Being pregnant and under the weather is no joke. Nearly everything in your medicine cabinet has now become off limits as it can affect your unborn bub. Yet as you sit full of snot, with watery eyes you can’t help but wonder can smelling vicks vaporub while pregnant be dangerous? After all, you aren’t eating it? What risks would the little pot of menthol goodness carry?
Can Smelling Vicks Vaporub While Pregnant Harm My Baby?
So many women question ‘can I smell vicks while pregnant?’ The best advice can be offered by medical professionals as the use of Vicks Vaporub has conflicting reviews during pregnancy. Many ingredients can actually help your oxygen levels when you have a cold but usage later in pregnancy is thought to hold an increased risk of miscarriage.
It is best to confirm with a doctor or your healthcare if you want to smell vicks vaporub during your pregnancy; based on your health condition & cold level.
Pregnancy and Germs
Germs have a lot to answer for when you’re pregnant. With your immune system compromised, you are likely to pick up more colds than before but with many medications off limits during pregnancy, it’s hard to know what’s safe to help you through your snottier days.
A staple in my medicine cabinet is Vicks Vaporub as it may be in yours as well but it leaves you wondering is it safe to smell vicks while pregnant? Unfortunately, even this can hold some unwarranted effects whilst pregnant. To help you on your mission to health we have uncovered exactly whether it is ok to use Vicks Vaporub.
What is in Vicks Vaporub?
Vicks Vaporub is a cream based ointment that is mentholated. It has many active ingredients that help relieve stuffy noses, coughs, and congestion.
The table below breaks down exactly what each ingredient aids.
| Active Ingredients | Inactive Ingredients |
| Camphor – topical analgesic to ease coughs | Cedar leaf oil |
| Eucalyptus Oil – ease a wheezy chest | Nutmeg Oil |
| Menthol – to help you breathe easier | Petroleum |
| Thymol | |
| Turpentine Oil |
As you can see there are many oils to make up the base of Vicks Vaporub itself, with many essential oils out of bounds to pregnant mommas it leads us to question is it ok to smell vicks while pregnant?
Can You Use Vicks Vapor Rub While Pregnant?
If you are in midst of a cold and are in the early stages of pregnancy advice suggests that using Vicks Vaporub is recommended providing it is applied correctly. It can actually help boost your oxygen levels which are crucial in the early stages of development. The recommendation is to put it at bay as you progress through pregnancy.
Using Vicks Vaporub opens your senses up to menthol and Eucalyptus oils which are classed as safe during pregnancy however excessive use has been linked to an increase risk of miscarriage along with Camphor if ingested.
The best advice you will receive will always be from your doctor as they understand your symptoms and pregnancy so before you decide to lather up you may prefer to discuss what will work best especially if you are past your first trimester.
Directions For Use
As we have discovered using Vicks Vaporub can actually help you in early pregnancy but many people can go overboard with application which can put you at risk.
To ensure safety whilst using the product you must follow the guidelines below.
- Apply topically to your chest, abdomen, and back to ease aches and pains.
- Add some in the bath to help nausea.
- Use it along with a humidifier to help with coughs and congestion.
It may be only me but I had a habit of placing a bit on my upper lip which now I know is not a great idea as the menthol acts like a stimulant so breathing it in for long periods can hinder your pregnancy.
Pros Vs Cons
A longing argument in my home is whether Vicks Vaporub actually helps at all. I love the stuff and it’s my go to treatment if I’m stuffy, whereas my husband swears it makes his cough worse. Let’s put all pros and cons together to help you decide if it’s worth giving it a try.
| Pros | Cons |
| Eases congestion | Menthol can become too strong making you cough more |
| Relieves coughs | Sometimes can be to drying in the atmosphere |
| Stimulate blood flow | If concentrated it can lead to mild headaches |
| Reduces aches and pains | |
| Eases nausea | |
| Welcoming scent |
It’s important to mention that this list of pros and cons are from my personal experience and some people may have different opinions.
When Is It Bad To Use Vicks While Pregnant?
I’m sure I don’t need to address that Vicks Vaporub should be avoided if you have an allergy to any of its ingredients but there are also times when it’s best to use an alternative.
Without thinking I used it throughout all stages of my pregnancies but it is clear now that without rigorous testing it’s hard to clarify whether it is actually safe or not.
According to Web MD there is no data to show how harmful ingredients can be so they recommend not using it to be safe. On the contrary Cleveland Clinic have it listed in their list of safe medications during pregnancy list.
The contradictory advice leads us to a grey area. We know that many of its ingredients have links to miscarriage yet more research would need to be carried out to give a definitive answer. This could be the reason you may prefer an alternative solution to easing your cold.
Home Remedies To Treat A Cold
With so much uncertainty over medications you could try some natural ways to help ease you back to health. Science tells us that the common cold needs to run its course before you get better so what can you do to speed up this process?
- Plenty of rest
- Increasing your fluids, water, or juices for extra vitamins are a good boost.
- Steam inhalation be it in the bath, shower, or over a bowl can help loosen the mucus build up on your chest and in your sinuses.
- Saline nasal spray works well for unblocking your nose.
- Hot soups and beverages can help inflammation of the throat. Honey and lemon are the best for soothing your throat.
- Cold compress can help ease headaches and tension.
All these things are amazing and natural so you never have to worry about whether they will compromise your pregnancy in any way.
Pregnancy Safe Medication
There are times when natural remedies just don’t cut it and you wish to turn to an alternative medication that has been regulated and tested. Safe medications are few and far between but hopefully, you will find something that can help get you back on your feet.
Remember the common cold is a virus that has to run its course. The following medications are merely to help ease your symptoms.
- Tylenol – this can help kill aches and pains.
- Sudafed – A decongestant that can ease breathing but make sure to consult with your doctor before taking this as many variations are not suitable in pregnancy.
- Vicks Vaporub – safe to use sparingly within the early pregnancy but advise is to use an alternative in later pregnancy.
- Benadryl – A decongestant that can help soothe a sore throat, and relieve headaches.
- Lozenges – useful for sore throats.
- Claritin – over the counter medication to ease stuffy noses and irritating coughs.
There are many more medicines that can be suited to you whilst pregnant and an extensive list can be found on the Woman’s Health Centre website which includes many more details of how to safely treat allergies, constipation, heartburn and much more.
Should I See A Doctor?
You will be seeing your midwife at regular intervals during your pregnancy but their role is to ensure your baby and pregnancy are going well. When it comes to feeling under the weather you may feel like booking a doctor’s appointment can be a waste of time especially as they cannot prescribe anything for the common cold.
If you decide to take any new medication then seek advice beforehand just to clarify its safety during pregnancy.
As soon as you notice a fever you need to address it immediately as this can pose a risk to your baby, you should take Tylenol to help reduce your fever and follow steps directed by your doctor. On the other hand, if your rundown for longer than a week it is a good idea to reach out for advice.
Wrapping Up
Smelling Vicks Vaporub while pregnant is deemed safe but only if used sparingly and according to the correct usage instructions.
Vicks Vaporub is a wonderful invention that can help you breathe easily without congestion, many moms use it without fear or caution suffering no side effects from the ingredients.
As the ingredients can heighten the risk of miscarriage you may decide to switch to an alternative more natural home remedy to ease symptoms or use medication that is safe and trusted through pregnancy, however, you choose to manage your symptoms is totally your choice but always consult a doctor who is aware of your pregnancy and background health before starting a new medication.
More to Read
- Is My Baby Hungry When I’m Hungry During Pregnancy?
- It Feels Like Baby Is Shaking Inside Me! Is That Normal?
- Why Is My Pregnant Belly Soft When I Lay Down – What You Should Know
- Why Does My Pregnant Belly Look Smaller Some Days?
- Can You Crack Your Back While Pregnant – Is It Safe?
- Pregnant and Scared of Life Changing – Guide to Overcome
