Ear Infections During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & Remedies

Image: Shutterstock

An ear infection while pregnant is a common occurrence. It mostly occurs in women who are likely prone to getting an earache. These infections most likely develop when there is an attack by a certain virus or bacteria in the eardrum, located in the middle ear. This attack results in the build-up of fluid, inflammation of the middle ear, and severe pain or otalgia. Chronic infections are recurring and, if not treated immediately, might lead to permanent damage to the inner and middle ear (1). Continue reading this post as we tell you about ear infections during pregnancy, their causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and precautions.

Causes Of Ear Infections During Pregnancy

Many factors might cause an ear infection (acute otitis media). Your doctor is the right person to determine the exact cause of your pain and infection.

Pathogens:

Ear infections may occur when pathogens like bacteria or viruses find a way into the ear. These pathogens might cause common illnesses such as excess mucus, cold, allergies, sinus infectionsⁱAn inflammatory or swollen state of the sinus tissue , and swollen adenoidsⁱGlands located behind the nasal cavity , causing inflammation.

The inflammation leads to blockage in the Eustachian tubes (the tube that connects the middle ear and the pharynx). This blockage causes fluid build-up in the middle ear, resulting in an infection. It might lead to temporary hearing loss in some cases (2).

Other Causes of a middle ear infection include:

• A build-up of earwax (3)
• The pressure created on the ear while resting or sleeping on the side

Ear infections may be acute or chronic. Acute infections are painful but remain only for a short period. Chronic infections recur and may lead to permanent damage in the inner and middle ears (1).
If you have been experiencing chronic ear infections, you could be at a greater risk of ear infections during pregnancy.

Symptoms Of Ear Infections During Pregnancy

There are several symptoms of an ear infection.

• Earaches, which are severe and feel like a throbbing inside the ear
• Hearing loss
• Headache
  

  Image: IStock

• Fluid discharge from the ear
• A feeling of pressure inside the ear
• Swelling in the inner or middle ear
• Vertigo or a feeling that you are spinning

You may not notice the swelling inside the ear. Only the doctor can see it using the necessary devices.

Ear infections during pregnancy are quite common, mild, and usually resolve on their own. They can be caused by fluid build-up in the middle ear and other factors. However, if you experience pain or discomfort, seek medical help, as some ear infections may lead to adverse effects.

Quick fact

Excruciating and lingering ear pain and a fever over 1040F (40°C) need prompt medical attention (16).

Home Remedies For Treating Ear Infections During Pregnancy

The tried-and-tested home remedies could be a better option, but it is always best to check with your doctor before using any of the below.

1. Vinegar

Both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are known to be good fighters for all kinds of fungus (4)

. Vinegar works on the fungus and might remove it during the drainage process.

• Take one teaspoon each of vinegar and water and mix well.
• Lie down on your side such that the infected ear is on the top.
• Now soak a cotton plug into the mixture and put it over the infected ear.
• Let it be there for about 15 minutes and then remove the liquid by turning your head in the opposite direction.
• Air-dry your ear completely.
• If you do it twice a day, you might get rid of the infection within 2 or 3 days.

You may also put the mixture into the ear using a dropper. Squirm and then put some cotton in the ear. Let it remain for 15 minutes and then take away the cotton. Clean the ear using earbuds. Anecdotal evidence says these could help.

2. Salt bag

Earache due to cold or sinusitis during pregnancy can be relieved by placing a warm salt bag or water bottle on the infected ear. This traditional remedy might work as a hot compress, providing soothing relief.

To put a salt bag, take 100g of salt in a pan and heat it. Seal the salt in a clean cotton cloth and make a pack out of it. Place the bag on the ear and dab it until the heat is lost. It may also reduce the pressurized feeling on the ear.

3. Garlic oil

Image: Shutterstock

Garlic has antibacterial properties that could ward off the ear infection (5). Some believe that putting around three drops of garlic oil into the infected ear using a Q-tip might help. It is a safe remedy, but if the infection is severe, you may not know it will pass with this remedy.

4. Olive or mineral oil

Put two drops of olive or mineral oil into the infected ear. The oil is likely to break down the blocked wax, which may then quickly come out of the ear (6). If you continue to experience pain, and the wax is too hard to soften quickly, you should visit a doctor.

5. Warm towel

Heat a towel or a flannel using a heater or a tumble dryer until it is warm. Place the warm towel over the infected ear. It could relieve the pain.

6. Steam inhalation

Inhalation of steam might loosen up the mucus and alleviate the ear pain and infection caused by cold, sinus, or flu.

Quick tip

Neck stretching and rotations can help reduce the pressure built in the ear canal (16).

Treatment For Ear Infections During Pregnancy

Ear infections are usually bacterial in nature, and the microbes could travel further inside your body and weaken the immune system.

This might aggravate other infections and health issues. The primary treatment option is to seek medical care.

1. Antibiotics

Image: IStock

In case of severe and chronic ear infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics after ensuring that they do not adversely affect the fetus. They would prescribe only those drugs that fall under the pregnancy category as classified by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

• Amoxicillin and Tylenol of category B are prescribed for pregnant women suffering from ear infections. Tylenol, also known as Acetaminophen, is a pain killer (7) that could relieve pain associated with an ear infection.
• Medicated ear drops are also commonly prescribed. The drops may be directly placed on a Q-tip and then inserted into the ear. This way, the medicine works faster and might have a negligible effect on the growing fetus.

2. Surgery

Surgery is the last and a rare option that doctors might choose. If the ear infection does not go away, the doctor may have to perform surgery (known as myringotomy) to drain the fluid from the middle ear (8). They may also stick tubes into the ear to leak out the excess fluids. The removal of fluid could help you hear better and also relieve many associated symptoms.
Surgery is also an option if your adenoids become extremely large. It is opted in severe cases and is mostly postponed until after delivery to rule out any risks for both the mother and baby.

Over-the-counter Medications For Treating Ear Pain During Pregnancy

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can help treat earaches. Doctors often recommend using Paracetamol for mild to moderate pain during pregnancy. While some experts have suggested a possible connection between paracetamol during pregnancy and autism or ADHD in children, these claims are not well-supported and need more research (9). Pain-relief ear drops containing natural or homeopathic ingredients are also available without a prescription. They might contain well-studied ingredients—Belladonna, Wolfsbane, and Ferrum phosphoricum. However, it is advised to consult a healthcare provider before trying homeopathic remedies during pregnancy (10).

Can An Ear Infection Harm Your Baby?

As long as the infection in the ear does not pass into the bloodstream, it might not affect your unborn baby. You may take the medications to cure the infection in its initial stages itself.

Precautions To Keep Ear Infection Away

• Avoid the entry of water into your ears. Water in the ears may increase the microbial content as it makes the ear moist.
• Clean your ears periodically using cotton swabs to maintain hygiene (11).
• Do not put earplugs if the ache is due to wax build-up. The cotton plugs may push the wax further into the ear, increasing the pressure and pain in the ear.
  

  Image: Shutterstock

• Ear infections should be treated immediately. Alternative therapies, like homeopathy, may be tried.

Quick tip

Follow the necessary hand hygiene and avoid exposure to known allergensⁱA substance or protein that can result in an allergic reaction in the body to prevent allergies, colds, and viral infections (2).

Swimmer’s Ear While Pregnant: What Is It All About?

Swimmer’s ear, also referred to as otitis externa, is an infection that occurs in the canal between the outer ear and eardrum. Though this infection is contracted in many ways, it is mainly caused when water enters the ears while swimming or bathing. It may also be due to an infected hair follicle in the ear or rigorous cleaning of the ear (12).

Symptoms Of Swimmer’s Ear

The symptoms of otitis externa in pregnancy include:

• A clogged or blocked feeling
• Itchy ear
• Fever
• Ear pain
• Reduced hearing
• Swollen lymph nodesⁱTiny, bean-shaped organs spread throughout the body and help maintain a healthy immune system

Quick fact

Swimmer’s ear during pregnancy may also lead to fluid or pus drainage from the ears (16).

How Can You Treat Swimmer’s Ear?

• You may prepare ear drops by mixing rubbing alcohol and vinegar in equal proportions. This natural remedy may dry out the remaining water present in the ear (13). Do not use ear drops if you have damaged eardrums, ear tubes, or already existing ear drainage.
• Applying a warm towel or hot water bottle may also relieve the pain.

If the above home treatments don’t work, you should consult your doctor. They may prescribe eardrops containing acetic or boric acid; if it is severe, oral antibiotics might help combat the infection.

Quick fact

Expecting mothers should avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen. Instead, acetaminophen may be used under medical guidance (16).

Can You Prevent Swimmer’s Ear?

Some of the simple measures that may help in protecting your ears are as follows:

• Do not immerse yourself completely in the water while swimming. Try to keep the head above the water level.
• Wear earplugs and a swimmer’s cap while swimming.
• Avoid scratching your ears.
• Tilt your head once you are out of the pool to drain out the remaining water.
• Dry the ears using a dry towel or a hairdryer soon after swimming.
  

  Image: IStock

Infographic: Ways To Deal With Ear Infections During Pregnancy

Ear infections can be common during pregnancy and can cause pain and discomfort. The infographic below includes some effective home remedies for managing ear infections during pregnancy. However, consult your doctor before using any of the methods to avoid complications.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Ear Infections When Pregnant: Causes Symptoms And Remedies

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Sangeeta AgrawalFRCOG, MD, DNB, DGO

Dr. Sangeeta Agrawal is an obstetrician and gynecologist with around 29 years of experience in the field. She worked in Royal London, St. Bartholomew’s, North Middlesex, and Barnet General hospitals in London and currently runs her clinic in Mumbai.

Read full bio of Dr. Sangeeta Agrawal

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal

Aneesha AmonzMSc

Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz