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Coughing during pregnancy? Annoying. Coughing so hard that you’re worried your baby is getting a bumpy ride? Even more annoying. While a persistent cough can make you feel like you’re one good hack away from launching your lungs across the room, the good news is that in most cases, it’s harmless and pretty common — just really, really inconvenient.
So, what’s causing all this coughing? Could it actually be a problem? And most importantly: how do you make it stop?
Why am I coughing so hard during pregnancy?
Your body is doing a million things at once to grow a human, and unfortunately, that sometimes means your immune system, hormones, and digestive system are all conspiring to turn you into a coughing, sniffling mess. Some of the most common culprits include:
- Pregnancy hormones: Pregnancy hormones are working overtime, and they're not just giving you that pregnancy glow. They're also causing the mucus membranes in your nose and airways to swell up and produce more mucus. This can lead to congestion, postnasal drip, and you guessed it: coughing.
- Growing uterus: Your growing uterus is pushing up against your diaphragm, which can make you feel short of breath and more prone to coughing. It's like your baby's trying to claim more real estate in your body, and your lungs are getting the short end of the stick.
- A slightly weaker immune system: Your body dials things down a little to stop it from attacking your baby, which means you’re more likely to catch colds, flu, respiratory infections, whooping cough, and other viruses that come with a cough.
- Acid reflux (pregnancy heartburn): When stomach acid decides to take a field trip up your esophagus, it can irritate your throat and trigger coughing fits.
- Allergies: Even if you’ve never been allergic to anything before, pregnancy can make you more sensitive to dust, pollen, and other irritants.
- Asthma or pre-existing conditions: If you already have asthma, pregnancy can sometimes make it worse, so make sure you check in with your doctor.
What happens if you cough too much in pregnancy?
Now, you might be wondering if all this coughing is going to shake your baby loose or something. Don't worry, your little one is well-cushioned in there.
But excessive coughing can lead to some uncomfortable side effects for you. For starters, you might feel like you've just finished an intense ab workout after a coughing fit. Your muscles can get sore from all that action, and you might even pull a muscle if the coughing is particularly violent.
Coughing can also put pressure on your pelvic floor muscles. This extra strain might lead to some embarrassing leaks when you cough or sneeze. (Pregnancy: the gift that keeps on giving.)
Then there’s poor sleep — because of course, the cough always gets worse when you’re trying to sleep. And with pregnancy fatigue, this can feel like it’s really taking its toll.
How long is too long for a cough when pregnant?
Let's be real, any cough that overstays its welcome is too long when you're pregnant. But in general, if you've been coughing for more than two weeks, it's time to check in with your healthcare provider. This is especially true if your cough is getting worse instead of better, or if it's accompanied by other symptoms like fever or difficulty breathing.
Remember, while some coughing is normal during pregnancy, a persistent cough could be a sign of something that needs medical attention. It's always better to be safe than sorry, especially when you're growing a tiny human inside you.
How do you know if you have pneumonia while pregnant?
Pneumonia isn’t super common during pregnancy, but if you’ve got a deep, chesty cough that just won’t quit and any of these symptoms, you’ll want to see a doctor ASAP:
- High fever (over 100.4°F / 38°C)
- Chills, body aches, or feeling wiped out
- Shortness of breath
- Sharp chest pain when breathing in
- Coughing up green/yellow mucus (or worse, blood)
Pregnant people are more vulnerable to complications from pneumonia, so don’t try to tough it out — get medical help if you’re feeling really unwell.
How to stop a persistent cough while pregnant
Alright, let's talk about taming that stubborn cough. While you can't exactly tell your cough to take a nine-month vacation, there are some things you can do to find relief:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help thin out mucus and soothe your throat. Think of it as giving your body's natural cleaning crew a helping hand. Plus, you need extra fluids during pregnancy anyway, so it's a win-win.
- Try a humidifier in your bedroom: It can add moisture to the air and help ease congestion. It's like creating your own personal tropical paradise, minus the beach and cocktails.
- Elevate your head while sleeping: This can help reduce postnasal drip and make breathing easier. Just prop up some extra pillows and pretend you're royalty lounging on your throne.
- Saltwater gargles: Old-school, but effective for a sore throat.
- Honey: A spoonful of honey can actually work better than some cough syrups (and it’s pregnancy-safe).
- Rest: Your body is working overtime growing a baby, so give it a chance to recover and fight off whatever's causing that cough.
- Over-the-counter cough meds: Some ingredients (like decongestants) aren’t pregnancy-safe, so always double-check before taking anything.
When to go to the doctor for a cough when pregnant
While some coughing during pregnancy is normal, there are times when you should definitely check in with your healthcare provider. Here's when to pick up the phone:
- If your cough persists for more than two weeks or is getting worse instead of better, it's time for a check-up. Your body might need some extra help fighting off whatever's causing the cough.
- If you're having trouble breathing or feeling short of breath, don't wait. This could be a sign of a more serious condition that needs immediate attention.
- High fever, chest pain, or coughing up blood are all red flags that warrant a call to your doctor ASAP. These symptoms could indicate a more serious respiratory infection.
Remember, your healthcare provider is there to help you navigate all aspects of your pregnancy, including pesky coughs. Don't hesitate to reach out if you're concerned. After all, peace of mind is priceless when you're growing a tiny human.
Excessive coughing in pregnancy: annoying but (mostly) harmless
A lingering cough during pregnancy is annoying, but in most cases, it’s not a cause for concern. Focus on keeping comfortable, staying hydrated, and checking in with your doctor if things aren’t improving. You’ve already got enough going on — no one needs a cough on top of it all.
And if you do accidentally pee a little while coughing? Welcome to pregnancy. You’re not alone.
Remember to listen to your body, stay hydrated, and don't hesitate to seek medical advice when needed. Here's to a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy journey!
Tassia O'Callaghan is an experienced content writer and strategist, having written about a vast range of topics from chemical regulations to parenting, for brands like Peanut App Ltd, Scary Mommy, Tally Workspace, and Office Christmas. She's an advocate for realistic sustainable living, supporting small businesses (author of A-Z of Marketing for Small Businesses), and equity across all walks of life. Follow her on LinkedIn or TikTok, or see more of her work on Authory or her website.