Best Drinks for Sore Throat During Pregnancy

Yes, during pregnancy, water, warm honey water and properly prepared broth can help soothe a sore throat if they are comfortable to swallow, by moistening irritated tissues and supporting hydration. Evidence specifically testing these drinks for a sore throat during pregnancy is lacking, so consider them comfort measures rather than treatments for the cause.

Which drinks are best for a sore throat during pregnancy?

The best choice is a drink you can swallow comfortably and keep down. Temperature matters: some people prefer warmth, while others find cool drinks more soothing. For options beyond pregnancy-specific considerations, see best drinks for sore throat.

Plain water

Plain water is a practical first choice for a sore throat during pregnancy. Try it warm, at room temperature or cool, depending on what feels best. Frequent small sips may be easier than drinking a full glass at once.

If cold water makes your throat feel uncomfortable, let it come closer to room temperature. If you prefer warm water, let it cool enough that it will not burn your mouth or throat.

Warm water with honey

Warm water with honey is an option if you want a soothing drink with a little sweetness. Honey is generally safe to eat during pregnancy, but it is not a proven treatment for the cause of a sore throat. If you have gestational diabetes or another reason to monitor sugar, consider how honey fits your individual eating plan.

To make a cup, use:

1 cup (about 240 mL) drinking water
1 teaspoon (5 mL) honey

Warm the water until it is comfortably warm, not hot enough to burn.
Stir in the honey.
Sip slowly and stop if the drink feels uncomfortable.

The honey amount is a serving suggestion, not a medical dose. Plain warm water is a reasonable alternative if you do not want honey.

Cool water with ice

Cool water can feel soothing when warmth does not appeal. Add ice if you like it, or let an ice chip melt slowly in your mouth. This can also be useful when nausea makes larger drinks difficult.

Ice chips provide only small amounts of water as they melt, so try to drink fluids as well when you can. If cold worsens the discomfort, choose a warmer drink instead.

Properly prepared broth

Warm broth provides fluid and can be easier to sip than a full meal when your throat hurts. Use a properly prepared broth or a pasteurized packaged broth, and let it cool to a comfortable temperature before drinking.

If you are sensitive to salty or spicy foods, choose a mild broth and check the label. Broth can contribute to fluid intake, but it does not need to replace plain water.

Pasteurized milk or a suitable milk alternative

Cool or gently warmed pasteurized milk can be a comfortable option if you tolerate it. A commercially prepared milk alternative can also be an option; follow its storage directions and avoid products that are unpasteurized.

Milk is not necessary for soothing a sore throat, so choose water or another suitable drink if it makes you feel uncomfortable. If nausea is a problem, a small amount may be easier to tolerate than a large glass.

Decaffeinated black tea

Plain decaffeinated black tea, cooled to a comfortable temperature, is another option if you enjoy tea. You can add a little honey, although the tea itself is not a proven treatment for a sore throat during pregnancy.

Decaffeinated tea can still contain caffeine. Check the label when available and consider caffeine from other foods and drinks throughout the day. Decaffeinated black tea is different from an herbal blend; herbal products require additional caution during pregnancy.

Why are some drinks safer than others during pregnancy?

The drinks above are familiar foods or beverages, but their temperature, ingredients and preparation still matter. Very hot liquids can burn an already irritated throat. Test the temperature before taking a full sip, and choose warm rather than steaming hot drinks.

Avoid unpasteurized milk and juice during pregnancy because they can carry harmful germs. Follow package storage directions for perishable drinks and broth. Food safety matters even when a drink is intended only to soothe your throat.

Be cautious with herbal teas, concentrated herbal drinks and supplements marketed for sore throats. Ingredients and strengths vary, and safety information in pregnancy can be limited. Ask your pregnancy care professional or pharmacist about a particular product rather than assuming that a label saying “natural” means it is safe.

Acidic or spicy drinks may sting an irritated throat or make reflux uncomfortable. If that happens, switch to plain water or another mild drink. You do not need to force yourself to drink something that makes the soreness worse.

Caffeine also deserves attention. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends less than 200 mg of caffeine per day during pregnancy, counting all sources. If you choose tea, account for any caffeine in it as well as caffeine from other drinks and foods.

How much should you drink during pregnancy?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends 8 to 12 cups of water a day during pregnancy, approximately 1.9 to 2.8 liters. This is general guidance, not a target you should force yourself to meet all at once. Water in other beverages also contributes to hydration.

Spread drinks throughout the day, and take small sips if your sore throat or nausea makes larger amounts difficult. Keeping a glass nearby can make it easier to drink regularly. Choose the temperature and type of drink that you can tolerate, with plain water as a useful main choice.

Your needs can differ with your health, activity and circumstances. If your clinician has given you a different fluid recommendation, including a fluid restriction, follow that advice and ask how to manage a sore throat within it. Do not force large amounts of water or use drinks as a substitute for medical assessment when swallowing is difficult.

Honey water, broth and milk do not have a special proven amount for treating a sore throat during pregnancy. Use ordinary food portions that fit your needs, and pay attention to added sugar, salt and any ingredients you have been advised to limit.

When should you talk to your doctor?

Contact your pregnancy care professional promptly if you have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, cannot keep fluids down, are urinating much less than usual, or feel dizzy or unusually weak. Also call if the sore throat is severe, is getting worse or is not improving, or if you have been exposed to an infection such as strep throat.

A sore throat can have different causes, including viral infections, strep throat and irritation. A clinician can decide whether testing or treatment is needed. Drinks may make swallowing more comfortable, but they do not replace treatment for an infection when treatment is indicated.

Seek emergency care immediately if you have trouble breathing, cannot swallow your saliva, are drooling because you cannot swallow, or have rapidly worsening throat or neck swelling. These signs need urgent assessment rather than home treatment.

Call your maternity team promptly if you notice reduced fetal movement or another change your team has told you to report. If you have gestational diabetes, an immune-system condition, a fluid restriction or a complicated pregnancy, ask your care professional for advice tailored to you. Before using an herbal product or a medicine for sore throat symptoms, check with your pregnancy care professional or pharmacist; do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.