Resources for parents to get through the challenges.

  1. Home
  2. Pregnancy

Can You Use Vicks Vapor Rub On Your Feet While Pregnant?

There is nothing worse than being pregnant, not being able to sleep, and having a cold. Most people instantly want to turn to Vicks Vapor Rub but are scared that it can harm their baby. This leads to many people opting to put it on their feet.

This is further away from the face, so the smell is not as strong. It makes sense, but it’s actually not necessary. When used according to the directions, Vicks Vapor Rub is completely safe to use during pregnancy.

Ingredients

Before using an over-the-counter medication, which includes putting Vicks Vapor Rub on feet while pregnant, it’s important to consider the ingredients that are included to make sure that you and your unborn baby are safe.

Camphor

Camphor is known for causing miscarriage when ingested. When applied topically, it has been safe for pregnant women.

It’s important to remember that the level of camphor in Vicks Vapor Rub is under 15%, so a large amount of this would have to reach your unborn baby to cause any type of damage.

Eucalyptus Oil

This has been determined to be safe during pregnancy in both topical applications and as an aromatherapy option. 

Menthol

There are no studies to determine whether this ingredient is safe during pregnancy. It should be noted that most believe that because there are such low concentrations of this ingredient in over-the-counter medications.

The risk is extremely low if ingested, and even lower if applied topically.

Cedarleaf Oil

Cedarleaf oil is not necessarily safe or unsafe during pregnancy. No studies have been conducted on this essential oil. At the same time, there are no reports to indicate that it can cause harm to the unborn fetus either. 

Nutmeg Oil

Nutmeg oil is safe in moderate amounts during pregnancy. When rubbing Vicks Vapor Rub on feet during pregnancy, simply use it as directed to ensure that the baby is safe. 

Petrolatum

This is the petroleum jelly that the ingredients of Vicks are mixed into. It is safe for use during pregnancy when applied topically. 

Thymol

Thyme, which is the base ingredient of Thymol, is considered safe during pregnancy in moderate amounts.

There is not a large enough amount of Thymol in Vicks to cause damage to an unborn fetus if you would like to apply Vicks Vapor Rub on feet while pregnant. 

Turpentine Oil

Turpentine oil is considered unsafe to consume orally, but most women are not going to be eating Vicks Vapor Rub. This will not make applying Vicks Vapo Rub on feet while pregnant unsafe.

Vicks Vapo Rub Uses

Vicks Vapor Rub is commonly used by women that are pregnant to alleviate a variety of symptoms.

Being pregnant is uncomfortable enough, so there’s no reason not to treat things to make it a little more bearable until you finally get to meet your little one. 

Congestion

Vicks Vapor Rub on feet while pregnant can easily help relieve congestion. This is a wonderful remedy to use while pregnant to help those that are suffering from a cold, allergies or anything else that results in congestion.

Simply apply some Vicks, kick your feet up, and turn on your favorite show.

pregnant woman sleeping

Vicks Can Help You Sleep Better

Vicks Vapo Rub on feet while pregnant will not instantly make you sleep better, but it can solve some of the issues that can result in you not being able to sleep while you’re pregnant. 

Being pregnant can be stressful. That added anxiety can instantly result in you tossing and turning all night. Instead, relax with a nice foot rub. This can instantly alleviate the stress of the day so that you can get a more restful night’s sleep. 

Vicks Vapor Rub is also commonly used to help soothe aching muscles and joints. Simply applying Vicks Vapor Rub on feet while pregnant is all it might take to ease foot pain and help you get a good night’s sleep. 

Help Stretch Marks Heal Faster

According to this article, Vicks can not only be used to prevent stretch marks, but it can also help them heal.

Simply apply Vicks to the stomach area and watch them slowly fade away. This process does take time, but you should start to see results in as little as a few weeks!

Improve The Appearance Of Pimples

It seems like pimples pop up overnight when you’re pregnant. I know mine did when my hormones were raging. A dab of Vicks on the blemish won’t make the pimple disappear overnight, but it will instantly reduce swelling and redness.

Instead of a giant red knot on your face, you’ll have a barely noticeable pimple. The latter is always preferable. 

Eliminate Toenail Fungus

Sometimes, you’re bound to get a case of toenail fungus. Whether it’s forgetting your shower shoes at the gym or it just randomly happened, it’s there. Vick Vapo Rub on feet while pregnant can solve that problem in a few weeks.

First, it will turn a dark color, and then you will notice a new, healthy nail growing out. While you’re rubbing it on your feet, spread it over your toenails as well for wonderful results.

Is Vicks Vapor Rub Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, provided pregnant women follow the directions. It should only be applied three to four times a day as recommended. It also should not be applied to soft tissues, such as the inside of the mouth.

This could lead to you getting a larger dose of the ingredients than you should while pregnant. It can be dangerous and may result in a miscarriage. Applying Vicks Vapor Rub on feet while pregnant will not be an issue. 

If you do choose to use Vicks, remember that it can be dangerous if ingested or not used according to directions. Make sure that you keep it out of reach of children, and only apply 3-4 times daily or as directed.

If you still aren’t convinced, remember to contact your obstetrician for further advice about applying Vicks Vapor Rub on feet while pregnant.