Sore throat during pregnancy can occur due to several things, one of which is the immune system which tends to decrease during pregnancy. This condition often causes discomfort. However, pregnant women need not worry, because there are several ways to deal with a sore throat that you can try.
Sore throat during pregnancy can be caused by various things and the treatment depends on the underlying cause. However, treatment steps generally aim to relieve the discomfort caused.
Therefore, it is important to know the cause of sore throat during pregnancy so that treatment and prevention steps can be taken. Thus, pregnant women can be more comfortable during pregnancy.
Causes of Sore Throat During Pregnancy
It has been mentioned earlier that a sore throat during pregnancy can be caused by various things. The following are some of the causes:
Infection
Sore throat during pregnancy can be caused by bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. This infection can cause sore throat, causing pain in the throat and discomfort in pregnant women.
Stomach acid rises
Between the throat and stomach, there is a ring-shaped muscle that relaxes when swallowing food, allowing food to enter the stomach.
However, levels of the hormone progesterone that rise during pregnancy can reduce muscle strength and trigger stomach acid to rise. This is what can cause a sore throat in pregnant women.
Throw up
Vomiting during pregnancy can be affected by increased hormone levels. In more severe conditions, increased hormone levels can cause pregnant women to vomit excessively. This condition is known as hyperemesis gravidarum.
Over time, vomiting can hurt the pregnant woman's throat and trigger a sore throat.
In addition to the above conditions, sore throat in pregnant women can also be caused by cuts or injuries in the throat due to food such as fish spines or frequent screaming. Pregnant women who have asthma also have the potential to experience a sore throat if their asthma recurs.
Not only discomfort, sore throat in pregnant women is sometimes accompanied by several symptoms, such as:
- Throat sore or itchy
- Neck hurts when pressed or held
- Colds, coughs and sneezes
- Headache
- aches
- Decreased appetite
- Bad breath
- Fever
The pain in the throat may increase when swallowing or speaking. The throat or tonsils may appear red or have pus around them. This condition is more common in strep throat caused by bacteria.
How to Overcome a Sore Throat During Pregnancy
If pregnant women have a sore throat, here are some treatments that can be done at home:
Gargle with salt water
You can use salt water as a mouthwash. The benefits of gargling with salt water can relieve itching in the throat, kill bacteria, reduce swelling, and thin phlegm.
How to make it is quite easy, namely by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle regularly every 3 hours or so.
Use a mixture of lemon and honey
Utilizing a mixture of lemon water and honey as a sore throat remedy during pregnancy can be an option. The method is very easy, that is, just add a slice of lemon and honey to warm tea.
A study shows that honey can be an effective ingredient in the wound healing process. Therefore, honey can speed up the healing of a sore throat.
Drink more water
Drinking more water can loosen phlegm and soothe the throat. Not only that, meeting the needs of body fluids can also prevent pregnant women from the risk of dehydration. Therefore, do not hesitate to drink lots of water.
How to Prevent Sore Throat During Pregnancy
To prevent sore throat during pregnancy, there are several preventive steps that pregnant women can take, including:
1. Get enough rest and avoid stress
Pregnant women are advised to get enough rest and avoid stress so that the immune system increases. An increased immune system can prevent pregnant women from getting sick due to infections, including sore throats.
2. Consumption of nutritious food
Eating nutritious food during pregnancy is not only good for the growth and development of the fetus but also the health condition of the pregnant woman. Some types of food that are good for pregnant women to eat are fruits and vegetables.
The content of vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables can increase the body's ability to fight germs that cause infection.
3. Take pregnancy vitamins regularly
In order to maintain pregnancy conditions, pregnant women can take prenatal vitamins, especially in the first trimester. However, before pregnant women take pregnancy vitamins, first consult a doctor to find out the right dose.
4. Wash your hands all the time
Regular hand washing can prevent the risk of disease transmission. Make it a habit to wash your hands before and after eating, after using the toilet, and after sneezing and coughing.
5. Avoid contact with sick people
One of the efforts to prevent the risk of transmission of germs that cause sore throat is to avoid direct contact with people with sore throats. Also, avoid sharing eating utensils such as plates and glasses with people with sore throats.
Sore throat during pregnancy is common. However, pregnant women should always maintain a healthy body, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. This is because the baby's organs are starting to form and require adequate nutrition.
If some of the methods above have been done, but the sore throat does not go away or is even accompanied by symptoms of difficulty swallowing and breathing, immediately consult a doctor. The doctor will conduct an examination and determine the appropriate and safe treatment for pregnant women.