Sore throat during pregnancy

A Common Cold, Influenza or COVID-19 may cause throat pain alongside congestion, cough, fever or tiredness. Allergic Rhinitis can lead to mouth breathing and mucus drainage. Acid Reflux is also common in pregnancy and may cause burning, throat clearing or a hoarse voice, especially after eating or lying down.

Strep Throat, Tonsillitis and Glandular Fever are other possibilities when pain is pronounced or accompanied by fever, swollen glands or enlarged tonsils. Pregnancy does not make every sore throat dangerous, but infection and medication choices deserve personalised advice.

Rest, drink fluids and choose soft foods or warm drinks that feel comfortable. Avoid smoke and use a humidified room if dry air aggravates symptoms. Check every medicine, lozenge and herbal product with a pharmacist, midwife or doctor before use; pregnancy stage and your medical history affect what is suitable. Do not use leftover antibiotics.

Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, inability to swallow saliva, severe dehydration, confusion, rapidly increasing mouth or neck swelling, or chest pain. Contact your maternity or medical team promptly for fever, a spreading rash, severe one-sided throat pain or reduced ability to drink.

Arrange review if symptoms are worsening, persist without improvement, or follow a known exposure to COVID-19 or Influenza. A clinician can advise about testing and pregnancy-compatible treatment without relying on guesswork.

Could this be a viral infection, Strep Throat or reflux? Which pain relief, cough products or nasal treatments are suitable at my stage of pregnancy? Should I test for COVID-19, and which symptoms require same-day advice?