and enjoy it after it has cooled down a bit.
6. Drink this regularly for pregnancy health support.

Quick Tip

Ginger has a strong and pungent taste. You can add a hint of cinnamon, mint, turmeric, honey, maple juice, or cardamom to enhance the flavor of this tea according to your preferences.

• Rest

Your body needs plenty of rest as you recover from a sore throat. That is why it is essential that you do not strain it further, and give yourself rest.

•  Stay Hydrated

A sore throat may be aggravated if you let the lining of your throat get dry. So it is important that you stay hydrated. Plus keeping hydrated can also manage your pregnancy health as well. For some, warm liquids bring more relief while for others, drinking cold water can help soothe an irritated and dry throat in pregnancy. One of the best pregnancy health awareness, one must know is to avoid drinking water that is chilled or too hot. Keep taking small sips throughout the day till you feel better.

Quick Tip

You can also have hot and nourishing broths, soups, or decaf drinks to soothe your sore throat.

Apart from the remedies mentioned above, you can opt for over-the-counter medications and other treatments listed below to heal a sore throat during pregnancy.

Sore Throat Treatment During Pregnancy

Your doctor may prescribe one or a combination of the following treatments:

• Cough Suppressant: This is generally considered safe during pregnancy and may help relieve symptoms of coughing and sore throat (12).
• Throat Lozenges: Opt for throat lozenges or sprays that are safe for use during pregnancy. Avoid medications like ibuprofen or aspirin (13).
• Antibiotics: They can help combat fever and sore throat caused by a bacterial infection (14). However, do not use antibiotics unless prescribed by the doctor.
• Humidifier: Use a humidifier in your room to maintain the moisture level in the air, which may help ease throat discomfort.

In case the pain in your throat persists, you should contact your doctor. There are certain situations associated with a sore throat that may require medical attention. Let’s see what they are in the next section.

When To See A Doctor

A sore throat caused by allergens, strained muscles, or pollutants should clear up fairly quickly. A sore throat caused by a viral infection is usually limiting and may clear up within a week. For strep throat in pregnancy or another bacterial infection, you may need medical attention for special pregnancy safety. If the soreness in your throat persists longer than a week, or you experience any of the following associated symptoms, contact your doctor:

•  You have a sudden high fever
•  You have difficulty breathing
•  You have trouble swallowing
•  You have a complete loss of appetite
•  Your symptoms persist or worsen
•  You see reddish-white patches inside your throat

Generally, sore throat during pregnancy is nothing to worry about and is highly treatable. But as pregnancy puts a strain on your body, you may want to be rather safe than sorry and see what you can do to avoid getting a sore throat.

How To Prevent Sore Throat During Pregnancy

•  Stay away from secondhand smoke or other pollutants. This should be your first pregnancy care step.
•  To avoid getting acid reflux, try to eat smaller, more frequent meals which are not too spicy or greasy, you can try pregnancy medicine to avoid acid reflux.
•  Avoid contact with known allergens.
•  Lower your risk of a viral or bacterial infection by keeping your distance from people who are contagious, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding crowded places.
•  Speak softly to avoid straining your voice.
•  Drink plenty of fluids, and at least 3 liters of water every day.
•  Take rest and do not overexert yourself as stress can lower your immunity further.

Infographic: Sore Throat During Pregnancy: Causes & Remedies

The complex changes during pregnancy may leave you more susceptible to allergies, harsh chemicals, or bacteria, which may result in a sore throat. The good news is understanding the cause behind it can help you find the right treatment. Check out the following infographic for a simple guide to navigate a sore throat during pregnancy.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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To sum up, a sore throat during pregnancy is easily treatable and preventable. Natural ingredients like ginger, chamomile, turmeric, lemon, and honey may help you combat a sore throat and ensure your pregnancy wellness. For infections that underlie a sore throat, you may need to consult your doctor to find the best course of treatment. To minimize your risk of getting an irritated or inflamed throat, you should avoid known allergens, smoke, and other pollutants. You also need to avoid contracting a viral and bacterial infection by maintaining hygiene and distance from those with an active infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sore throat harm the baby during pregnancy?

A sore throat during pregnancy will not harm the baby. However, if your sore throat is caused by an infection like flu, you may need medical attention to treat it as that poses some risk for the mother and the baby (15).

Should I be worried about a sore throat while pregnant?

No, you should not stress or be worried about a sore throat during pregnancy. Home remedies can help you with symptoms and you can consult your ob-gyn if you have any other worrisome symptoms accompanying your sore throat.

What cures a sore throat instantly?

There is no instant cure for sore throat, but a tablespoon of honey may help soothe an irritated throat quickly (5).

Can pregnancy hormones cause sore throat?

No, pregnancy hormones do not cause a sore throat. A modified immune system during pregnancy may make pregnant women more susceptible to infections that may cause a sore throat (1).

How long does a sore throat last?

Sore throat caused by viral infection may last for 3 to 10 days, while the ones caused by bacterial infections and allergens may last longer.

How do I know if my sore throat is viral or bacterial?

Look for the symptoms. You may experience cough, swelling in the throat, and runny nose in viral infections. However, the symptoms of bacterial infection include nausea, vomiting, and stomach ache.

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

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Watch this informative video that shares fantastic home remedies specifically tailored to soothe your sore throat and provide some much-needed relief during pregnancy.

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Dr. Zeel GandhiBAMS

Dr. Zeel Gandhi is an Ayurvedic doctor with 7 years of experience and an expert at providing holistic solutions for health problems encompassing Internal medicine, Panchakarma, Yoga, Ayurvedic Nutrition, and formulations. She graduated as a top ranker from Dr. D.Y.Patil College of Ayurveda and Research Centre , Navi Mumbai, and is a specialist in Panchakarma therapies. She believes that Ayurveda...more

Sanchari BhattacharyaHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Sanchari has over 10 years of experience as a teacher and a writer and has done a certificate course in natural medicine. Working in diverse fields has strengthened her perceptive skills and honed her expression which helps her to create content that can connect people across age, gender and borders. Her fascination with herbs, natural remedies and traditional medicine has...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Dipti SharmaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications. She writes articles that provide guidance on natural remedies for common health concerns, empowering readers to embrace the healing power of...more