Vicks is a medication prescribed to facilitate breathing during respiratory conditions, with or without coughing. It should not be used during pregnancy?

Vicks is a balm, used to facilitate breathing during respiratory conditions. It is to be applied  once or twice a day on the chest or neck, preferably after washing .

It can also be used to perform a fumigation inhalation, by melting one to two teaspoons in a bowl of hot water, and inhaling the vapors through the nose and mouth.

 It is mainly composed of essential oils (camphor, turpentine, eucalyptus, thymol). This type of oil is not recommended during pregnancy. As a safety measure, you should therefore not use Vicks during pregnancy.

Vicks may impart a particular taste to milk, and its absorption by the infant is not desirable. It is therefore recommended to avoid using this medicine during breastfeeding .

If the cold is allergic, it is possible to take certain antihistamines such as loratadine or desloratadine). However, avoid the use of diphenhydramine (eg: Benadryl), because it can cause drowsiness or irritability in the breastfed infant.

Cortisone inhalers such as Nasacort can be prescribed by a doctor for a short treatment. Another surefire treatment: regular nasal washing with saline water. Although unpleasant, this is the most effective treatment, and absolutely safe . It is also the same treatment for young children.

If the cold is accompanied by a sore throat , you can opt for the famous grog, an infusion made from lemon, ginger, and honey. The traditional recipe also includes rum, which should be avoided during pregnancy.

Before taking any treatment during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it is best to seek advice from a healthcare professional . Self-medication is strongly discouraged, as it can be dangerous for the pregnant woman and her future baby.