In order to avoid colds and viral diseases during pregnancy, you need to take care of your immunity in advance, even before it occurs. However, this is not always obtained, and, accordingly, cough, runny nose and fever may occur when a woman is in an “interesting” position. Of course, first of all, when these symptoms appear, you need to talk with your doctor. In this case, it is very difficult to choose a treatment, since many drugs are contraindicated in this period.
It is worth paying attention to expectorants during pregnancy, which can be used, since a dry cough often causes discomfort and unpleasant moments. In addition, mucus, accumulating in the lungs and bronchi, can lead to serious complications.
If we talk about such mucolytic agents as Bromhexine, Ambrobene, Ambroxol and the like, then in the first trimester they are categorically contraindicated, since during this period almost all vital functions and organs are formed. At a later date, a specialist can prescribe any of these drugs, but only according to strict indications, since there is still a risk of a negative effect on the fetus.
The antitussive drug Codeine, which is close in properties to morphine, is not used throughout pregnancy. Other cough medicines that have a central effect, for example, Sinecode, Dastozin, Oxeladine, which do not inhibit the respiratory center, can be recommended at a later date (in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters) with a short course and only after consultation with the treating doctor .
Expectorants during pregnancy based on natural ingredients have good effectiveness. In pharmacies, various collections of medicinal herbs are presented. In addition, you can turn to the arsenal of traditional medicine. It is believed that cherry juice (preferably freshly squeezed), a decoction of viburnum flowers (also the fruits of this plant) facilitate coughing.
The expectorant collection offered in pharmacies contains a large number of various medicinal plants, including chamomile, plantain leaves, mint, coltsfoot, licorice root, etc. However, there are contraindications, for example, individual sensitivity to any component, therefore, before applying it is important to carefully study the annotation. You can prepare the collection yourself, for this in equal proportions take the oregano, fruits (dried) raspberries and coltsfoot (leaves). A tablespoon of mixed ingredients is poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for a while.
It is recommended, as an expectorant during pregnancy, to drink on an empty stomach and before dinner a glass of warm water, in which a small amount of soda and salt is mixed. The resulting solution can also be used as a rinse. Freshly squeezed cabbage juice with sugar also helps to remove sputum. For diseases of the respiratory tract, a decoction of cabbage with honey is used.
Expectorants during pregnancy are sometimes necessary. If in the first months it is not worth using medications, but it is better to resort to traditional medicine, then at a later date some medications may be prescribed by a doctor. So, the medicine "Stoptussin" is a universal remedy with antitussive and mucolytic effects. "Glycodinum" belongs to similar preparations.
It should be noted that expectorants during pregnancy should be used strictly in that dosage and according to the treatment regimen prescribed by the doctor. Do not self-medicate. This will allow a woman to avoid negative consequences that may affect the fetus.