Yes, you can generally use Vicks VapoRub on your throat (topically, not internally) during pregnancy for congestion and cough relief, as it's considered safe when used as directed, but avoid applying to broken skin and wash hands thoroughly to prevent accidental ingestion, and always check with your doctor before using any medication while pregnant.
Vapor rubs, including Vicks VapoRub, can be safely used as directed on your chest, throat and back to relieve congestion, body aches and joint pain, Hack says—but never apply them internally, such as inside your nose or mouth.
Is Vicks VapoRub safe for pregnancy? When used as directed, Vicks VapoRub is safe to use during pregnancy. Studies of people who used camphor (an active ingredient in VapoRub) on the skin during pregnancy did not show evidence of fetal harm.
For a pregnancy-safe sore throat, focus on hydration, rest, and home remedies like gargling with warm salt water, sipping honey and lemon tea, and using lozenges with local anesthetics (like benzocaine) or antiseptics (like menthol). Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) are generally safe, but always consult your doctor before taking any medication, avoiding NSAIDs like ibuprofen and decongestants in the first trimester.
Home Remedies
Drink lots of fluids. If you have a sore throat or cough, gargle warm salt water. Take nasal sprays to loosen the nasal mucus. Drink herbal tea with honey and/or lemon.
Treating a sore throat in pregnancy
Gargling with salt water can also help. If you have one, try using a humidifier so that your throat isn't irritated by dry air. Ask your pharmacist what lozenges are safe for use in pregnancy, too. Some simple ones can ease that tickle (and they taste nice, too!).
There's no single "hardest" month, as challenges vary, but many find the first trimester tough due to nausea, fatigue, and hormonal shifts, while the third trimester (months 7-9) often brings the most physical discomfort from the baby's size, affecting sleep, mobility, and causing aches, heartburn, and frequent urination. The difficulty often shifts as pregnancy progresses, with the first months focused on adjustment and the later months on physical strain and preparation for birth.
Strepsils are not generally thought to be harmful to take when you're pregnant but, as there have been no specific, large-scale studies into the safety of Strepsils in pregnancy, you may prefer to treat a sore throat by gargling with salty water, sucking an ice cube or drinking hot lemon and honey.
Directions for Use:
(Adults) Rub VapoRub liberally on the chest, throat and back. Rub in well over the whole area and leave nightclothes loose for easy inhalation. (Children over 2 years) Apply lightly to chest and back.
Safe medications and remedies during pregnancy
Cough
Menthol: Menthol is contained in some cough drops and lozenges. There is limited data on the safety of menthol during pregnancy. Other medications with more data for safety during pregnancy may be preferred. Menthol should only be used if benefits are greater than the potential risk to the fetus.
Safety considerations through the 3 trimesters:
Only apply or allow gentle strokes on your abdomen or around your bump. Avoid deep tissue massage in legs and upper arms. This is because pregnancy increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which, sometimes, may not be easily recognised.
How can I treat a cold when pregnant?
Drink warm liquids that soothe the throat such as broth, tea without caffeine or warm water with honey. Cold treats such as ice pops also can soothe a sore throat. Don't give honey to children younger than age 1. Gargle with saltwater.
Vicks Vaporub is designed to help relieve the symptoms of a blocked nose, sore throat and cough. It is available as an ointment for rubbing on the chest, throat or back. It can also be added to hot water and the vapours inhaled. It's safe to use when pregnant.
Are Difflam products safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding? The safety of Difflam products in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Please consult your doctor or obstetrician for medical advice.
Persistent Symptoms: If your sore throat lasts longer than a week or worsens despite home remedies, it's important to consult a healthcare provider. High Fever: A high fever accompanying a sore throat could indicate a more serious infection that requires medical attention.
Your chance of miscarriage is highest when you first find out you're pregnant — around week 3 or 4. During weeks 3 and 4 of pregnancy, the miscarriage rate is roughly 25% to 33% of all pregnancies. After week 4, the rate drops to 15% to 20% between weeks 5 and 6.
Week 7: The head develops
Seven weeks into pregnancy, or five weeks after conception, your baby's brain and face are growing. Depressions that will give rise to nostrils become visible. The start of the eyes' retinas form. Lower limb buds appear that will become legs.
The second trimester of pregnancy is often the most enjoyable. Find out how to relieve common symptoms — and consider ways to prepare for what's ahead. The second trimester of pregnancy often brings a renewed sense of well-being. The worst of the nausea often is gone.
Staying hydrated is important when recovering from a tickly cough. Drinking lots of fluids, having warm soups, and drinking hot lemon and honey can help soothe the itchy sensations of a dry and sore throat. Cold drinks can also help to numb your throat, easing those feelings of tickling and irritation.
Pregnant women can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for a sore throat with a limit of 3,000 mg in 24 hours. An antihistamine may help if the sore throat is due to postnasal drip because it can dry up those secretions. Sprays or lozenges that contain benzocaine, a local anesthetic, can help numb the throat.