Can You Take Vicks During Pregnancy?

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

Some Vicks products may not be safe to take while pregnant. 

When you have congestion in your sinuses or chest, Vicks offers relief in the form of their Vapo Rub, nasal sprays or cough syrups. 

Vapo Rub is made up of camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, targeting your cough and the pain that comes with it. Camphor and menthol ointments carry a risk of harm to your baby if their concentration is more than three percent 1 . Vicks Vapo Rub has 2.63 percent menthol and 4.8 percent camphor so it would be best to check with your healthcare provider before you use it.

Vicks nasal spray contains different ingredients, and not many studies have been done to see how pregnant people and their babies tolerate it. Some Vicks cough syrups contain phenylephrine 2 , a chemical that makes your blood vessels smaller and can keep blood and oxygen from getting to your baby. If you need help with cold symptoms, let your provider know, and they can give you a list of safe treatment options.

@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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  1. Imam Budi Putra, Nelva Karmila Jusuf, Nani Kumala Dewi "Skin Changes and Safety Profile of Topical Products During Pregnancy", vol. 15, no. 2Feb 15, 2022, pp. 49-57https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8884185/.

  2. "Omeprazole | Esomeprazole"Sep 1, 2022https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582884/.


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Abby McCoy
Updated on Jan 4, 2024

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Can You Take Vicks During Pregnancy?

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

Some Vicks products may not be safe to take while pregnant. 

When you have congestion in your sinuses or chest, Vicks offers relief in the form of their Vapo Rub, nasal sprays or cough syrups. 

Vapo Rub is made up of camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, targeting your cough and the pain that comes with it. Camphor and menthol ointments carry a risk of harm to your baby if their concentration is more than three percent 1 . Vicks Vapo Rub has 2.63 percent menthol and 4.8 percent camphor so it would be best to check with your healthcare provider before you use it.

Vicks nasal spray contains different ingredients, and not many studies have been done to see how pregnant people and their babies tolerate it. Some Vicks cough syrups contain phenylephrine 2 , a chemical that makes your blood vessels smaller and can keep blood and oxygen from getting to your baby. If you need help with cold symptoms, let your provider know, and they can give you a list of safe treatment options.

@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. Imam Budi Putra, Nelva Karmila Jusuf, Nani Kumala Dewi "Skin Changes and Safety Profile of Topical Products During Pregnancy", vol. 15, no. 2Feb 15, 2022, pp. 49-57https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8884185/.

  2. "Omeprazole | Esomeprazole"Sep 1, 2022https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582884/.


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