Throat Infection During Pregnancy

Pregnant women should take utmost care to avoid infections during pregnancy. Excessive use of medications can be harmful for the mother and the baby as well. Certain medications are unsafe to take during pregnancy. Women may develop throat infection during pregnancy. Throat infection can be viral or bacterial. Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections; as they kill the bacteria and don't allow them to spread. Without antibiotics, you are contagious for a longer period. Prompt and proper treatment is essential to cure strep throat during pregnancy.

Strep Throat and Pregnancy

Experiencing strep throat during pregnancy is very common. Antibiotics are used to treat the throat infection when bacteria called Streptococcus ('strep' for short) cause sore throat. Streptococcal infections are contagious and are responsible for strep throat. This kind of throat infection is transmitted from one person to another. Group A Streptococcus bacteria invade the lining of the throat and attack the nearby glands. This can result in:

• A sudden, severe sore throat
• Constant pain in the throat
• Red and swollen tonsils
• Headache
• White patches in the throat or on the tonsils
• Weakness and fatigue, lack of energy
• Difficulty eating and swallowing
• Inflammation of throat
• Swelling around the neck
• Fever
• Excessive sweating
• Enlargement of lymph nodes
• Loss of appetite
• Cough, nausea
• Breathing difficulty
• Abdominal pain

Use of Antibiotics

Pain and discomfort caused by strep throat can lead to increased restlessness. But there is no need to panic. You should immediately consult your doctor and prevent the situation from worsening. The doctor may perform a rapid strep test and/or throat culture test to confirm that the infection is due to Streptococcus bacteria. Usually, antibiotics are prescribed to control and cure the infection quickly. If you opt for antibiotics like cephalexin, penicillin and amoxicillin for strep throat, you should strictly follow the doctor's instructions regarding the dosage and duration. The above mentioned antibiotics are recommended for sinus infections too. Overdose of antibiotics can prove to be harmful for the mother and the baby as well. Similarly, insufficient intake of antibiotics can result in recurring infections, which can again be harmful for both mother and the baby. Antibiotics help get rid of fever too. The scratchiness and pain in the throat can be a symptom of viral infection. It is therefore necessary to detect the exact cause of throat pain during pregnancy. Sometimes, common cold can lead to swollen throat during pregnancy. There is no need to take antibiotics for common cold and throat pain. It is better to opt for herbal remedies. Inhaling steam, gargling with warm salty water, drinking hot water, herbal teas like ginger tea can be helpful in relieving nasal congestion and throat pain. You may refer to the list of medication ingredients that are safe for pregnant women, published by The American Pregnancy Association, before taking any medications.

Home Remedies for Throat Infection During Pregnancy

You can take the recommended dose of paracetamol, but avoid taking aspirin. Do not forget to keep yourself warm. Avoid cold drinks or juices. Gargling with warm salty water helps relieve symptoms of sore throat during pregnancy. You may add a pinch of turmeric to the warm water. Various herbal teas like green tea, chamomile tea with lemon juice, lemon tea with cinnamon, are natural analgesics that help reduce pain in the throat.

Drinking plenty of warm fluids helps lower the symptoms like pain and inconvenience, caused by sore throat. A bowl of chicken soup, or any favorite soup (clear soup is preferred) can provide you sufficient energy. You should follow a balanced diet, which can provide all the essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Healthy food helps strengthen your immune system and helps avoid infections. You should eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and foods that provide right amounts of nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, fats and antioxidants. This naturally helps fight strep throat infection.

Untreated strep throat might lead to some complications and serious conditions like pneumonia. To avoid complications arising out of throat infection during pregnancy, you should consult your doctor immediately. Pregnant women should never opt for over-the-counter medicines. Taking adequate rest is also essential for fast recovery. Increasing the intake of water helps get rid of the toxins in the body. Water and other fluids keep the body well-hydrated; which in turn lowers the risk of infections during pregnancy. Pregnant women should take the necessary steps to prevent infections during pregnancy. Pregnancy is the period to enjoy and not to worry.