Can You Take NyQuil During Pregnancy?

 Abby McCoy Profile Photo
By Abby McCoy | Updated on Jan 4, 2024
Image for article Can You Take NyQuil During Pregnancy?

NyQuil may sound like just the ticket if you’re dealing with stuffy sinuses, a runny nose, or a lingering cough, but it may not be safe to take if you’re pregnant. NyQuil 3 comes in many forms, and some include ingredients that aren’t safe for pregnancy (phenylephrine and ethanol).

Phenylephrine 1 is a decongestant that can make your blood vessels tighten up and lower the amount of oxygen your baby gets. Ethanol 2 is a type of alcohol that helps NyQuil ingredients mix together well. Both of these can harm your baby. 

If you’re miserable with cold symptoms, let your healthcare provider know and see what they can recommend for you.

@expectful Questions about navigating cold and flu season with a baby on board? 🤧 We got you! #momwellness #safepregnancy #expectful #faq #healthandwellness #pregnancytok ♬ original sound - expectful

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

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Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. "Phenylephrine"Mar 1, 2022https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582906/.

  2. "Alcohol"Feb 1, 2022https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582563/.

  3. "NyQuil"https://vicks.com/en-us/safety-and-faqs/faqs/vicks-nyquil-faq.


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Abby McCoy
Updated on Jan 4, 2024

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Can You Take NyQuil During Pregnancy?

 Abby McCoy Profile Photo
By Abby McCoy | Updated on Jan 4, 2024
Image for article Can You Take NyQuil During Pregnancy?

NyQuil may sound like just the ticket if you’re dealing with stuffy sinuses, a runny nose, or a lingering cough, but it may not be safe to take if you’re pregnant. NyQuil 3 comes in many forms, and some include ingredients that aren’t safe for pregnancy (phenylephrine and ethanol).

Phenylephrine 1 is a decongestant that can make your blood vessels tighten up and lower the amount of oxygen your baby gets. Ethanol 2 is a type of alcohol that helps NyQuil ingredients mix together well. Both of these can harm your baby. 

If you’re miserable with cold symptoms, let your healthcare provider know and see what they can recommend for you.

@expectful Questions about navigating cold and flu season with a baby on board? 🤧 We got you! #momwellness #safepregnancy #expectful #faq #healthandwellness #pregnancytok ♬ original sound - expectful

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. "Phenylephrine"Mar 1, 2022https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582906/.

  2. "Alcohol"Feb 1, 2022https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582563/.

  3. "NyQuil"https://vicks.com/en-us/safety-and-faqs/faqs/vicks-nyquil-faq.


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