Dry cough during pregnancy: what should you know?

Common cold and acute bronchitis can irritate the airways for a period after an infection begins. Allergic rhinitis may cause nasal blockage and drainage that tickles the throat. Acid reflux can reach the throat and provoke cough, particularly after meals or when lying down. Asthma may present with cough, chest tightness, or wheeze. Less common lung conditions also exist, so a cough that is persistent, recurrent, or associated with breathlessness deserves clinical review.

Rest, drink fluids, avoid smoke, and consider warm drinks or honey if you normally tolerate it. Smaller meals and remaining upright after eating may reduce reflux-related irritation. Check every cough, cold, or herbal product with a maternity clinician or pharmacist before using it; pregnancy changes which ingredients are suitable. Continue prescribed asthma treatment unless your clinician tells you otherwise, and keep a note of triggers, timing, temperature, and breathing symptoms.

Get urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, blue lips, confusion, coughing blood, or swelling of the face or throat. Contact your maternity team promptly if fever, dehydration, worsening wheeze, or reduced ability to carry out normal activity accompanies the cough. Arrange a review if it is not settling or is repeatedly disturbing sleep, because an examination can separate upper-airway irritation from a chest problem.

Which causes fit my timing and other symptoms? Which medicines, lozenges, or nasal treatments are suitable in pregnancy? Should my breathing or reflux be assessed?