Strep Throat and Pregnancy

Strep throat is caused by Streptococcal infections and is very often observed during pregnancy. The bacteria invades the mucous membrane lining the pharynx, larynx and tonsils of the throat. This condition is known as strep throat. The infection is contagious being transmitted by human contact. It causes immense discomfort during pregnancy. The most common type of strep infection affecting pregnant women is caused by the group A Streptococcus bacteria. The bacteria even infects lymph nodes causing a lot of pain in the throat and its associated glands.

Strep Throat and Pregnancy - Symptoms

Strep throat in early pregnancy can be diagnosed very easily with symptoms similar to that of a sore throat. Early symptoms are:

• Inflammation of throat and swelling around the neck.
• Difficulty breathing and mild respiration trouble.
• Difficulty in consuming food and swallowing.
• Ejection of mucus while coughing.
• Weakness in body and fatigue.
• Headache, abdominal pain and fever.
• Reduced appetite accompanied by nausea.
• Enlargement of tonsils and lymph nodes.
• Excessive sweating and lack of energy.

These symptoms form the basis for detection of a strep infection during pregnancy. The disease is painful and extreme coughs cause restlessness. Immediate medical help should be given to pregnant women to prevent the aggravation of symptoms.

Treatment of Step Throat During Pregnancy

Step throat infection can be diagnosed by two types of medical tests. They are:

• Throat Culture Test
• Rapid Strep Test

Treatments for strep throat during pregnancy is done with extreme care and with the right kind of medication that are safe for the mother as well as her baby. You can either opt for herbal remedies or take antibiotics prescribed by the doctor.

Antibiotics
There are certain antibiotics prescribed by doctors during pregnancy. The antibiotics should be consumed regularly to get rid of the strep throat infection. The best antibiotics for step throat are penicillin and amoxicillin. Adequate dosage of these antibiotics can completely cure a strep throat. Cephalexin is also a good option for treating a strep throat infection. These antibiotics are also effective for curing sinus infections and inflammation of the tonsils. Sometimes anesthetic throat sprays are prescribed by doctors to reduce pain and irritation inside the throat. Acetaminophen is also a good medicine to get rid of fever associated with strep throat. These antibiotics should be taken with extreme caution as an over dose can cause considerable side effects during pregnancy that is detrimental not only to the mother but also to her baby.

Home Remedies
The best home remedy to get rid of a sore throat is gargling with warm saline water. Salt water fights bacteria and helps to prevent further infections. Garlic is a natural antibiotic and is very useful to reduce symptoms of strep throat. It's always advisable to stay in warm room temperatures with increased humidity. To soothe a sore throat, drink warm liquids at frequent intervals. The home remedies are listed below.

• Chamomile tea (only under doctor's advice) is beneficial to alleviate symptoms of strep throat during pregnancy. Chamomile is a natural analgesic that helps to reduce fever and pain.
• You can even try out the recipe with 3 tsps of apple cider vinegar and honey in 8 ounces of water. Drink this frequently to feel comfortable.
• Boil ginger in water. Strain and drink it warm. You will get instant relief.
• Gargling with a mixture of water, cayenne pepper and garlic will help you to get rid of pain inside throat.
• You can prepare a recipe with freshly grated ginger roots, honey and lemon. Drink this at least twice or thrice a day if you have vomiting or nausea.
• Lemon tea with cinnamon is also a very good herbal remedy to cure a strep throat.

Strep throat can be cured at home until and unless the symptoms are serious and call for medical attention. It's always suggested to seek the doctor's advice and start the treatment asap. Since, pregnancy is a crucial period, every precaution should be taken to prevent strep throat.