Managing a Sore Throat During Pregnancy

Physical changes in the body during pregnancy, like the growing uterus pressing against the diaphragm, also play a role. This pressure can reduce lung capacity, making it harder to clear respiratory infections. Also, changes in the cardiovascular system and an increase in blood volume put extra strain on the body, altering how immune cells move around and respond to infections. These combined factors mean pregnant women may be especially susceptible to certain infections, particularly respiratory ones [3].

Signs and Symptoms of Urgent Maternal Warnings Signs

Did you know some problems due to pregnancy can happen up to a year after delivery? Test your knowledge about urgent maternal warning signs that can indicate serious complications.

Headache that won’t go away or gets worse over time

• Feels like the worst headache of your life.
• Lasts even after treatment with medication and fluid intake.
• Starts suddenly with severe pain—like a clap of thunder.
• Throbs and is on one side of your head above your ear.
• Comes with blurred vision or dizziness.

Dizziness or fainting

• You faint or pass out.
• You have dizziness and lightheadedness that’s ongoing, or comes and goes over many days.
• You experience a gap in time of which you have no memory.

Changes in your vision

• You see flashes of light or bright spots.
• You have blind spots or you can’t see at all for a short time.
• Your vision is blurry, you can’t focus, or you’re seeing double.

Fever of 100.4°F or higher

• You have a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

Extreme swelling of your hands or face

• Swelling in your hands makes it hard to bend your fingers or wear rings.
• Swelling in your face makes it hard to open your eyes all the way—they feel and look puffy.
• Your lips and mouth feel swollen or you have a loss of feeling.

Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby

• You may think about hurting yourself because you:
  • Feel very sad, hopeless, or not good enough.
  • Don’t feel that you have control over your life.
  • Feel extremely worried all the time.

  Trouble Breathing

  • You feel short of breath suddenly or over time, as if you can’t breathe deeply enough to get enough air in your lungs.
  • Your throat and/or chest feel tight.
  • You have trouble breathing when you’re laying down flat, such as needing to prop your head up with pillows to sleep.

  Chest pain or fast-beating heart

  • You have chest pain, such as:
    • A feeling of tightness or pressure in the center of your chest.
    • Pain that travels to your back, neck, or arm.
    • A fast heartbeat or a pounding in your chest.
    • An irregular heart rate or skipped heartbeats.

    Severe nausea and throwing up

    • You feel severely sick to your stomach (nauseous) beyond the normal queasy feeling and throwing up that many moms have in early pregnancy.
    • You are unable to drink for more than 8 hours or eat for more than 24 hours.
    • You throw up and can’t keep water or other fluids in your stomach.
    • You have:
      • A dry mouth.
      • Headaches.
      • Confusion.
      • Fever.
      • Dizziness or lightheadedness.

      Severe belly pain that doesn’t go away

      • You have a sharp, stabbing, or cramp-like belly pain that doesn’t go away.
      • Your belly pain starts suddenly and is severe, or gets worse over time.
      • You have severe chest, shoulder, or back pain.

      Baby’s movement stopping or slowing during pregnancy

      • You feel that your baby has stopped moving or your baby is moving less than before.

      Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancy

      • You have any bleeding from your vagina that is more than spotting—like a period.
      • You have fluid leaking out of your vagina.
      • You have vaginal discharge that smells bad.

      Vaginal bleeding or discharge after pregnancy

      • You have heavy bleeding—soaking through one or more pads in an hour.
      • You pass clots bigger than an egg or you pass tissue.
      • You have vaginal discharge that smells bad.

      Severe swelling, redness, or pain of your leg or arm

      • You have swelling, pain, or tenderness in your leg—usually your calf or in one leg.
        • It may or may not hurt when you touch it.
        • It may hurt when you flex your foot to stand or walk.
        • The painful area can also be red, swollen, and warm to the touch.

        Overwhelming tiredness

        • You are suddenly very tired and weak, not like chronic fatigue.
        • You don’t have enough energy to go about your day.
        • No matter how much you sleep, you don’t feel refreshed.
        • You feel so tired that you don’t get up to take care of your baby.
        • You feel sad after having your baby.

        This list is not meant to cover every symptom you might have. If you feel like something just isn’t right, or you aren’t sure if it’s serious, talk to your health care provider. Be sure to tell them if you are pregnant or were pregnant within the last year.

        This list was developed by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health. Learn more about the warning signs by visiting the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health .

        If you are pregnant or gave birth within a year, learn more about how to talk to your health care provider.

        Managing a Sore Throat During Pregnancy

        Experiencing sore throats during pregnancy is uncomfortable and can raise concerns about the best way to manage them without affecting your health or that of your unborn child. This article explores the common causes of a sore throat in pregnancy, addresses whether there’s a connection between sore throats and pregnancy, and provides guidance on safe remedies. We will also discuss when it might be necessary to consult a healthcare professional.

        Understanding these aspects can help you navigate this common issue confidently and ensure your well-being and that of your baby.

        What Causes a Sore Throat in Pregnancy?

        A sore throat during pregnancy can arise from various sources, making it a common concern for expectant mothers. One prevalent cause is the natural weakening of the immune system that occurs during pregnancy, which increases susceptibility to viral infections such as the common cold or influenza, both frequent culprits behind a sore throat. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly increased estrogen and progesterone levels, can also contribute to this condition by causing swelling and dryness in the throat, enhancing discomfort [1].

        Is There a Connection Between a Sore Throat and Pregnancy?

        During pregnancy, the immune system changes significantly to protect the growing baby, who has a different genetic makeup from the mother. These changes help prevent the mother’s immune system from rejecting the baby but also make her more susceptible to infections. The immune system becomes more tolerant, increasing certain types of immune cells that promote this tolerance and decreasing the more aggressive responses that could potentially harm the baby.

        Sore Throat During Pregnancy

        Pregnancy-related hormonal changes, particularly increases in estrogen and progesterone, further suppress parts of the immune system that usually fight off infections by attacking infected cells directly. This is necessary to keep the baby safe but leaves pregnant women more vulnerable to some infections, especially those normally controlled by these immune responses [2].

        Early Pregnancy Sore Throat and Swollen Glands

        Many women report experiencing a sore throat early in pregnancy, which swollen glands may accompany. This combination often points to the body’s initial response to new hormonal environments and its effort to adjust to pregnancy. Environmental factors such as dry air, pollutants, or allergens can further exacerbate throat irritation, making pregnant women particularly sensitive to their surroundings [1].

        Allergies and Sore Throat

        Pregnancy can also exacerbate sensitivity to allergens, making allergies and sore throats a more frequent pairing in pregnant women. This increased sensitivity can cause symptoms that mimic a cold, such as a runny nose or itchy eyes, which often accompany a sore throat. Understanding this connection helps in identifying and managing symptoms more effectively, ensuring both mother and baby’s health are safeguarded during this delicate time [4].

        Physical Changes and Sore Throat While Pregnant

        Physical changes in the body during pregnancy, like the growing uterus pressing against the diaphragm, also play a role. This pressure can reduce lung capacity, making it harder to clear respiratory infections. Also, changes in the cardiovascular system and an increase in blood volume put extra strain on the body, altering how immune cells move around and respond to infections. These combined factors mean pregnant women may be especially susceptible to certain infections, particularly respiratory ones [3].

        How to Help a Sore Throat: Pregnancy Tips

        Managing a sore throat while pregnant is certainly challenging, as many traditional remedies may not be suitable. If you’re experiencing a sore throat early in pregnancy or at any other stage, choosing safe, effective options for sore throat relief is crucial.

        Simple measures like staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and gargling with warm salt water can be helpful in easing discomfort. For more targeted sore throat relief, consider sucking on ice chips or throat lozenges specifically approved for use during pregnancy.

        Understanding how to help a sore throat without compromising your or your baby’s health is also essential. Options like honey in warm water or herbal teas such as chamomile can be soothing. However, always consult your healthcare provider before trying new remedies, especially when dealing with a sore throat while pregnant. They can provide guidance on safe, over-the-counter options that can alleviate your symptoms without causing harm.

        Safe Home Remedies

        • Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps moisten the throat and ease irritation.
        • Humidifier: Using a cool-mist humidifier can add moisture to the air, soothing dry and irritated throats.
        • Warm Salt Water Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water can reduce swelling and discomfort in the throat.
        • Honey and Warm Water: Honey in warm water or herbal teas such as chamomile can be soothing. Always consult your healthcare provider before trying new remedies, especially when dealing with a sore throat while pregnant.

        Over-the-Counter Solutions

        • Throat Lozenges: Certain throat lozenges are safe for pregnant women and can provide quick relief from soreness.
        • Ice Chips: Sucking on ice chips can help numb the throat and reduce swelling.

        When Should I Go To my Doctor with a Sore Throat During Pregnancy?

        While a sore throat during pregnancy is often just a minor issue, there are certain circumstances when seeking medical advice is important. Here are key signs that indicate a doctor’s visit is necessary:

        • Persistent Symptoms: If your sore throat lasts longer than a week or worsens despite home remedies, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.
        • High Fever: A high fever accompanying a sore throat could indicate a more serious infection that requires medical attention.
        • Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing: If you experience trouble swallowing or breathing, it suggests that the sore throat might be more than just an irritation.
        • Severe Pain: Intense or sharp pain, especially if it’s one-sided, can be a sign of an infection that might need more than just over-the-counter treatment.
        • Additional Symptoms: Symptoms like a rash, joint pain, or earache, along with a sore throat, also warrant a visit to the doctor to rule out any complications.

        Seeing a doctor when these symptoms occur ensures that you receive appropriate care without risking your health or that of your baby. It’s always better to be cautious and get a professional evaluation when you’re unsure about symptoms during pregnancy.

        References

        1. Kumar R, Hayhurst KL, Robson AK. Ear, nose, and throat manifestations during pregnancy.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2011;145(2):188-198.
        2. Abu-Raya B, Michalski C, Sadarangani M, Lavoie PM. Maternal Immunological Adaptation During Normal Pregnancy. Front Immunol. 2020;11:575197.
        3. LoMauro A, Aliverti A. Respiratory physiology of pregnancy: Physiology masterclass. Breathe (Sheff). 2015;11(4):297-301.
        4. Yonezawa K, Haruna M, Yamamoto-Hanada K, Ohya Y. Exacerbation and severity of allergic symptoms during pregnancy and their impact on mental health. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2022;8(1):e002.
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