Can You Use Vicks While Pregnant? (the TRUTH)

Is It Safe To Use Vicks During Pregnancy?

can I use vicks while pregnant

I’m walking down the aisles trying to find pregnancy-safe medications for a cold, and then I stop to wonder. Can you use Vicks while pregnant??

As it turns out, there are some Vicks products that are perfectly safe to use during pregnancy, some that you may need your doctor’s approval for, and there are also some Vicks products that are off-limits during pregnancy.

Here is everything you need to know about how to use Vicks during pregnancy including safe products, products that need a doctor’s approval, products to avoid, and other tips.

This post is all about whether you can use Vicks while pregnant.

*It is always recommended that you ask your doctor about any medications, treatments, products, or other concerns you may have during pregnancy.

Safe Vicks products for pregnancy

safe vicks products during pregnancy

These Vicks products are perfectly safe to use during and throughout your pregnancy. Be sure to read the instructions on the label for proper usage.

They are great options for treating cold-like symptoms, especially nasal congestion.

  • Vicks VapoRub
    • This can be used for treating a stuffy nose, sore throat, and a cough.
  • Vicks Inhaler
    • This can also be used for relieving a blocked or stuffy nose.
  • Vicks First Defence Nasal Spray
    • As the name suggests, this products works as a first defense against a cold. Vicks First Defence acts at the back of your nose to trap and inactivate the cold virus before it develops into a full on cold.

Vicks products that need a doctor’s approval if pregnant

doctor can I use vicks while pregnant

These Vicks products are a bit trickier and so may need your doctor’s approval for usage. Seek advice from your doctor on whether you need to take caution with the following products.

  • Vicks Cold & Flu Care Medinite Complete Syrup
    • This product aims to relieve sneezing, body ache, headaches, sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion.
  • Vicks Sinex nasal spray range
    • This products targets to relieve any sinus or nasal congestion you may be experiencing.

Off-limits Vicks products during pregnancy

vicks not safe to use while pregnant

This Vicks product is definitely not safe during pregnancy due to the phenylephrine hydrochloride the product contains, which can reduce blood flow and possibly cause birth defects.

  • Vicks Sinex decongestant capsules
    • The product relieves sinus pressure, headaches, nasal and sinus congestion, aches, pains, and feverishness.

Safe Vicks uses during pregnancy

When it comes to using Vicks VapoRub when pregnant, you can safely use it on different areas of your body to bring you relief from a cold.

For women who are pregnant, it is safe to apply Vicks VapoRub on the chest, neck, throat, and back area to get some soothing relief.

Another great suggestion is to mix Vicks VapoRub with hot water to produce a vapor. Inhaling this vapor can really help soothe congestion.

Vicks active ingredients

The main ingredients in Vicks VapoRub include camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. These ingredients are what account for the unique smell, texture, and soothing effects of the Vicks ointment.

How to treat a cold while pregnant

Using Vicks products can bring some relief, but they will not be enough to treat a full-on cold.

It is recommended that you at some point speak to your doctor about how to appropriately treat a cold when pregnant.

On top of what your doctor may suggest, there are also other things you can do to bring some relief.

  • get plenty of rest
  • drink plenty of fluids
  • have vitamin C rich foods and drinks
  • use a humidifier
  • drinking hot soup with broth or warm teas (such as honey or ginger)
sick woman while pregnant with nasal congestion

List of medications you can take while pregnant for a cold

As mentioned, Vicks products can be used while pregnant, but if you are unsure about what cold medications to take during pregnancy, consult with your doctor first.

The following list of medications are considered safe to take while pregnant for treating a cold.

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed- best to avoid during first trimester)
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Claritin
  • Robitussin (best to avoid during first trimester)
  • Mucinex
  • Actifed
  • Chloraseptic
  • Ocean Mist Nasal Spray

Medications to avoid during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the following list of medications are not safe to take for treating a cold, especially during third trimester because of pregnancy complications they may create.

Again, consult with your doctor if you are concerned about medications to take during pregnancy.

  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Naproxen

FAQs

Can you use Vicks VapoRub while pregnant?

The short answer: yes. Read and follow the instructions for appropriate use.

Is using Vicks VapoRub during pregnancy (third trimester) risky?

Using Vicks VapoRub during the third trimester is still considered safe to do.

Can Vicks cause miscarriage?

The short answer: no. The common misconception is that one believes that Vicks can cause miscarriage because of an ingredient called camphor.

When fully ingested on its own, camphor can pose a threat to your pregnancy by possibly causing miscarriage. Luckily, the amount of camphor found in Vicks products is too small to cause any damage to you and your baby’s health.

Can I rub Vicks on my chest while pregnant?

Yes. It is perfectly safe to rub Vicks on your chest, neck, throat, back, and even your feet during pregnancy.

Can I put Vicks on my stomach while pregnant?

As long as you’re following the instructions appropriately on the label, it should be safe to rub Vicks VapoRub on your pregnant belly.

Although there isn’t clear evidence of this, some women have even found Vicks VapoRub to help reduce stretch marks.

Closing thoughts on using Vicks products during pregnancy

No matter what the illness may be, always be sure to reach out to your doctor at some point to know what is safe or not safe to do during pregnancy.

In a nutshell, Vicks products are generally safe to use while pregnant, just as long as you steer away from Vicks Sinex decongestant capsules, which are not to be used during pregnancy.

*Do you have any helpful or clever tips on using Vicks to soothe aches and pains during pregnancy?? Share in the comments below!


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This post was all about responding to the question: Can you use Vicks while pregnant?

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