Can you use Vicks while pregnant? Is it completely safe?

If you’re pregnant, you may be worried about using Vicks to help with your congestion. After all, there are so many myths about what is safe and what isn’t during pregnancy. It can be confusing! Read further to identify can you use Vicks while pregnant and is Vicks Vaporub safe during pregnancy.

When you’re pregnant, your body goes through a lot of changes. Some of these changes are inevitable and out of your control. Others can be eased with the right amount of preparation beforehand and care after birth. One thing that most expectant mothers have in common is an array of weird cravings, aversions to certain smells, and other unusual physical reactions to everyday things.

From nausea to stretch marks, pregnancy has its fair share of downsides as well as upsides. And throughout every trimester, one thing that continues to help many women cope is using Vicks when pregnant. So can you use Vicks while pregnant? Keep reading to find out!

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What is Vicks?

Vicks is a brand name for a type of mentholated ointment. This ointment contains a medicinal oil (usually mineral oil) mixed with menthol, eucalyptus oil, and other fragrant substances. This helps to loosen chest and nasal mucus, relieve coughs, and ease congestion. Although it’s most often used for colds, it can be used to treat allergies, asthma, ear infections, and much more.

Can you use Vicks while pregnant?

As with most things in pregnancy, your doctor is your best resource for advice on what is, and what isn’t, safe for you to use. Vicks is safe for many pregnant women to use, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. The menthol in Vicks actually has some benefits for expectant mothers. It can help stimulate blood flow and increase oxygen flow to the fetus, which is crucial for proper growth and development.

Is Vicks Vaporub safe during pregnancy?

As with many things in pregnancy, there are many conflicting opinions on the safety of Vicks while pregnant. Many midwives and doctors recommend it to ease cold symptoms and congestion in the early stages of pregnancy, but recommend avoiding it later in pregnancy. Vicks is made up of a combination of menthol and eucalyptus oil, both of which are known to be safe when used in moderation while pregnant. Many doctors recommend avoiding it later in pregnancy due to the risk of miscarriage.

How to Use Vicks While Pregnant

Vicks can be used in many ways to help ease pregnancy symptoms. You can apply it topically to your chest, your abdomen, and your back to ease pain and promote blood flow. You can also add it to a warm bath to ease nausea, stretch marks, and other pregnancy aches and pains. You can also try using it in a humidifier to ease congestion and coughs. Keep in mind that menthol is considered a stimulant, so it should be used sparingly.

Pros and Cons of using Vicks while pregnant

Pros of using Vicks while pregnant

• Helps relieve coughs and congestion
• Helps stimulate blood flow
• Helps ease aches and pains associated with pregnancy
• Eases nausea
• Helps ease itching caused by hives
• Smells nice

Cons of Using Vicks While Pregnant

• Menthol can be strong and pungent
• Some people find it too strong
• Some people find it too drying

Vicks Vaporub during pregnancy third trimester

Vicks vaporub is safe to use during all three trimesters of pregnancy. However, it is best to avoid using vicks vaporub on broken skin as it can potentially cause irritation. Furthermore, vicks vaporub has not been thoroughly tested in pregnant women and it should be avoided if potential side effects are observed. Vicks vaporub should not be used by pregnant women who have allergies to menthol.

Vicks vaporub should also not be used by breastfeeding women who may have an allergic reaction to the menthol in the product. Vicks vaporub should also not be used by pregnant women who are using blood thinners as the product can temporarily increase bleeding. Vicks vaporub should only be used under close supervision by a qualified healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Whether you’re dealing with a common cold or a bout of allergies, Vicks is a great tool for easing symptoms and discomfort. It’s important to note that many of the benefits of Vicks can be found in various aromatherapy diffusers and scents. That being said, there’s no wrong or right way to ease your pregnancy symptoms. If Vicks works best for you, go for it! If you find that the menthol in Vicks is too strong or irritating, try a different soothing scent or switch to a menthol-free formula. There are plenty of ways to ease the discomfort of pregnancy, and Vicks is just one option among many.

Disclaimer — The page cannot and does not contain medical or mental health advice. The medical mental health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.

Originally published at https://www.colossalumbrella.com on September 5, 2022.