Rather than being suppressed, your immune system is weaker — meaning your body has to work harder to fight off bacteria and viruses. One of best things you can do to help your immune system function properly is to get adequate rest, allowing your body to use its energy to fight off the bug.
Strep Throat While Pregnant: Symptoms and Treatment
During pregnancy, you may enjoy perks like glowing skin and thick hair. Unfortunately, being pregnant doesn’t offer protection against a bacterial infection like strep throat. As unfair as it seems, you can come down with strep throat while you’re pregnant.
The good news is, not every sore throat automatically means that you have a strep infection. Still, it’s worth recognizing the symptoms and treatment options for strep throat in case you catch it during your pregnancy.
This bacterial infection makes your throat sore and scratchy, along with other unpleasant symptoms. Usually, it’s accompanied by a fever and general exhaustion.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a strep throat infection that is left untreated can cause potentially serious complications including kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever.
Strep throat comes from bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus. Sometimes, it’s confused with Group B streptococcus. This is a separate, unrelated bacterium that can be found in the vaginal or rectal area. A mother can pass this type of infection to her baby during delivery. It isn’t related to the bacteria that cause strep throat.
Group A streptococcus, which does cause strep throat, is a very contagious bacterium that spreads easily. You could catch it if someone with the infection sneezes or coughs and you inhale airborne droplets. You can also catch it if they’re sharing food or drinks with you. The bacteria can also survive on surfaces like doorknobs and then be transferred from your hand to your eyes, nose, or mouth.
It can be difficult to separate various aches and pains during your pregnancy, but symptoms of strep throat will be noticeably different.
Symptoms of strep throat include:
- very painful throat
- red, swollen tonsils
- headache
- white spots in the throat or tonsils
- significant lack of energy, general weakness, and fatigue
- difficulty swallowing and eating
- swelling around the neck
- enlarged lymph nodes
- fever
- loss of appetite
- cough
Other symptoms of strep throat can include nausea, difficulty breathing, and abdominal pain. You don’t need to be experiencing every symptom noted above to have strep throat, but if you have a few of them, it’s worth speaking to your doctor.
If your symptoms point to strep throat, a quick test will confirm your suspicions. Your doctor will use a swab to collect a culture from your tonsils, and then have the results reviewed.
Antibiotics are prescribed to treat strep throat. During pregnancy, medications need to be carefully monitored. That’s why medications are assigned a pregnancy risk factor classification.
These ratings are intended to help you and your doctor make the best decision about medications during your pregnancy. Follow the guidelines below.
- Category A is the best rating for a medicine: It means that controlled studies show no risk or no evidence of harm to you or your baby.
- Category B medicine should be taken with caution: It means that animal studies haven’t shown risk, but no controlled studies have been performed on pregnant women.
Cephalexin, amoxicillin, and penicillin are three common antibiotics used to treat strep throat.
- Cephalexin is a category B medication. Studies in animals show that it doesn’t impact fertility or hurt the developing baby. This medication does cross the placenta to the baby. There aren’t currently any reliable studies in pregnant women. For those reasons, this medication should only be used during your pregnancy when there aren’t other options.
- Amoxicillin is a category B medication. Animal studies have shown no adverse effects on the developing baby. Again, it’s recommended only when the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
- Penicillin is also in category B. In women with no penicillin allergy, it has shown no negative impact on the growing baby. Penicillin does pass into breast milk, but there are no reported negative side effects.
If you test positively for strep throat, you and your doctor can discuss your options.
There are also home remedies to help relieve the discomforts of strep throat. You can try the following:
- Gargle with warm salt water to help your sore throat feel better.
- Avoid cold liquids, which can aggravate a sore throat. Instead, try caffeine-free herbal teas, such as chamomile or lemon tea with cinnamon. Be sure to stay hydrated.
- Get plenty of rest to allow your body to heal.
Staying hydrated is a great way to reduce the risk of infection during pregnancy, so remember to drink your water. It’s also a good idea to be diligent about washing your hands before eating and after you’ve been out in public.
If you suspect strep throat during your pregnancy, speak to your doctor right away. Diagnosing strep as soon as possible means you can begin treatment. That’s the quickest way to avoid complications and start feeling better.
Last medically reviewed on August 1, 2016
How to Deal With a Sore Throat While Pregnant
Pregnancy can make the treatment of common ailments infinitely more complex. Because your baby’s health is of utmost importance, there are many things you can’t ingest while pregnant.
But your health and comfort are important, too, so it’s necessary to appropriately diagnose and treat any potentially serious illnesses you may develop during pregnancy.
A sore throat is rarely an indicator of serious illness, but it can cause severe discomfort. Here’s everything you need to know about treating a sore throat during pregnancy.
Key Takeaways
- A sore throat is an irritation in the back of the throat that can be caused by a variety of things including viruses, bacteria, environmental irritants, postnasal drip, weaker immune system, pregnancy hormones, and acid reflux.
- Most sore throats are caused by viral infections and should run their course over five to seven days.
- Bacterial infections can be treated with prescription antibiotics, and it is important to finish the course of antibiotics to avoid antibiotic resistance.
- Environmental irritants can be treated by avoiding the source of the irritation and using a humidifier to moisten the air.
- Pregnancy hormones can cause dry mouth, excessive thirst, and sore throat and can be treated by focusing on measures to increase comfort with safe warm beverages and lozenges.
Table of Contents
- What Causes a Sore Throat?
- Is a Sore Throat Dangerous During Pregnancy?
- When Should I See a Doctor for My Sore Throat?
- What Types of Remedies Should I Avoid While Pregnant?
- What Medications Can I Take While Pregnant?
- How Can I Treat a Sore Throat While Pregnant?
- The Bottom Line
What Causes a Sore Throat?
A sore throat is a feeling of irritation in the back of the throat. It can vary from mild to severe, and may feel like:
- Minor itching.
- Rawness.
- Burning pain.
- Rough, sandpaper-like scratching.
- Sharp pains, like swallowing glass.
A sore throat can be caused by a multitude of things, from environmental irritants to viruses to pregnancy hormones.
Here are some of the most common causes of a sore throat during pregnancy:
-
Viruses: The vast majority of sore throats are caused by viruses, which are also the culprits responsible for the common cold and seasonal flu. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections, which usually just have to run their course over five to seven days.
Some viruses are more severe than others. One way to minimize your chances of getting the flu is to get your annual flu shot at the beginning of your pregnancy, which will protect you and your baby. Pregnant women are more severely affected by the flu, and this can cause complications during pregnancy. The flu can even cause preterm delivery and low birth weight in some instances (1) .
Editor’s Note: Dr. Njoud Jweihan, MD
Is a Sore Throat Dangerous During Pregnancy?
A sore throat alone is not dangerous during pregnancy. While it is a common symptom of many uncomfortable ailments, serious complications are rare. Always check with your doctor for reassurance and precaution.
When Should I See a Doctor for My Sore Throat?
While a sore throat is not dangerous, there are some occasions when you should check in with your doctor.
- Fever: You should contact your doctor if your sore throat is accompanied by a fever of 100 degrees or higher — especially if the fever sets in after you’ve already had a sore throat for a few days. A high temperature can indicate a condition that may need medical treatment, and a prolonged elevated temperature can be harmful to your baby (5) .
- Suspected flu: If your sore throat is accompanied by fever, chills, and a severe sense of malaise that came on rather quickly, it could be the flu. The flu presents a particular danger to pregnant women, but the good news is there are antiviral drugs available for some types of influenza. Tamiflu is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for use during pregnancy, but it is most effective if started within the first 48 hours of illness onset (6) . So, if you suspect the flu, don’t wait — head to your doctor right away for testing.
- Rash: If a skin rash accompanies your sore throat, contact your doctor. It could indicate a more severe illness that needs appropriate medical treatment.
- Strep Throat: If your sore throat comes on suddenly and severely, you may have strep throat. Strep throat is frequently accompanied by white or red spots in the back of the throat, but a culture at your doctor’s office can confirm.
Many patients think that the bacteria that causes strep throat is the same bacteria that the doctor checks for around week 36 of pregnancy, or Group B Strep bacteria, which can spread to your baby from the vaginal or rectal area. However, they are not the same bacteria, and there is no need to worry. In fact, the bacteria from strep throat will not spread to your baby.
Dr. Njoud Jweihan, MD
Strep throat is easily treated with antibiotics, and your doctor will likely give you a prescription if you’re diagnosed with it. The antibiotic is a good idea to help prevent some of the complications of strep throat that can crop up, such as kidney issues and rheumatic fever.
What Types of Remedies Should I Avoid While Pregnant?
Several common remedies should be strictly avoided while pregnant, including:
- Aspirin.
- Ibuprofen.
- Caffeinated teas.
- Vitamin C supplements: Vitamin C supplements marketed to boost immunity (like the brand name “Emergen-C”) are typically safe for consumption. While it may be tempting to use these products to ward off a larger cold at the first sign of a sore throat, it’s best to check with your doctor first — especially since your prenatal vitamin should already contain Vitamin C.
- Zinc lozenges: As is the case with Vitamin C, your prenatal vitamins give you all the vitamins and minerals you need during pregnancy, so taking more can cause you to take too much. Check with your doctor about whether you can take zinc lozenges to stave off a cold — and if there’s any question, skip it.
What Medications Can I Take While Pregnant?
Some medicines are safe for use during pregnancy, as long as you follow proper dosing instructions. Always check with your doctor prior to taking medications to make sure they agree the medication you choose will complement your obstetric care:
- Antibiotics: Since a doctor must prescribe these, your doctor will choose one that is safe for use during pregnancy. Antibiotics that can be used are cephalexin, amoxicillin, and penicillin.
- Acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol): Use Tylenol sparingly. While it has been determined to be safe for pregnancy, overuse has been linked to liver damage (7) .
- Cough drops.
- Throat sprays.
- Antacids: If your sore throat is caused by acid reflux, antacids such as Tums or Rolaids are safe to use. However, choose ones that contain calcium carbonate over sodium bicarbonate as they can cause water retention (8) .
How Can I Treat a Sore Throat While Pregnant?
If you’re experiencing a sore throat while pregnant, there are several things you can do.
1. Take Your Temperature.
Before treating your sore throat, make sure you are not running a fever. A fever is any temperature above 100 degrees, which can indicate there is an infection in your body that needs to be treated.
A high fever during pregnancy can be dangerous for your baby, particularly in the first trimester, and should be monitored by a physician (9) .
2. Take Tylenol.
Tylenol is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. If your sore throat is severe, you may take Tylenol, or generic acetaminophen, for pain relief.
3. Gargle with Salt Water.
Gargling with warm salt water can help clear your throat of irritants and loosen the mucus. The salt is also soothing and helps to draw out excess moisture.
To gargle, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm — not hot — water, and mix it until dissolved. Take a sip, tip your head back, and gargle so the mixture reaches as far back in your throat as possible.
Gargle for about a minute, then spit out the salt water.
4. Drink Tea with Lemon.
It can be difficult to drink adequate liquids when you have a sore throat. Choosing hot, soothing drinks will not only keep you hydrated but can help to thin and loosen irritating mucus in the back of the throat.
Herbal teas are a popular choice during pregnancy because they are naturally decaffeinated. However, it’s important to note that many herbs also have medicinal properties and, in certain quantities, may be harmful.
Because these herbs are not regulated by the FDA and are not widely studied, there is little agreement in the medical community about what is safe and what is not. Check with your doctor about any herbal teas you plan to consume. Avoid teas that contain cinnamon, licorice, chamomile and red raspberry leaf specially in the first trimester.
5. Use Throat Lozenges or Throat Sprays.
Throat lozenges and throat sprays are generally safe for use during pregnancy, so feel free to use them to coat your throat. Some also have menthol to help relieve other cold symptoms, and most throat sprays have antiseptic in them to help numb your throat from the pain.
If choosing a multi-symptom throat lozenge, make sure you need all the treatments listed; if not, opt for a single-use lozenge, such as one that only soothes the throat. Choosing a multi-symptom lozenge when you don’t have a cold that needs treating can cause you to over-medicate.
Avoid zinc lozenges that are designed to fight a cold rather than just soothe symptoms.
Always check with your doctor before taking any medication — even if it is over the counter.
6. Rest.
When you’re pregnant, your immunity is not up to par.
Rather than being suppressed, your immune system is weaker — meaning your body has to work harder to fight off bacteria and viruses. One of best things you can do to help your immune system function properly is to get adequate rest, allowing your body to use its energy to fight off the bug.
Dr. Njoud Jweihan, MD
The Bottom Line
A sore throat can be incredibly uncomfortable during pregnancy, but the good news is it’s rarely serious. More often than not — as long as it’s not accompanied by fever — a sore throat is simply the result of a cold virus or environmental irritants.
However, always check with your doctor before taking any medication — even if it is over the counter.
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