Updated August 3, 2022
In the medical office, pregnant women would often ask our OB/GYN: Can you take Robitussin DM while pregnant?
Unfortunately getting a cold during pregnancy is common, and the symptoms can be harder to alleviate when you are also dealing with pregnancy fatigue, body changes, and morning sickness.
Colds are their own special kind of hell during pregnancy, so it is not surprising that so many women want to know what cold remedies are safe during pregnancy.
So let’s get you some relief from your cough and cold symptoms!
Robitussin DM is safe to take during pregnancy. However, taking any medications during pregnancy is ultimately a personal decision after you have researched the information that is available and discussed any concerns you may have with your doctor or midwife.
DM stands for dextromethorphan and guaifenesin.
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant, and guaifenesin is an expectorant.
Both medications have a long history of safety during pregnancy.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these ingredients found in Robitussin DM.
Can you take Robitussin DM while pregnant?
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that is found in many over-the-counter cold and flu medications and has been used for decades.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant, also found in many over-the-counter cold medications.
This ingredient in Robitussin DM has also not been shown to cause any harm during pregnancy.
Guaifenesin helps to loosen phlegm and mucus, making it easier to cough up.
Both of these ingredients can actually help prevent your cold symptoms from progressing to severe congestion or even pneumonia.
If you have a cold during your pregnancy, Robitussin DM loosens secretions to help clear your lungs so you do not get pneumonia.
This is particularly helpful during pregnancy because the lungs are compressed decreasing their volume, especially during the third trimester.
1. Can you take Robitussin DM pregnancy first trimester?
The answer is yes, even early in pregnancy there is no evidence that dextromethorphan or guaifenesin causes harm to pregnant women or their unborn child.
Though taking Robitussin DM during your first trimester is safe, always consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
2. What is a safe cough syrup in pregnancy?
Robitussin is a safe cough syrup to take during pregnancy..
Guaifenesin is safe for pregnant women.
So, if you are pregnant and experiencing cold symptoms, you can safely take Robitussin without fear of harming your baby.
Again, always consult with your doctor or midwife if you have any questions or concerns.
4. Accidentally took Mucinex DM while pregnant?
Mucinex DM while pregnant is safe to take as long as it’s not more than the recommended dosage on the bottle.
So no need to panic if you took Mucinex DM instead of Robitussin DM.
5. Is guaifenesin safe during pregnancy?
Yes, expectorants make it easier to mobilize secretions that could otherwise lead to a serious infection.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant, it will help your cough be more productive and give you some relief from your chest congestion and pressure.
6. Can I take Robitussin DM and Tylenol together while pregnant?
There is no evidence that taking Robitussin DM and Tylenol together while pregnant is harmful.
However, talk to your doctor to determine if it’s safe for you (based on your medical history) to take these medications together and what the potential risks may be.
7. Can Robitussin cause miscarriage?
There is no evidence that Robitussin causes miscarriages.
As with any medication, always discuss this concern with your health care provider.
Our OB/GYN said he had many patients who were very concerned about having a miscarriage due to a history of past miscarriages or because of something they might take or do.
If a miscarriage occurs, the guilt can be overwhelming.
But you should not fear having a miscarriage from taking Robitussin.
8. How much Robitussin DM can I take while pregnant?
The recommended dosage of Robitussin DM is two teaspoons every four hours.
Do not take more than the recommended dosage on the bottle.
If you do not get any relief from the Robitussin DM, reach out to your healthcare provider, they can prescribe you something stronger that will still be safe to take during pregnancy.
9. Can you take dextromethorphan during pregnancy third trimester?
You are finally in your third trimester and you catch what feels like the worst cold ever.
Everything starts to hurt and ache in the third trimester and having a cold only exacerbates the issues.
There is good news though.
You can take Robitussin DM in your third trimester of pregnancy.
Robitussin DM will help relieve your congestion, cough, and runny nose.
If you find Robitussin DM is not working, you should call your doctor or midwife, you may need a stronger prescription cough medicine.
You probably won’t need an office visit.
Your OB/GYN or midwife can call in a script to your pharmacy.
There is no cure for the common cold, but remedies and foods that have been known to alleviate symptoms and are safe for use during pregnancy include the following:
- Get tissues with lotion for your nose.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Get enough to eat
- Lemon, ginger, and honey are safe to take in pregnancy.
- Cough drops and throat lozenges are safe.
- Ease congestion by breathing in steam from a bowl or sink of hot water.
- Eat hot soups and drink warm beverages.
- Get plenty of rest
Final Thoughts
Yes: Robitussin DM (guaifenesin and dextromethorphan) is generally considered to be safe during pregnancy.
The first time that I ever got pregnant, I was working as a preschool teacher.
I had just started my second trimester, and I came down with the worst ever cold.
Headache, raw runny nose, congestion, and a cough that would not quit.
I called my OB’s office and my doctor told me that it was safe to take Robitussin DM, and I was so relieved.
You would have thought he told me I’d won the lottery!
The Robitussin made me feel so much better and if you are suffering from a cold during pregnancy, it will make you feel better too!
