Treatment of colds during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester

The article was checked by an otolaryngologist

Natalya Aleksandrovna Naumova, Medis Clinic

There are a number of colds associated with viruses or various bacteria that affect the mucous membranes of the respiratory system (bronchial tract, larynx, nose). These include diseases such as influenza, various types of acute respiratory infections (ARI), ARVI and others.

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All these diseases are quite dangerous for the human body, and for pregnant women they are doubly dangerous, since they often negatively affect the development of the fetus, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy.

About acute respiratory viral infections and their development in pregnant women

A viral disease such as ARVI is mostly transmitted from previously ill people, especially with weakened immunity.

Virus transmission occurs, as a rule, by airborne droplets, but there are cases of infection after using shared towels, dishes, toys, and other household items. Moreover, the incubation period for the development of the disease lasts from 2 to 7 days. During this time, the virus, entering the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs, penetrates into their epithelium, causing poisoning and intoxication of the body.

Possible complications of a cold in the 3rd trimester

The third trimester of pregnancy begins at 24 weeks. A cold that occurs during this period can provoke the following dangerous conditions:

• fetal hypoxia;
• fetoplacental insufficiency;
• premature birth.

For pregnant women, the comforting fact is that at the end of pregnancy, a cold is not as dangerous as at the beginning. If, for example, at 31 weeks a cold triggers premature birth, then with the help of modern technologies the child can often be saved. But you should still avoid colds in late pregnancy.

Colds at 30 weeks of pregnancy should not be treated with disdain. They affect the condition of the placenta, causing its premature aging , which is dangerous for the fetus. In general, the danger of viral diseases in the third trimester is associated precisely with the condition of the placenta.

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protects the baby throughout pregnancy . In the last weeks, it begins to age, which is why drugs or toxins can penetrate it. So, if a cold occurs at 33 weeks of pregnancy, then the placenta and the child’s still undeveloped immune system cannot protect him from various infections. In this case, the fetus is very vulnerable to disease .

As you know, a woman’s body, a month before the expected birth, activates the production of hormones that are responsible for the lactation process. Therefore, colds at 35 weeks of pregnancy can cause a lack of breast milk after childbirth or it will begin to be produced in insufficient quantities. are responsible for lactation , which experiences a greater load during viral diseases.

The danger of colds in 36–40 weeks of pregnancy

A cold and sore throat at 36 weeks of pregnancy can further weaken the placenta and viruses are more actively transmitted to the baby. During this period, the use of synthetic drugs should be avoided. All drugs and toxins that are produced by pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate the weakened placenta, contributing to serious and irreversible consequences. A cold at 36 weeks of pregnancy and high fever cause placental abruption and premature rupture of amniotic fluid .

Symptoms of the development of ARVI in pregnant women

The signs and symptoms of the onset of the disease depend on the type of virus that has infected the body, often not appearing immediately, but after some time. Symptoms of ARVI during pregnancy are most often expressed in different ways, some more severely, while others are almost invisible. The most common, characteristic symptoms include:

• pain, swelling of the throat;
• tearfulness;
• redness of the eyes;
• dry cough;
• aches, muscle pain;
• severe headaches;
• nasal congestion;
• elevated temperature;
• feeling of chills;
• drowsiness, general weakness.

If several of these symptoms appear, you should definitely consult a doctor, undergo an examination, and begin the necessary treatment as soon as possible.

During pregnancy, all the mechanisms that control the nervous system of the expectant mother are aimed at supporting the required amount of all substances required for the development of the child. Therefore, a pregnant woman can sometimes have sudden mood swings, calmness can abruptly give way to tears, joy - irritation, nervousness.

Sometimes whims and hysterics happen. Those around you should be understanding of such phenomena. Help the expectant mother learn, for example, the basics of relaxation, provide her with adequate nutrition and rest. It is very good to use aromatherapy with oils of coniferous or citrus plants.

Prevention of ARVI

The penetration of a viral infection into the body can be avoided if you adhere to the following rules:

1. Avoid staying in crowded places, especially in the autumn-winter period.
2. If you need to be around people during peak periods of epidemics, you need to use a sterile mask that protects your nose and mouth.
3. Wash your hands frequently with soap.
4. After each visit to the street, rinse your nose with saline solution.
5. Eat nutritiously, regularly replenish your body with vitamin C, eat greens, vegetables and fruits.
6. Take daily walks in the fresh air.
7. Carry out frequent ventilation in the room where the pregnant woman lives.
8. Carry out frequent wet cleaning.
9. Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with dirty hands.
10. Organize quality rest and adequate sleep.
11. Lubricate the nasal mucosa with oxolinic ointment or sea buckthorn oil before going outside.

ARVI during pregnancy is diagnosed quite often: the reasons for this are the woman’s weakened immunity, malnutrition, and nervous tension.

When the first symptoms of a cold appear, a pregnant woman should immediately notify the gynecologist or consult a therapist and follow the instructions prescribed by them.

In the 3rd trimester, as a rule, ARVI does not have serious consequences for the child, but self-medication during this period is strictly prohibited due to possible negative consequences.

Methods for diagnosing viral diseases

Diagnosis of an acute respiratory disease that has begun is usually based on the symptoms indicated to the doctor by the sick patient. Often the presence of fever, coupled with a runny nose and cough are sufficient grounds for making a correct diagnosis. The doctor may additionally prescribe:

• laboratory blood testing for PCR to identify the causative agent of viral or bacterial infections;
• analysis for immunofluorescence reaction using a microscope under ultraviolet illumination;
• serological studies of viruses by determining specific antibodies in the blood.

For a more accurate diagnosis of ARVI during pregnancy, consultations with an otolaryngologist or pulmonologist are often prescribed, and studies such as:

• otoscopy;
• pharyngoscopy;
• X-ray of the respiratory tract;
• rhinoscopy.

About the causes of the disease

The causes of acute viral diseases usually include, firstly, infection by the virus, and secondly, weak immunity of the body, when all its protective functions are weakened. This is especially true in pregnant women due to hormonal changes in the body. Additional factors that may contribute to a weakened immune system include:

• the presence of stressful, conflicting circumstances;
• state of depression;
• nervous breakdowns;
• unstable functioning of the digestive tract;
• the presence of diseases such as dysbiosis, enterocolitis, worms;
• hypothermia or overheating of the body.

Important . Virus infection can occur through transmission from a sick person by air or droplets, and sometimes during the use of common household items (dishes, towels).

About the dangers of colds

ARVI during pregnancy is dangerous due to the unpredictability of possible consequences for the development of the fetus. Diseases are especially dangerous in the first trimester, during which the barrier functions of the placenta do not yet exist, which means that the influence of viruses and toxins directly on the fetus is quite large.

In addition, such a disease can harm the proper formation of all important organs and viable systems of the child.

Any cold during pregnancy weakens the mother’s body and serves as an obstacle to the normal bearing of the baby.

Attention! ARVI diseases in pregnant women often produce undesirable consequences, such as the likelihood of miscarriage or the development of any defects in the baby. Especially in later stages of pregnancy, the risk of premature birth of a premature baby or severe blood loss in the mother during childbirth increases.

Here it is important to understand what processes occur during the main first trimester of fetal development:

• brain formation 3–14 weeks;
• development of the cardiovascular system 2–7 weeks;
• organs of vision 4–7 weeks;
• hearing organs 7–12 weeks;
• main organs of the gastrointestinal tract 8–10 weeks;
• The nervous system is formed already from the first week of pregnancy.

During the next second trimester of fetal development, infection with ARVI is no longer so dangerous, but it is still very undesirable. A virus that enters the body can destroy the normal functioning of the placenta, making it more vulnerable to the penetration of harmful bacteria and microorganisms.

The third trimester of pregnancy is the calmest, not so dangerous for ARVI. The virus will no longer be able to harm the baby’s formed body; it is easier for the doctor to treat the disease, since the placenta can already confidently protect the baby from the effects of the medications taken by the mother.

Basic principles of treatment

Therapeutic procedures aimed at eliminating colds during pregnancy are in many ways similar to those that are widely used. However, when treating, it is very important to take into account the specifics of the condition in which the pregnant woman is.

Principles of treating colds:

• Bed rest and rest. In late pregnancy, regular rest is essential. This is due to the increased load on the body associated with an increase in fetal weight. When you have a cold, it is extremely important to limit movement and ensure a flow of fresh (but not cold) air into the room. The back and chest must be kept warm at all times.
• Smooth breathing. If the frequency of inhalation and exhalation becomes more frequent, the blood circulation process accelerates. Due to this, blood flow into the child’s body increases, which increases the likelihood of pathogenic microorganisms entering.
• Drink plenty of fluids. A large amount of fluid is necessary for any illness. It is especially important to drink a lot at high temperatures, since active secretion of sweat occurs during the process of thermal regulation. It is necessary to replenish the fluid lost by the body through regular consumption of water, hot tea, milk, and other healthy drinks.
• Correct selection of medications. There are many medications that can help relieve cold symptoms. However, it should be taken into account that not everything can be taken during pregnancy, even in later stages. In addition, the choice of drugs should be made taking into account the underlying cause of the disease. Because of this, it is best to consult a specialist before using medications.
• Diet. The simultaneous course of pregnancy and a cold is a serious stress for the body. To reduce the load, it is recommended to exclude difficult-to-digest foods from the diet. Preference should be given to plant foods, cereals, legumes, and dairy products.

If you have symptoms of any complications, it is very important to promptly seek medical help. Treatment should be carried out in a timely manner, when the first signs appear, as this can significantly reduce the likelihood of negative effects on the fetus and speed up recovery.

Treatment of ARVI during pregnancy

It is better to try to avoid any diseases during pregnancy. But if an infection has already occurred, then it is not recommended to self-medicate, but rather consult a doctor who, taking into account all the individual characteristics, will prescribe the most appropriate, gentle treatment. Medicines such as:

Advice. During an acute respiratory viral infection, the expectant mother needs to rest more and drink as much as possible. Mineral water and tea with lemon serve very well for this, which is guaranteed to remove viruses and all toxins from the body. And tea with linden flowers has an excellent anti-inflammatory effect.

Symptomatic treatment of ARVI

If the expectant mother develops a cough or a runny nose, this harms not only her, but also the child, since he may experience oxygen starvation. To prevent this from happening, it is very important to relieve swelling in the nose and larynx. To do this, it is good to instill a saline solution into your nose and inhale essential oils of eucalyptus or sage.

Advice. For a runny nose, it is good to use the effective pharmaceutical remedy “Aquamaris”, which is a special saline solution that needs to be dripped into the nose using a pipette. For a runny nose, dripping garlic, onion or Kalanchoe juice into the nostrils (dilute any of these juices in a concentration of 1:10) has a good effect.

Inhalations with the addition of essential oils or medicinal herbs to the water are very helpful for coughs. Such procedures must be carried out at least 2-3 times a day.

For a sore throat, it is useful to drink warmed milk with honey, and gargle more often with a soda solution with added salt. Special lollipops with the addition of sage, mint, and lemon relieve congestion and make breathing much easier.

At high temperatures, you can perform vinegar wipes or take paracetamol-based medications. If the temperature rises above 38 degrees, you must call an ambulance.

Attention. Often nature itself regulates the process of giving birth to a healthy child. And if something goes wrong in its development, a miscarriage may occur. But if the pregnancy continues after the woman suffered from an acute respiratory viral infection, it is recommended to undergo a special examination, having an analysis of amniotic fluid and hormones in order to find out how the course of the disease affected the development of the fetus being carried by the mother.

Colds during pregnancy – 3rd trimester

Already at the beginning of the 3rd trimester, the expectant mother is filled with the expectation that the most long-awaited person will soon appear in her life. As a rule, a woman in her third trimester believes that all troubles and health problems are already behind her and there is no need to worry too much. But, in practice, this turns out to be not the case at all. Immediately before giving birth, a woman is still exposed to both viruses and numerous infections, which pose a danger not only to the woman’s health, but also to her unborn child. What to do if a woman gets a cold in the 3rd trimester? How to treat?

Possible complications in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

Why is a cold so unpleasant in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy? The first is that it is extremely difficult for a woman at 8 or 9 months to tolerate any negative impact on her body. In particular, all cold symptoms are extremely difficult to tolerate. There is also a huge risk that as soon as the child is born, he will already encounter an infection and the virus that has infected the woman’s body. But by this time the baby will not have time to develop his own immunity and, in fact, he will immediately become infected with a cold.

It is this fact that can explain the fact that if a woman falls ill in the 3rd trimester, she should be immediately hospitalized. Immediately after delivery, the child is completely isolated from the mother until the woman recovers. These measures are necessary to preserve the health and life of the baby, because his small, weak body is not able to cope with a cold and eliminate the infection. The plus in this situation is that your child will be cheerful and healthy, the minus is that you may not even see him after birth. Naturally, there can be no talk of any breastfeeding in the first days after childbirth.

If a pregnant woman suffers from colds in the 3rd trimester, this can significantly complicate the entire birth process. This is because the woman will be weakened, since her body is already fighting one process - infection and virus. There is a chance that a woman will give birth with a high fever, runny nose, sore throat and cough. All this not only does not make the entire process of childbirth easier, but also significantly complicates it. As a result, a woman after childbirth is exhausted and weak. Her immunity is reduced and it is difficult for her to recover later. In some patients, due to difficult labor and a viral infection, milk may even disappear. Therefore, try to take care of yourself as hard as possible.

Treatment of colds in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

Doctors prohibit carrying a cold on your feet in the 3rd trimester, as it is very dangerous and risky. The woman is advised to observe strict bed rest.

The course of the disease and, accordingly, its therapy are complicated by the fact that it is prohibited to take standard cold medicines, as well as antibiotics, which, after one dose, get you back on your feet.

If a pregnant woman’s condition is marred by a severe cough, then under no circumstances is it recommended to resort to the use of lozenges, tablets, sprays and other “pharmacy” cough remedies. A woman can make inhalations of medicinal herbs at home and breathe them. But remember that some restrictions also apply to herbs. During the 3rd trimester, it is allowed to use herbs from the following list: linden, coltsfoot, plantain, licorice, marshmallow, chamomile, calendula flowers, oregano. The only thing that does not harm or threaten the health of a pregnant woman is the medicine Mucaltin.

In case of a severe runny nose, it is recommended to rinse the nose with a regular saline solution to drain mucus (for one liter of warm boiled water, take 2 tablespoons of table salt). If a pregnant woman’s temperature does not rise above 38 degrees, then it is not recommended to bring it down. A temperature of 37.5 – 38 degrees means that the body is independently fighting infection in the body. At high temperatures, it is recommended to drink warm tea with raspberries, or you can brew a decoction of coltsfoot. These two home remedies are effective in reducing fever. But, if these medications do not help, then after consulting a general practitioner, you can take one Paracetomol tablet.

An inflamed red throat can be treated by gargling with the herbs listed above or using a regular soda solution. Any manipulations with the health of a pregnant woman should be carried out only after examination by a doctor and the prescription of appropriate treatment.

Folk remedies for treating colds

There are a large number of folk remedies that help fight colds, runny nose and cough in a pregnant woman. If you learn to use them correctly and competently, then recovery will come fairly quickly.

What is meant by competent use of traditional methods? For example, medicinal plants such as licorice and ginseng are aimed at increasing blood pressure, which negatively affects the health of the fetus. After all, an increase in blood pressure is an additional burden on the baby’s heart. This means that increasing the body's protective functions with ginseng or licorice is not recommended.

Horseradish, finely grated and mixed with sugar, can be used as an immunostimulant. This medicine should be taken 1 teaspoon per day 3 times a day.

To warm the body and warm up the respiratory system, you can use mustard plasters. You can buy them for mere pennies at any pharmacy. Remember that if your pregnancy occurs in the winter, you need to dress warmly and keep your feet warm at all times. Some folk remedies for treating colds say that a little mustard powder can be poured into warm woolen socks. This method helps increase blood circulation.

To prevent colds, it is recommended to increase the consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as juices. Thus, the pregnant woman’s body will receive all the missing vitamins. Do not neglect vitamin complexes for pregnant women, which can also be found in every pharmacy. Of course, you should first consult a doctor.

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About preventive measures

It is well known that any unpleasant disease is easier to prevent than to cure. And acute respiratory viral diseases are no exception. If you adhere to certain rules and actions, you can avoid or greatly facilitate their course. These simple rules include:

• rinsing the throat and nose with saline solution after each visit to crowded places;
• upon returning home from the street, you must thoroughly wash your hands with soap;
• spend less time at parties or in places where there are a large number of people;
• take special vitamin complexes to strengthen the body during pregnancy;
• avoid close contact with sick relatives, use gauze bandages;
• spread chopped onions and garlic throughout the apartment, which have the ability to kill viruses;
• avoid hypothermia, dress according to the season;
• Ventilate the room 2-3 times a day at any time of the year.

Advice . As for folk remedies, it is very good to maintain the immunity of the expectant mother to drink tea with rosehip, eat as much onion and garlic as possible. To improve protection against viral infections, it is good to drink tea with honey and lemon. During routine visits to the clinic, it is recommended to lubricate the nose with oxolinic ointment and wear gauze bandages.

The causes of frequent acute respiratory viral infections during pregnancy are associated with some changes in the behavior of expectant mothers. Many women, having become pregnant, try to stop vigorous activity for fear of harming the child. But this is not always justified, since the child in these cases, like his mother, does not receive enough necessary fresh air and moderate physical development.

After consulting with your doctor, you can choose a gentle fitness or yoga regimen for pregnant women, spend more time walking, and go out into nature.

Principles of treatment

In the third trimester of pregnancy, much attention is still paid to non-drug methods of therapy. At the first signs of ARVI you should:

1. Create an optimal microclimate in the room: air temperature 22 °C, humidity 50-70%.
2. Ventilate the room regularly (at least 3 times a day).
3. Carry out wet cleaning, remove dust from all horizontal surfaces.
4. Rinse your nose with saline solutions every 2 hours.
5. Drink as much liquid as possible: berry juice, juice, dried fruit compote, warm tea.

Following these rules will help the body quickly cope with the infection and speed up recovery.

Drug therapy in the third trimester of pregnancy includes:

Immunomodulators

Medicines that stimulate your own immunity should be taken from the first hours of illness for 3-5 days. Such drugs include:

Interferon preparations activate the immune system, help fight viral infections and eliminate the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections. The use of these medications in the first 24 hours from the onset of the disease reduces the duration of the disease by 1-2 days.

There is no specific antiviral therapy for ARVI. The body of a healthy pregnant woman has enough strength to cope with the infection on its own. Antiviral drugs are prescribed only for influenza.

Remedies for runny nose

In the third trimester of pregnancy, topical vasoconstrictor drugs are allowed for use:

Drugs from this group reduce swelling of the mucous membrane, reduce the permeability of the vascular wall and eliminate the symptoms of ARVI (runny nose, nasal congestion). Medicines in the form of drops and sprays act locally, practically without penetrating into the bloodstream and without affecting the development of the fetus. The course of treatment should not exceed 5 days. If ARVI symptoms persist for more than 5 days, you should consult a doctor.

Before using any vasoconstrictor drugs, you must rinse your nose with solutions based on sea water:

Saline solutions gently cleanse the nasal mucosa, wash away pathogenic viruses and bacteria and speed up recovery. You can rinse your nose every 2-3 hours throughout the day.

Remedies for sore throat

A wide range of drugs for pain and sore throat, approved in the third trimester, allows pregnant women to quickly cope with the unpleasant symptoms of ARVI. During this period, you can use both herbal and synthetic products in the form of sprays, rinses, syrups or tablets. The course of treatment lasts 5-10 days. If you have a residual wet cough, you can do without using any medications.

Drugs for sore throat allowed in the third trimester:

• Hexoral;
• Miramistin;
• Gedelix;
• Doctor Mom;
• Gerbion;
• Mukaltin;
• Licorice root, etc.

Gargling with a decoction of chamomile or calendula has a good effect. At night you can drink warm milk with honey, brew tea with sage, lemon and mint. Simple folk remedies soften the throat, facilitate cleansing of the mucous membrane and speed up recovery.

Antipyretics (antipyretics)

In the third trimester of pregnancy, paracetamol and ibuprofen are allowed as antipyretics. The problem is that these drugs from the NSAID group affect the contractile activity of the uterus. Irrational use of antipyretics can cause premature birth.

Rules for the use of antipyretics during pregnancy:

• Antipyretic drugs can only be used when body temperature rises above 38.5 °C.
• Do not exceed the dosage specified in the instructions.
• You cannot take several antipyretics at the same time.
• The interval between taking tablets should be at least 4 hours.
• The course of therapy should be no more than 3 days. If the fever persists, you should consult a doctor.