Can You Use Vicks While Pregnant?

Feeling the need to breathe deep with a sniffle? Can you use Vicks while pregnant?
If you’re feeling under the weather, you’re probably wondering what you can do to ease your symptoms while keeping you and your baby safe.

So can you use Vicks while pregnant?

Lots of medications get ruled out for pregnant people.

But are vapor rubs or other decongestants OK?

What about tablets or syrups?

Here’s all you need to know about using Vicks products and how you can best look after yourself and your little peanut.

In this article: 📝

Can I use Vicks while pregnant?

So is Vicks safe during pregnancy? The answer is: it depends on the product.

Vicks is a brand that sells a number of decongestants in the form of vapor rub, spray, and tablets.

Most people think of the vapor rub when they’re talking about Vicks.

And thankfully, using Vicks VapoRub while pregnant is safe.

You can rub it directly on your chest, throat, or back for some congestion relief.

You can also add it to hot water and inhale the vapor to help clear your sinuses.

That’s because Vicks VapoRub’s active ingredients are camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, and none of those pose any risk to you or your peanut when applied topically.

As long as vapor rub isn’t ingested — which isn’t a good idea even when you’re not pregnant — you’re good to go.

Can you use other Vicks products while pregnant?

If the VapoRub alone isn’t helping with your cold symptoms, it’s also safe for pregnant people to use a:

• Vicks Inhaler. This looks like a little lip balm and contains the same active ingredients as Vaporub. Inhaling it may ease your congestion.
  
• Vicks Nasal Saline Spray. This nasal spray is non-medicated and safe to use while pregnant. It can help clear up stuffiness.

Then, some Vicks products should only be used once you have got the all-clear from your doctor.

Proceed with caution when it comes to:

• Vicks Sinex decongestant capsules. That’s because they include an ingredient called phenylephrine. While this may be fine to use in the short term, we don’t know enough about its risks. There is some evidence to suggest that it could get in the way of your baby’s development and lead to birth differences. That’s why it’s not recommended unless is it is really needed. As an alternative, you may want to opt for paracetamol and acetaminophen (Tylenol). They’re generally considered safe — but do check with a healthcare professional before taking any new medications.
  
• Vicks Sinex nasal spray. The active ingredient here is Oxymetazoline. While more research is needed, it may be safe for short-term usage during pregnancy if needed. But again, it’s always best to check in with your doctor.

And some should be avoided:

• Vicks Nyquil. Yep, this is a Vicks product too. And it’s generally a no-go with doctors because of its ingredient list. We’ll give you the lowdown here.

What else can I do to ease my symptoms?

You can also try some natural remedies to help ease your symptoms. Here are some great options:

• Get some rest. 🛏️ Rest is a great way to get you on the road to recovery. We know it’s easier said than done for busy mamas-to-be, but getting some extra Z’s can do wonders.
  
• Drink lots of fluids. 🥤 Hydration helps increase your blood flow, which in turn helps your cold-fighting white blood cells better stave off viruses.
  
• Eat a healthy diet. 🥬 Getting your vitamins can help your body fight off illnesses. That means plenty of fruit, veggies and, the favorite of many a cold sufferer, chicken soup.
  
• Put honey in hot drinks. 🍯 If you’re struggling with a sore throat, adding a little bit of honey to your tea or hot water can help ease the pain.
  
• Gargle saltwater. 🧂 Swishing around some saltwater is a natural way to ease throat pain. It can also act as a decongestant.
  
• Take a warm bath. 🛀 All that steam will be good for your sinuses. Epsom’s salts are safe to use while pregnant and can help ease body aches and pains.

So feel free to use the standard Vick’s vapor rub, inhaler, and nasal saline spray during pregnancy, but check with your doctor about any other Vick’s products.

Get well soon, mama.