What must a woman do if she gets a sore throat, early pregnancy? This period is difficult enough, especially in women who experience morning sickness and other symptoms of pregnancy. But a sore throat can make things even worse. Deciding whether to take medications or just wait till it gets better on its own can be a dilemma, but if your symptoms are mild, home remedies might do. If you do not get better, it is best to visit your doctor to have your throat examined.
Is Sore Throat a Sign of Pregnancy?
The symptoms of pregnancy vary for every woman, and sore throat, early pregnancy can be very well one of them. Of course, you have to verify your pregnancy by taking a home pregnancy test or going to your doctor, but you might be surprised to find out that the flu-like symptoms you have been experiencing may just be manifestations of the hormonal changes of pregnancy.
During this period, your hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, may be responsible for the headaches and muscle aches you are feeling, as well as the nausea and vomiting, which are also common. Some women even feel they are just coming down with a flu because of the sore throat that comes along with their symptoms, only to find out that they are having a baby.
Are There Other Causes of Sore Throat During Pregnancy?
What causes sore throat, early pregnancy? It can be a lot of things - acid reflux, allergies, asthma, infection, pollution or chemicals, although in most cases, they are due to viral infections. When you are pregnant, you can also have a sore throat due to throat congestion or postnasal drip.
What You Can Do About Sore Throat in Early Pregnancy?
1. Warm Salt Water Gargle
An old, but effective remedy is a warm salt water gargle to relieve sore throat. Prepare this by mixing a tablespoon of salt with one pint of warm water. Gargle several times during the day to hydrate the throat and reduce irritation.
2. Moisturize the Air
Use a humidifier in your bedroom and living room if you are suffering from sore throat, early pregnancy. Moisturizing the air helps keep your membranes moist and helps reduce symptoms. If you do not have a humidifier, try inhaling steam, which has a similar effect. Just boil a pot of water until it produces steam. Inhale the steam while water continues to boil and moisturizes the air.
3. Drink More Water
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking more water. You can also make a cup of tea with lemon and honey. Lemon helps break up mucus that is making your throat sore. n addition, honey coats the throat and helps you cough less. Lemon and honey work together to ease your pain and you can take this several times a day if symptoms persist. You can also try drinking chamomile tea to soothe sore throat, early pregnancy.
4. Try Cough Drops
Another home remedy for sore throat is to suck on cough drops or hard candy to increase saliva production in your mouth, which helps cleanse your throat, thus reducing irritation.
When to See a Doctor
Consult a doctor if you have the following symptoms:
- High fever (> 101° F) and chills
- Vomiting for more than 24 hours
- Persistent sore throat
- Severe difficulty swallowing
- Persistent, severe headache not relieved by paracetamol
- Production of thick, greenish mucus
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
Prevention of Sore Throat During Pregnancy
Viruses that cause colds and flu may easily spread. Symptoms usually improve on their own within a few days, and you do no need antibiotics to cure your infection.
Sore throat, early pregnancy can be prevented by following these tips:
- Always wash your hands.
- Get enough rest and sleep.
- Use tissue paper, not handkerchiefs when blowing your nose. Throw your tissues in the trash.
- Drink plenty of fluids, but make sure they are decaffeinated. Fruit juices like orange juice, cranberry, grape, apple, grapefruit, and pineapple juicewith vitamin C are also recommended.
- Avoid taking too much milk, which can thicken your mucus secretions.