Does coughing during pregnancy affect the fetus?

After becoming pregnant, persistent coughing in the mother may adversely affect the fetus. For example, coughing increases intra-abdominal pressure, raising the risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Additionally, if a pulmonary infection is present, it may impair placental oxygen saturation, potentially leading to fetal hypoxia. Therefore, pregnant women experiencing cough symptoms should seek medical evaluation at a hospital. When necessary, antibiotics and traditional Chinese patent medicines for cough suppression—such as licorice tablets or cough syrup—may be prescribed under a physician’s guidance; these medications are generally considered safe for the fetus.