Understanding Sore Throat During Pregnancy & Natural Relief

Not all pregnant women have throat pain, but usually, most women have to face sore throats during pregnancy. However, a sore throat during pregnancy is often nothing to worry about and typically resolves within a few days.

Unfortunately, this bacterial infection does not offer protection during pregnancy. Typically, a strep throat infection is accompanied by fever and general tiredness.

This infection is contagious and spreads easily, and in rare cases, it can be passed from mother to baby during delivery.

Thankfully, several simple and safe home remedies can help soothe and relieve a sore throat during pregnancy.

Causes of a Sore Throat During Pregnancy

A sore throat during pregnancy can occur for several reasons. Let’s take a look at the most common causes:

Common Infections

• Viral infection – Such as the common cold or flu, often accompanied by cough or congestion.
• Bacterial infection – Including strep throat, which may cause fever and severe throat pain.

Other Possible Causes

• Allergic reactions – Sensitivity to dust, pollen, or pet dander can irritate the throat.
• Acid reflux – Pregnancy-related hormonal changes can cause stomach acid to move up into the throat.
• Sinusitis – Sinus infections can lead to throat irritation due to mucus drainage.
• Minor throat itching – Often caused by dryness or mild irritation.
• Fungal infection – Such as oral thrush, which may develop due to a weakened immune system.
• Neck muscle strain – Prolonged poor posture or stress can cause throat discomfort.
• Pollutants or chemicals – Exposure to smoke, strong odors, or chemicals can irritate the throat.
• Pregnancy hormones – Hormonal fluctuations may increase throat sensitivity.
• Post-nasal drip – Excess mucus dripping down the throat can lead to soreness and irritation.

Most sore throats during pregnancy are mild and temporary, but if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider.

Safe Home Remedies for Sore Throat During Pregnancy

Home remedies can reduce the symptoms of a sore throat during pregnancy, but it is advisable to consult a doctor for complete treatment. You can try the following home remedies:

Gargle with salt water

Gargling with salt water can also cure a sore throat easily. Doctors also recommend this. Gargling with lukewarm salt water helps to hydrate the membranes of the throat. For this, add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water and gargle with this water several times a day.

Drink honey and lemon tea

If you have a sore throat during pregnancy, it is better to drink honey and lemon tea than to take external medicines. Drinking tea prepared with honey and lemon helps to soothe your throat. Along with this, the mucus present in the throat also reduces. If you are suffering from a sore throat, then drink lemon and honey tea 2 to 3 times a day. However, keep in mind that you should not just consume honey.

Turmeric saltwater gargle

Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that can help fight any infection in your throat. This can help loosen your mucus and make it easier to cough out.

To make salt turmeric water, all you have to do is mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric and half a teaspoon of salt in 300 ml of water. After mixing it well, boil it for about 5 minutes and let it become lukewarm for some time. Start gargling with lukewarm salt and turmeric water, and gargle at least 3 or 4 times a day. By doing this, your sore throat will not only end, but the phlegm accumulated in the throat will also end.

Drink water in between

It is very important to keep the body hydrated during pregnancy. Keeping the body hydrated reduces the risk of infection. When there is enough water in the body, it makes the mucus thinner. that exits the body. So keep your body hydrated. Keep drinking water in between. Also, include soup and herbal tea in your daily routine.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a type of herbal tea that is known to have many benefits. Chamomile tea is generally good to drink during pregnancy, but it should be limited to one or two cups a day or in moderation.

Chamomile also contains nutrients that prevent infection in the body and do not cause disease. Drinking chamomile tea increases immunity and also destroys germs in the body.

If you drink a small cup of chamomile tea during pregnancy, it can give you a lot of relief and also cure nausea and morning sickness.

Take a cup of water for this. Boil the leaves of chamomile flowers in it. Let the water boil for about 5 minutes. Rinse with this water. The problem of a sore throat can also be removed from this.

Apple vinegar

Apple vinegar can be used as a home remedy when symptoms of a sore throat appear. Apple vinegar is full of antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. It can inhibit the growth of many types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus.

Mix apple vinegar and salt in warm water, and gargle with this water. Do this process 4-5 times a day.

Take steam

In the changing season, if you have a sore throat or a cold during pregnancy, do not forget to take care. By taking steam, the mucus accumulated in the nose and throat comes out. This opens your throat and nose. But keep in mind that you do not have to take steam for a long time. Take steam only twice a day. Do not steam more than this.

Honey and black pepper

You can consume honey when the problem of a sore throat increases. Consuming honey clears the mucus accumulated in the throat.

Take 1 teaspoon of honey for this. Heat this honey slightly. Now add 1 pinch of black pepper to it. Slowly lick this honey, and it will remove the problem of a sore throat. Along with this, relief can also be given from colds and flu.

Peppermint Tea & candy

Peppermint leaves contain an element called menthol, which exhibits antibacterial and antiviral properties. With their help, plants of the Mentha species can be effective in overcoming infections like a sore throat. Therefore, if you are troubled by a sore throat during pregnancy, you can drink tea made from peppermint leaves.

If you have a problem with a sore throat, then it is better to eat peppermint candy than to eat medicines. Actually, consuming candy increases saliva, which helps you clear your throat. This also reduces pain in the throat.

Pay special attention to food and drink to keep your body away from infection. Do not eat phlegm-making things. At this time, neither eat very cold nor very hot. Use soup and green leafy vegetables more.

Conclusion

Water is very beneficial to reduce the risk of infection during pregnancy, so remember to drink water. By drinking water, your body can easily clear the mucus. Staying hydrated is a good idea during pregnancy.

Nutrients are needed for the immune system to function. So eat nutritious food during pregnancy, and remember to wash your hands before eating and after going out in public.

Rest is also needed to fight infection, so if you suspect a sore throat during pregnancy, rest to avoid complications and feel better.