When used as directed, Vicks VapoRub is safe to use during pregnancy. Acad Emerg Med. It uses a mixture called VapoRub with menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health found that exposure to camphor during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects. But again, make sure to consult your OBGYN about safe dosages. Vicks Vapor Rub does not directly affect your ability to sleep but can provide a safe remedy for some the reasons for your sleeplessness. In general, the best defense is a good offense. Subramanian S, Kherdekar SS, Babu PG, Christianson CS. Apply to blemishes and let dry. Camphor poisoning: over-the-counter dangers. Subscribe to grab freebies Coloring Printables. All of these can help to moisten nasal passages, and theyre unmedicated, so they are safe for use while pregnant. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD Vicks Vapor Rub is not recommended for children under the age of two and should not be applied to your chest when breastfeeding. Camphor, one of the ingredients, if ingested at full strength, can cause miscarriage and is toxic to children. J Am Board Fam Med. Humidifiers: Dry air can worsen congestion and make it harder to breathe. Nasal strips can also help as they gently pull your nasal passages open. Can I Use Vicks Vapor Rub When Pregnant? Warm beverages like tea with honey (which helps to suppress a dry cough) or hot soup with broth are soothing for your symptoms and cold water and juices work fine as well. Monitor your symptoms closely after using Vicks steam, and if they persist or worsen, consult your doctor immediately. Additionally, its important to avoid applying Vicks Vaporub to sensitive areas, such as the face or chest. Skin lightening is a rare complication that may occur if Vicks VapoRub is applied to the face. When it comes to using Vicks Vaporub during pregnancy, the first question that may come to mind is, Are the ingredients in Vicks safe for me and my baby? Vicks Vaporub contains several active ingredients, including camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. Vicks VapoRub may cause redness and irritation when applied to the skin. The menthol in Vicks actually has some benefits for expectant mothers. However, as with all medicines, it's important to get advice from your doctor before using this medicine if you're pregnant. 2004 Mar;23(2):204-6. Vicks Vapor Rub can be applied directly to any blemish and left over-night. When pregnant, some women have problems with breathing. One gram of acetaminophen (two 500mg tablets) every six hours can help decrease a fever. Sahay P, Saluja G, Maharana PK, Titiyal JS. However, camphor can cause miscarriage when swallowed. If youre pregnant, you may be worried about using Vicks to help with your congestion. Women feel greater levels of exhaustion during pregnancy. Footwear can put a huge strain on your hips, knees and back. Finally, avoid using any other products while using Vicks steam unless they were specifically recommended by your doctor. Some tried-and-true home remedies and safe medications such as Vicks Vapor Rub and Tylenol can be virtually risk-free. They are easy to find, sold over the counter and are drug-free. Originally formulated by . Here are five alternatives to Vicks steam during pregnancy: These alternatives are safe for pregnant women and usually do not have bad side effects. At least two people have developed permanent eye damage after accidentally applying Vicks VapoRub into their eyes. Learn how to use it safely. You can safely use Vicks Vaporub if you're pregnant. Pregnancy is a time of great care and precaution, when using Vicks steam while pregnant, there are some precautions that should be taken. So how can you tell the difference between allergies and a bad case of pregnancy congestion? One of the safest OTCs on the market is Vicks Vapor Rub and it is also well known for its ability to alleviate many of your pregnancy ailments. Thorax. As your belly grows, so does the strain on your joints and muscles. There are plenty of ways to ease the discomfort of pregnancy, and Vicks is just one option among many. Different brands of this medicine (Vicks VapoDrops) may be for use in different ages of children. Vicks can be used in many ways to help ease pregnancy symptoms. What to do if you get a cold while pregnant. Is it allergies or just plain pregnancy congestion? Avoid non-steroidal nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline. From nausea to stretch marks, pregnancy has its fair share of downsides as well as upsides. You can use these in conjunction with Vicks Vapor Rub. Sleeping on your left side is the recommended position. Dextromethorphan syrup (e.g. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. After all, there are so many myths about what is safe and what isnt during pregnancy. Allergies during pregnancy can be tricky to differentiate from pregnancy congestion. If you're not sure, talk to your doctor. 2017;22:98-100. doi:10.1016/j.rmcr.2017.07.003. . It is important to remember your body will require more rest during pregnancy. Clean and dry the affected area before application, Apply a small amount of Vicks Vaporub to the affected area, Massage the Vicks Vaporub into the skin until it is fully absorbed, Repeat this process as needed for relief from symptoms. Vicks VapoRub during pregnancy is also a good cure for a stuffy head. Patel VM, Schwartz RA, Lambert WC. Watch your weight gain. Taking acetaminophen like Tylenol can help in the short-term to reduce head and body aches and break a fever. A head cold can stop you in your tracks. Despite these concerns, many pregnant women use Vicks Vaporub without experiencing any adverse effects. Vicks VapoRub during pregnancy is also a good cure for a stuffy head. Please Select Preferred LocationNorfolkChesapeakeVirginia BeachNewport News, Preferred Time If you decide to use Vicks Vaporub during pregnancy, its important to take precautions to ensure your and your babys safety. Nasal strips can provide completely drug-free relief from congested nasal passages. You may know some women who drank regularly during pregnancy and had seemingly healthy babies. Vicks Vapor Rub has no known drug interactions and very small side effects such as allergic reactions and skin sensitivity. Late seizure following ingestion of Vicks VapoRub. Oral treatments for fungal infections need to be prescribed by your doctor. Chemical Leukoderma Associated with Vicks VapoRub. Reduce the amount of liquids you consume in the evenings to lower the number of bathroom trips. Plain saline drops and sprays are safe and can help to moisturize and clear a stuffy nose. Vicks VapoRub is an ointment primarily marketed to temporarily relieve coughing when applied to the chest or neck. Influenza, commonly called the flu, is more severe and the onset is more sudden than a cold. Pregnant women should talk to their doctor before using Vicks steam. 2004 Feb;137(2):379-80. VapoRub - An economical alternate - Letter to the Editor. Pregnancy can be a stressful time for many expecting mothers. The safest route is to add salmon to your weekly diet. This ointment contains a medicinal oil (usually mineral oil) mixed with menthol, eucalyptus oil, and other fragrant substances. Stay active: If you can, do some light to moderate, pregnancy-safe exercises. If you're suffering from allergies, you'll most likely experience the additional symptoms mentioned above (sneezing, itchy eyes, etc.) The menthol in the VapoRub gives a cool feeling in your nose, which can help make you feel better if you are congested or have an irritation. Adding lavender drops to a humidifier or diffuser has been known to assist with relaxation. In both cases, the product exploded, and both patients required surgery to repair the damage. However, precaution dictates you keep it out of a childs reach. Menthol, a third active ingredient, is considered safe for use in small amounts during pregnancy. Lipoid pneumonia with Cryptococcus neoformans colonisation. One of the many concerns pregnant women face is what medications and treatments they can use to help with various ailments. If you experience any of these side effects while using Vicks Vaporub, be sure to discontinue use and speak with your doctor. Here's what you need to know about allergies during pregnancy, including what medications are safe to take while you're expecting. 2010 Mar-Apr;8(2):100-1. There are several reasons for sleep issues in pregnancy. Am J Ophthalmol. Stopping when you experience pain is a smart decision for you and the baby. Noiles K, Pratt M. Contact dermatitis to Vicks VapoRub. Watch out for cold medication that contains these ingredients: Phenylephrine, Pseudo-ephedrine, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, Acetylsalicylic acid, Ibuprofen, or Naproxen. Another safety tip is never to heat the gel in a microwave as it can spatter and burn. Keep in mind that menthol is considered a stimulant, so it should be used sparingly. Sleeping on your back and stomach can cause issues at different times during your pregnancy. However, it is important to only use a small amount of Vicks Vaporub on the skin, and to avoid using it on broken skin or near the eyes. Learn more aboutour editorial and medical review policies. Use a pillow between your knees while you sleep to take pressure off your hip joints. If natural approaches. However, there are concerns about its safety, and pregnant women should talk to their doctor before using any home remedies, including Vicks steam, to ensure the safety of the mother and the developing fetus. When swallowed, the camphor in Vicks VapoRub can cause nausea, vomiting, seizures, and death. Pediatrics. Vicks Vapor Rub can, according toDr. Doug Willen, [help] to accelerate not only the toning down of the bright colors of the stretch mark, but it helps finally have them fade, and usually heals them up totally.. When used in the manner specified by the manufacturer, Vicks VapoRub is deemed to be safe for use by pregnant women, as stated by the American Pregnancy Association. The mother also hung camphor tablets in mesh on crib posts, and spread crushed tablets around the home as a pesticide. Read further to identify can you use Vicks while pregnant and is Vicks Vaporub safe during pregnancy. Camphor poisoning: over-the-counter dangers. Though about a third of lucky expectant allergy sufferers find a temporary respite from their symptoms during pregnancy, another third find their symptoms get worse, while a final third find their symptoms stay about the same. Rubbing your feet before bed with Vicks and then applying socks can provide a relaxation strategy before you sleep. The main ingredient in Vicks Vaporub is camphor, which can be absorbed through the skin and has been shown to have negative effects on fetal development in animal studies. Another treatment for insomnia is exercise. Smith A, Matthews O. Aromatic ointments for the common cold: what does the science say? So, its no surprise that people are wondering if Vicks Vaporub is safe to use during pregnancy. Sleeping can prove to be a bit difficult when sick with a cold. When used topically it is even safe to put on your feet and your growing belly. To reduce the risk of burns, do not heat Vicks VapoRub, put it into a microwave, add it to hot water, or use it near open flames. A representative will contact you within 2 business days to schedule your appointment with us. Along with some other over-the-counter. Nasal sprays containing steroids are generally considered safe for expecting women, but check with your practitioner for brand . Studies have shown that many nasal sprays including Flonase and Rhinocort are safe to use during pregnancy for allergies. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. There have not been studies specifically testing its use during pregnancy, but reputable doctor-provided lists of safe medication, list Vick's Vapor Rub as completely safe if used as directed. In one case, the individual placed the ointment in a glass container, added water, and placed it in the microwave to heat. Camphor is a primary ingredient in Vicks Vaporub, and while it has been used for centuries as a natural remedy, it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. We regard them as safe and easy to use without needing a prescription. Vicks VapoRub is a combination product that is applied to the skin. Avoid exercise within two hours of bed because of its stimulating effects. J Pak Med Assoc. Fung AE, Oxford KW. Changes to your body lead to stretch marks and muscle/joint pain. Vicks Vaporub is a topical ointment that is used to relieve congestion and other respiratory problems.
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