Becoming pregnant is an exciting time in a woman’s life but if it’s your first time, then you may benefit from some guidance along the way. Whether you look online for helpful resources or reach out to family members, you are sure to find some insightful information for new moms. And while most of the tips or advice you will receive will be useful, there are some questions that you may just have to look to science to answer.

For example, if you have a sore throat, is taking Strepsils in pregnancy safe for you and the baby? Sore throats, colds, and other symptoms are not uncommon during pregnancy so it’s important to know what’s safe to take and what isn’t.

Sore Throats in Pregnancy

Sore throats are common in pregnancy. While it is possible to have a sore throat at any time during your nine-month journey, sore throats are often more common and severe in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. There are many possible causes for sore throats during pregnancy; some of them can be treated at home and others need to be managed by your doctor. Regardless of how you decide to manage your sore throats, it’s important to know what’s safe and what isn’t during pregnancy.

Sore throats can be caused by a number of things, including:

• A viral infection (such as a cold) or bacteria that affects your throat
• Swelling and inflammation in the lining of your mouth
• Allergies to pollen or animal dander
• Dry air from heating systems or central air conditioning
• Increased mucus production as a side effect of certain medications (such as antihistamines)
• Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy can affect how well you produce saliva. This makes it more likely that you’ll develop dry mouth, which can result in an increased amount of bacteria

If your sore throat is accompanied by a high temperature (fever), persistent cough, or other breathing problems, then this could be a sign of a more serious infection and you should contact your doctor right away.

Strepsils in Pregnancy: Safe or Not?

When an expectant mother experiences a sore throat, one of the first things you might do is reach for cough drops or lozenges. Most moms-to-be do this without consulting a doctor because most people don’t consider cough drops to be medicine (despite the fact that they contain active ingredients that soothe throat pain). So the question remains, are cough drops or lozenges (Strepsils) in pregnancy safe to take? If you are having a hard time distinguishing between the two, keep in mind that cough drops usually taste more medicated while lozenges actually have a sweeter candy-like taste to them. Because of this, pregnant women tend to choose lozenges from brands like Strepsils over other remedies for a sore throat.

So what are Strepsils or lozenges exactly? According to the official brand’s website, Strepsils is a soothing and medicated lozenge that contains active medical ingredients–amylmetacresol and dichlorobenzyl alcohol– to tackle sore throat pain deep down. Both of the active ingredients contain 2 mild antiseptics that kill the bacteria associated with mouth and throat infections. However, Strepsils Extra Triple Action contains an antiseptic that mildly mimics the numbing effects of local anesthesia. But are these ingredients safe for your baby?

Depending on who you ask, you may hear conflicting information or opinions regarding the safety of these products during pregnancy. However, Strepsils themselves address the safety of their products on their website stating, “no adverse events associated with taking Strepsils basic range of products (amylmetacresol/dichlorobenzyl alcohol) have been reported during either pregnancy and lactation. The safety of Strepsils basic range of products in pregnancy and lactation has not been established but is not expected to constitute a hazard during these periods.”

Natural Alternatives To Lozenges While Pregnant

While there is no clear evidence to indicate that lozenges or cough drops are unsafe to take during pregnancy, some moms-to-be would rather not take any chances. So, if you are looking for more natural alternatives to relieve your sore throat, here are some of the best remedies:

• Hot water with lemon and honey
• Spoonful of honey 
• Gargling with salt water
• Cup of broth or other warm liquids that may provide temporary relief

Takeaway

Pregnancy is such a wonderful time in a person’s life but there can be a lot of gray areas when it comes to knowing what is safe to take and what isn’t. The best way to approach the situation if you are unsure about what to take and what to avoid is by talking to your doctor. After all, keeping yourself and your baby safe is what matters most!

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