Cough/gag? (tmi?)

stkmw02 · November 2012

Looking for a little advice, since I tend to be a little over cautious now that I'm pregnant...

In the beginning of my first trimester I had a ton of saliva and mucus going on every morning, coupled with queasiness from almost-morning-sickness resulting in some wonderful coughing/gagging every day before work. This is of course completely normal.

Toward the end of first tri, my sinuses started to get a little stuffier and the cough also made an appearance during the night (when I was already having difficulty sleeping anyway). That's when I called my family physician to see if this was the onset of a cold, since I'm sort of paranoid about getting sick while pregnant. (I have an immunity disorder that makes a little cold a bigger deal for me and I'm not sure how it might impact baby.) My doctor told me the added congestion is also normal during pregnancy and the change in temperature probably transformed that lovely slime into thicker phlegm. Yay! He also told me not to be so paranoid. lol

The past few days, the cough/gag has become more persistent during the night and early morning. Yesterday I noticed I was coughing throughout the day at work. This morning, when I cough, I can feel a sort of heavy feeling in my chest and throat. It sounds a bit more rattly in there and my throat is a little sore. Plus, my nose is completely stuffed up now.

I don't want to be "that pregnant woman" who calls whenever I sneeze. Since I know this is something I'm worried about, I suspect I'm overreacting? It would make sense that the normal pregnant mucus would get worse as the weather does... and yesterday we had our first snow here. Of course, I'm also not sure there's really anything my doctor would be able to do if I am sick. I've read that antibiotics (even those "safe" for baby) are not recommended during pregnancy... and so far I have avoided all medications in the hopes of a more natural development for lil' one. I also know that an untreated illness during pregnancy could be more harmful than the medicine. Which of course continues to eat at my worry nerve.

So, more experienced and rational moms, do I call my doctor to ask yet again about a cough? Do I wait until the 6th to check it with my OB instead? Do I relax and stop being such a worry-wart?

I know how crazy I must sound. Thanks for the help!

~Kat~ · November 2012

I'd wait it out until your regular OB appointment. There isn't really anything your doctor could do anyway if it is just a cold. Drink hot beverages, suck on hard candy, etc to keep the mucus moving out of your sinuses and to soothe your throat. Hope you feel back to normal soon!

AllieAGame · November 2012

I think we all understand pregnancy-induced paranoia to an extent, and we all want to be careful guarding the health of our babies. No shame!

However, I think you are probably fine. Have you tried using a humidifier? The air gets so much drier when everyone has their heaters on all day and this could be contributing to you issues. Dry air coupled with coughing would certainly make your throught sore- maybe try some tea with honey or honey infused cough drops for a bit to see if that helps.

My completely non-educated opinion is that you are stuck in a vicious cycle of dry air, pregnancy stuffiness and mental conditioning expecting to gag when you cough (though I realize this can't be avoided sometimes).

Staying very hydrated may help too!

CRLSMC2011 · November 2012

I've also been more congested. We did hit the double whammy of changing weather and second trimester.

Like PPs said, use the holistic methods for treating a cold:

--stay VERY hydrated

--drink warm beverages, especially herbal teas (most are safe--lemon, chamomile, mint is fine if you are not nursing right now, orange, etc. I know licorice is one to avoid and there are others, but they seemed more obscure to me and most of the fruity ones are fine).

--Use honey in the tea--it has natural antibiotic properties and acts like Robitussin to coat your throat and help soothe the irritation and reduce the coughing

--Sucking candy (probably ok to include a few Vitamin C drops, but limit to a couple per day--WTE says don't have them, but I used 3-4 a day when I had a bad cold and it wasn't a problem, I think the concern is overdosing)

--Humidifier in the bedroom and other rooms you spend a lot of time in

--Steaming showers (steam up bathroom, but don't stand under a HOT shower for very long because you don't want to raise your body temp, warm shower is okay)

--menthol shower pucks (put in shower and breathe vapors, helps with congestion)

--Saline nasal spray (check with doc if using for an extended time, like more than 2-3 days) or neti pot with saline solution (either prepackaged or warm water, salt and baking soda)

--for sore throat, gargle with salt water (warm water, teaspoon of salt and pinch of baking soda)

--chicken soup (goes along with the warm liquids, but as the Jewish Mommy to Be, I can't have a list like this without it)

--lots of rest with head elevated (extra pillow or in a recliner)

Good luck and feel better! Definitely talk to the OB if things start getting worse or if your other condition starts affecting things.

stkmw02 · November 2012

Thank you all so much for the reassurance! I wrote the original post right before work, in that coughing-panic. lol I've been drinking hot tea all day and definitely have more of a cold-like cough now, but I'll remain calm unless I start a fever.

I really appreciate the suggestions!! Seriously, as a May baby I was always fond of other May babies (super excited to possibly share my birthday with my baby!)... but now I am also a major fan of May Moms!!! Thank you!