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Doctor MOM in pregnancy in 1, 2, 3 trimesters
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Before using the medicine Doctor MOM during pregnancy, which, according to some sources, is allowed to be taken for cough by all pregnant women, you should read the instructions attached to it.
Is it possible to use Doctor MOM during pregnancy?
So, if you have been recommended Doctor MOM for cough during pregnancy, find out about the features of this herbal cough remedy, indicated in the instructions.
Firstly, the preparations of this brand (produced by the large Indian pharmaceutical company JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals) contain extracts of plants from traditional Indian medicine – Ayurveda.
Further in the instructions the form of release of this product is indicated: syrup, lozenges or pastilles, as well as ointment for external use. The main indications for the use of syrup and lozenges Doctor MOM - cough with acute respiratory infections, pharyngitis, laryngitis and bronchitis; ointment Doctor MOM - rhinitis and nasal congestion, headache and myalgia.
The components of the drug (main and auxiliary) must be listed; contraindications for use must be named (for syrup - individual hypersensitivity and age under three years, and for lozenges - age under 18 years); possible side effects must be noted (in the form of headache, abdominal discomfort and intestinal problems, and for ointment - skin irritation); the method of application and dosage must be indicated.
Take the time to read the instructions to the end so as not to miss the main phrase, the meaning of which is that this product is not recommended for use by pregnant and lactating women - due to the lack of experience in its use and clinical studies of safety in this category of patients. That is, the manufacturer warns: you should not take Doctor MOM in the early stages of pregnancy, in the 2nd trimester and in the 3rd trimester.
[ Why is it not recommended to use Doctor MOM during pregnancy?
Many people believe that herbal medicines – phytopreparations – are “non-chemical” and therefore cannot cause any harm. This is a mistaken opinion.
Neither the pharmacodynamics (mechanism of action) of Doctor MOM products, nor their pharmacokinetics (metabolism of organic plant compounds and excretion of their breakdown products) – as with almost all other herbal preparations – are provided in the instructions.
To answer the question of why the manufacturer does not recommend using Doctor MOM products during pregnancy, it is necessary to look at their composition in more detail.
The components of Dr. MOM syrup, which has a bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effect, are extracts from various parts of plants such as: Adhatoda vasika, Terminalia belerica, Ocimum sanctum, Curcuma longa, Solanum indicum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Aloe barbadensis; Inula racemosa, Zingiber officinale and Piper cubeba. The composition also contains a local anesthetic - Levomenthol.
The Asian plant adhatoda vasika (in Sanskrit Vasaka) belongs to the Acanthaceae family, its official botanical name is Justicia adhatoda or vascular justice. Based on the derivatives of the alkaloid of this plant, vasicine, the cough medicine Bromhexine (contraindicated in the first trimester of gestation) was developed. The alkaloids of justicia (vasicine, vasicinone, oxyvasicine and deoxyvasicine) act on the muscles of the uterus like the endogenous hormone oxytocin, stimulating its contraction.
In addition, as noted by researchers in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology, another alkaloid contained in Vasaka, peganine, not only has powerful antimicrobial and bronchodilator properties, but also, by acting on the m-cholinergic receptors of smooth muscle tissue, increases intestinal peristalsis and has a stimulating effect on the walls of the uterus. Therefore, Adhatoda vasica has traditionally been used by midwives during childbirth.
What is known about Terminalia belerica (in Sanskrit – Vibhitka)? It is a genus of flowering trees of the Combretaceae family, growing in the tropics; its fruits are used for medicinal purposes. According to the Ayurvedic Medicinal Plant reference book, the fruits contain fatty acids (linoleic, myristic, oleic), gallic acid and its derivatives, phenolic compounds with antibacterial properties, tannins with bactericidal action, and antioxidant vitamins. Studies of the medicinal properties of this plant have revealed its effectiveness in high cholesterol, gastrointestinal and liver diseases. However, it is contraindicated for pregnant women due to the presence of β-sitosterol, one of the phytoestrogens, related to steroid alcohols and having a certain biochemical effect on tissue estrogen receptors.
Another component, turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties used in traditional Asian medicine. Turmeric extract contains curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, which have a positive effect on the overall immunity of the body. At the same time, turmeric is used in Ayurveda to stimulate the uterus and regulate the menstrual cycle.
And finally, the well-known licorice root and the unknown Indian nightshade. Both plants contain the previously mentioned β-sitosterol, and nightshade also contains the phytoestrogen diosgenin (a steroid glycoside).
Doctor MOM lozenges, pastilles, and tablets are not recommended during pregnancy, as they contain licorice root extract and Levomenthol (peppermint oil and its synthetic analogues are contraindicated for pregnant women).
Also, in cough, sore throat and tickle remedies (including Doctor MOM lozenges) parabens are used as preservative-antiseptics, extending their shelf life up to 5 years: propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216) and methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218).
As reported in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, studies of the effects of parabens on the endocrine system have shown that methyl and propyl parabens exhibit minor estrogenic activity (acting as xenoestrogens and altering estradiol and progesterone levels) and also affect thyroid hormone production during pregnancy.
Obviously, you shouldn't use Doctor MOM ointment during pregnancy, because among its components - camphor, levomenthol, turpentine, thymol, nutmeg oil and eucalyptus oil - peppermint and nutmeg oils were on the "black list" of essential oils dangerous for pregnant women (compiled by experts from the American Pregnancy Association). Read also - Essential oils for colds.
Herbal remedies and pregnancy
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 25% of modern medicines are derived from plants. They are effective and have fewer side effects than synthetic drugs. However, during pregnancy, some herbal medicines may be unsafe, for example, threatening to cause muscle contractions of the uterus. In the early stages, this may provoke a miscarriage, and in the second half of the term – premature birth.
It should be noted that in India the quality of such drugs is controlled: under the auspices of the Ministry of Health of India there is a special department of AYUSH (Ayurveda, yoga, homeopathy, etc.), there is a National Council on Medicinal Plants, and dozens of research centers work to study their properties. And all over the world, Ayurvedic remedies are successfully used in the treatment of many diseases.
But during pregnancy, runny nose, cough and sore throat should be treated with safe methods and medications. Some analogues of Doctor MOM products during pregnancy are presented in the materials:
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Doctor MOM in pregnancy in 1, 2, 3 trimesters" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.