How to naturally treat swimmer's ear during pregnancy

Swimmer's ear is an infection that occurs in the external auditory canal. Although it can be contracted in other ways, it is mostly associated with infections after swimming in a public pool or other fresh water.

Swimmer's ear is medically known as acute otitis externa. Symptoms include a feeling of blockage or congestion in the ear, fever, itching in the ear, hearing loss, pain, drainage, and swollen lymph nodes around the ear.

Measures should be taken to prevent the auricle during pregnancy. If swimmer's ear is left untreated, it can lead to hearing loss (usually temporary) or infection spreading to the brain or cranial nerve.

How to treat swimmer's ear naturally during pregnancy?

The best way to naturally heal swimmer's ear during pregnancy is to take steps to prevent it.

Moisture in the ear creates an environment for bacteria to grow and survive. The first step to preventing swimmer's ear during pregnancy is to keep your ears dry.

Here are some easy ways to prevent swimmer's ear during pregnancy:

Try to keep your head above water while swimming or playing in the water
Avoid scratching the ear
Use ear plugs when swimming
Wear a swimmer’s cap
Use a dry towel to dry your ears
Tilt your head from side to side allowing any water to fall out
Use a hair dryer (on low and not too close) to dry your ears

If you're pregnant and want to prevent or treat early swimmer's ear, you can make your own ear drops by mixing rubbing alcohol with vinegar.

The mixture should be about half. This natural ear drop mix will help dry out any remaining water in your ear.

Warning: Drops should not be used in the ears of people with damaged ear tubes, eardrums, or existing ear drainage.

If you're experiencing pain due to a swimmer's ear infection, you can put a heating pad or heated towel over your ear to help relieve the pain.

When swimmer's ear treatment naturally doesn't work

If you practice the steps above to prevent ear disease, you are unlikely to get infected. The first step in treatment is ear cleaning. The doctor may prescribe drops containing boric or acetic acid.

Expectant mothers should avoid aspirin and ibuprofen for pain and use acetaminophen if needed.

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for a swimmer's ear infection that persists or becomes more inflamed.

The antibiotic is injected directly into the ear. If the infection has spread, your doctor may also prescribe oral antibiotics to fight the larger infection.