Can I use Vicks while pregnant?

Question

Hello, I am almost 32 weeks pregnant. I have had a cold for 12 days and a dry cough for 3 days that keeps me up at night. I have small green secretions in my cough only in the morning. I take dm syrup and I make myself cups of hot water with honey and lemon, but nothing calms my cough. Is vicks safe for pregnant women? If not, is there another medication that is allowed to relieve the cough? Thank you so much for your help!

Alexandre Chagnon · Accepted Answer

Hello Ma'am,I usually do not recommend Vicks type ointments in pregnant women. I would recommend a "fix the problem at the root" approach.If you are coughing, it is largely because secretions from your nose are running down your throat (especially at night). This becomes irritating to the skin in your throat and triggers the cough reflex. In cases like yours, the best thing to do is to completely empty the nasal cavities before going to bed. This is usually done with a product like Hydrasense or Sinus Rinse. I usually recommend starting with Hydrasense, since it is a little less irritating (but possibly a little less effective).These products combined with DM and honey should do the trick until the cold is over.Good night :)Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist