Colds during pregnancy: symptoms, treatment, consequences

Waiting for a baby is the happiest period for an expectant mother. It is very important that it passes as calmly as possible, without unexpected and unpleasant surprises. But, unfortunately, no one is completely immune from problems, and colds during early pregnancy are a fairly common phenomenon.

Despite the seeming harmlessness of the disease, it often leads to serious complications not only for the mother, but also for the unborn child, if proper treatment is not carried out. It is also important to take into account that all important organs are formed at an early stage, and therefore it is necessary that the baby is completely safe during this period.

Why do pregnant women often get sick?

In this case, everything depends on many reasons. A woman may not go outside for weeks, but still catch the virus. There is also no relationship between the time of year and colds in early pregnancy.

Most often, women begin to suffer from illnesses due to decreased immunity. This is a natural process that is necessary so that the embryo can attach well to the wall of the uterus. The body perceives the fetus as a foreign body, so it uses all its strength to fight it, which is why the protective properties of the young mother’s body are reduced, and she becomes more susceptible to viral diseases.

Causes of colds

The main cause of colds in early pregnancy is a temporary decrease in immunity. This is a necessary measure to allow pregnancy to develop. Otherwise, the mother's immune system may attack the fetus, perceiving it as a foreign body and trying to get rid of it.

Suppression of the immune system, aimed at maintaining pregnancy, also has a significant disadvantage: it is more difficult for the body to resist viruses and infections. Therefore, colds become a frequent companion in the first trimester of pregnancy.

There are factors that put additional stress on a weakened immune system and increase the risk of catching a cold:

• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• stress and nervous exhaustion;
• hypothermia;
• unbalanced, vitamin-poor diet.

There are many possible causes of colds, but the expectant mother can control them and thus help her immunity. To do this, it is enough to take care of your health and well-being, avoid stress and dress warmly.

Symptoms

If we talk about the main symptoms of a cold in early pregnancy, they can be very diverse. For up to 12 weeks, women most often suffer from:

• headaches;
• general malaise;
• weaknesses;
• cough;
• runny nose;
• elevated temperature;
• sore throat.

Since ordinary colds last about 7 days, the peak of the most unpleasant symptoms occurs in the first 3 days. During this period, you should pay the greatest attention to your health and be sure to consult a doctor.

Many people begin to wonder whether a cold is dangerous in the early stages of pregnancy only after the most obvious symptoms appear (very high fever, etc.). However, you should not be so negligent about your condition and the health of your unborn baby. If the disease is neglected, in some cases it can even provoke a miscarriage.

Consequences of a cold: what is the danger?

In the first weeks, the formation of organs and the central nervous system of the fetus occurs, so any diseases during this period can negatively affect the course of pregnancy.

A cold in its early stages can become really dangerous. The most serious complications include:

• miscarriage;
• developmental defects;
• improper formation of the placenta;
• polyhydramnios;
• delayed fetal development;
• premature rupture of amniotic fluid.

Having a cold (with appropriate treatment) does not mean that the child will have any problems. To reassure the pregnant woman, the doctor may prescribe additional examinations and tests that will help track the development of the child.

How does a cold occur in pregnant women?

This process is practically no different from the manifestation of symptoms of the disease in non-pregnant women. Some patients who are in an interesting position note increased nasal congestion, but this happens on an individual basis.

If a woman has elevated levels of progesterone, this can really affect the condition of the nasopharyngeal mucosa.

There is an opinion that even a mild cold in the early stages of pregnancy can negatively affect the process of bearing a healthy baby. This theory is exaggerated. In most cases, the disease goes away after 7 days, and this does not affect the baby’s condition in any way.

However, there are more harmless ailments that can lead to unpleasant consequences.

Colds in pregnant women in early pregnancy

Colds in pregnant women in the early stages are not only a common phenomenon, but quite curable. So there is no need to panic. But quite often, when you go to the doctor with cold symptoms, the diagnosis sounds like an acute respiratory infection. So what is the difference between an acute respiratory infection and a cold?

Respiratory diseases, colds, acute respiratory infections - all these are different terms and each of them has its own, specific meaning. In order not to lump everything into one pile, we will determine the meaning of each of them separately.

Respiratory diseases are a heterogeneous group of diseases of the respiratory tract (from the nose to the lungs), leading to disruption of the basic functions of the respiratory system. Respiratory diseases are caused by viruses, bacteria, thermal and chemical factors (breathing cold air or chlorine vapor) - in general, everything that leads to a change in the normal state of the body.

ARI (ARVI) is an acute respiratory viral disease - damage to the upper respiratory tract by viruses. It is seasonal and epidemic in nature, highly contagious, and leaves unstable immunity.

A cold, a cold , is the result of general or local hypothermia of the body, manifested by an exacerbation of chronic diseases of the nose, throat, pharynx and bronchi. A cold is not a diagnosis, but a provoking factor. To catch a cold means to become hypothermic, to freeze.

We wet our feet, ate cold ice cream, sat in a draft - and we got a cold. A cold develops when the local immunity of the respiratory tract decreases.

Thus, respiratory diseases include both acute respiratory infections and colds. But the differences between them are fundamental. Acute respiratory infections are caused by viruses, symptoms last 3-7 days, and are treated with antiviral drugs. A cold is bacterial in nature, essentially it is an exacerbation of a previously existing disease, lasts more than 1 week, is mostly treated with antibiotics, and does not leave immunity.

In everyday life, the word “cold” is more often used to define acute respiratory infections. Read about acute respiratory infections in early pregnancy here.

A cold worsens the course of chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract and the symptoms of each of them are specific. But still, with a cold in early pregnancy, the following may be observed :

1. intoxication syndrome - fever, aches, chills, fatigue, weakness, headache, pain in muscles and joints.
2. local manifestations - runny nose, with the discharge of green mucus (and not transparent, as with acute respiratory infections), nasal congestion, cough, difficulty swallowing, feeling of a lump in the throat, sore throat, sputum production (from yellow-green to brownish), soreness, rawness, increased sensitivity of the mucous membrane, lack of voice, changes in its characteristics, enlarged lymph nodes and others.

So, a cold includes an exacerbation of the following diseases :

• tonsillitis
• rhinitis
• sinusitis (sinusitis, sinusitis)
• angina
• pharyngitis
• laryngitis
• bronchitis

A cold in pregnant women in the early stages is not only uncomfortable, but also quite serious. The body is preparing to bear the fetus and has no strength left to fight the bacterial infection. At the same time, the immune system is in a state of suppression, both by pregnancy hormones and after exposure to cold. And this gives even more chances for bacteria to multiply.

An ENT doctor (otorhinolaryngologist) can determine that you have a cold and not an acute respiratory infection. He will look at the mucous membrane of the nose, throat, larynx, and from what he sees it will be possible to judge the nature of the inflammatory process - purulent, catarrhal and the pathogen that caused it (bacteria, virus). It will be necessary to take a general blood test with a leukocyte formula; an increase in the number of leukocytes (white blood cells) and segmented neutrophils indicates the bacterial nature of the infection. A general urine test for colds in early pregnancy must be taken several times, with an interval of one week. After all, one of the most common complications of tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis is glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis and ascending urinary tract infection.

Bacteriological seeding of secretions from the nose, throat, and tonsils is carried out to identify the pathogen and qualitatively select an antibiotic effective against it.

Colds in the early stages of pregnancy can be treated at home; only if complications develop or are severe, hospitalization is required. As mentioned above, the cold is a heterogeneous disease and the treatment of each disease must be approached individually. And yet the general principles of treatment for all colds are the same:

• home semi-bed rest
• insulate your feet (the temperature of the feet and the temperature of the tonsils have a direct relationship)
• “light” but high-calorie food
• drink warm (not hot!) in moderation, but not less than 2 liters per day
• gargling every 30-60 minutes
• nasal rinsing
• Take antipyretics only at temperatures above 38.5°C, only paracetamol
• antibiotics only with a doctor’s prescription in the prescribed dose and duration
• no antiviral drugs needed
• immunomodulators and others like them that affect the immune system are prohibited during pregnancy
• homeopathic medicines should only be prescribed by a homeopathic physician

Colds in early pregnancy can be treated well if you follow your doctor's recommendations.

Be healthy!

Cold on the lip in early pregnancy - is it dangerous?

As a rule, most young mothers who have discovered unpleasant pimples while carrying a baby have already repeatedly encountered this problem before conception. In this case, there is no need to worry. The mother's body quickly produces all the necessary antibodies to protect the fetus.

If a woman has not previously encountered this type of herpes, then a cold on the lip in the early stages of pregnancy can affect the process of bearing the baby and its health. This is because the virus multiplies very quickly. Thanks to this, it is able to penetrate the placenta and infect the fetus. This happens in 50-60% of cases. This can lead to disruption of the formation of the baby’s internal organs. Very often, children are born with damage to the nervous system, brain, vision and hearing. There may be general physical and mental retardation in development.

If the cold appears for the first time, and the woman has just learned about her interesting situation, then there is a risk of miscarriage. In such situations, doctors sometimes even advise artificially terminating the pregnancy.

However, most people have already developed antibodies to the herpes virus, so cases of such consequences are minimal.

How dangerous is a cold for a pregnant woman in the early stages?

During this period, the formation of all life systems of the child occurs. And it is clear that a cold suffered by the mother can lead to disturbances in the development of those organs, the formation of which occurs at the time of illness. Although there is no sufficient scientific evidence for this statement. In addition, spontaneous termination of pregnancy, or simply a miscarriage, can occur.

However, there is no need to panic at the slightest hint of an acute respiratory infection. If all the runny noses suffered by a pregnant woman led to fetal anomalies, there would be no healthy people around at all.

Of course, you need treatment. You should not let the process take its course. This can lead to more severe consequences in the form of bacterial complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia. How to treat and with what? I studied this issue quite well, since I was ill myself in the eighth week of pregnancy.

How does a cold affect fetal development?

If we talk about official studies, then 16.8% of women who suffered from colds gave birth to babies with congenital anomalies. However, 14.4% of the fair sex, who gave birth to completely healthy babies, also experienced problems with viral illnesses.

There is no reliable evidence that there are serious consequences of catching a cold in early pregnancy. Exceptions include only those cases when carrying babies was accompanied by fever (very high temperature). Studies confirming that this is a teratogenic factor have long been carried out. They confirmed that fever has a negative effect on the fetus. Therefore, if a high temperature appears, a cold in the early stages of pregnancy should be treated under the supervision of a physician.

However, each situation is individual. Fetal development abnormalities can be associated with hundreds of other factors to which colds have nothing to do.

The main symptoms of a cold and its effect on pregnancy

Symptoms of a cold in the early stages of pregnancy, up to 12 weeks, are different, they can be as follows:

• headache;
• general malaise;
• weakness;
• cough;
• runny nose;
• temperature increase;
• lack of appetite;
• painful sensations in the throat.

These symptoms may appear gradually, some of them may be absent, but as the disease progresses, your health will worsen. Typically, the peak symptoms of a cold occur in the first 3 days. Therefore, it is necessary to pay due attention to the pregnant woman and seek help from a doctor.

Adequate and timely treatment of colds in the early stages will prevent unwanted consequences.

At the first symptoms, you need to contact a therapist or ENT doctor who will assess the patient’s condition and prescribe treatment that is acceptable during pregnancy.

It is important not to take medications without a doctor’s prescription, since in the first weeks of pregnancy the formation of the most important organs and systems in the fetus occurs. Some medications can interfere with this process.

How dangerous is a cold for a pregnant woman? It is dangerous not only for the fetus, but also for the woman herself. The most serious complication is miscarriage. A cold can affect the further course of pregnancy and manifest itself in the form of polyhydramnios, malformations, premature rupture of water, fetal hypoxia or difficult labor.

If, after a cold, according to test results, pregnancy proceeds without complications, it should not adversely affect the fetus. Therefore, knowing that a cold is dangerous in the early stages of pregnancy will help a woman take responsibility for her health.

How does cough affect pregnancy?

As a rule, this symptom always accompanies viral diseases. When coughing, the diaphragm and the front wall of the abdomen tense, so many worry that this could harm the fetus.

No need to worry. As a rule, a cough cannot lead to negative consequences. But a woman who is worried about this issue can provoke a stressful state in herself. It can just negatively affect the process of bearing a baby.

Nervousness triggers the production of cortisol, which can cross the placenta. Therefore, there is no need to worry once again about every “sneeze.”

Consequences

Like any other disease, ARVI, if not treated in time, can cause significant harm to the patient’s body. And if we are talking about a pregnant woman, then the harm extends, of course, to the body of the developing fetus.

One of the most dangerous consequences of advanced ARVI is miscarriage. In this case, the disease leads to rejection of the fetus by the body, resulting in spontaneous abortion.

It is also worth paying attention to what antibiotics there are for a child with ARVI and which one is best to use.

ARVI significantly reduces a woman’s immunity. Against the background of such a decrease, exacerbation of chronic diseases is likely. This is another very real danger of this infection. If a pregnant woman has a history of bronchitis, rheumatism, cholecystitis, or other diseases, they may worsen due to a weakening of the body’s defenses. Complications associated with chronic diseases are also likely: and this is a completely different level of danger, more serious.

If an acute respiratory viral infection affects the body of a pregnant woman in the second or third month, there is a possibility that the development of any internal organs of the baby will be either delayed or defective.

In the video - what the consequences may be:

If treatment is not started on time or carried out incorrectly, a respiratory infection can penetrate deeper into the pregnant woman’s body. This can lead to serious complications such as:

• pneumonia;
• sinusitis;
• laryngitis;
• pharyngitis;
• otitis media, etc.

In addition, a viral infection increases the workload of a woman’s heart and kidneys. The patient often sneezes and coughs, which can lead to increased tone of the uterus due to constant tension in the abdominal muscles. A stuffy nose can lead to oxygen starvation of the fetus. It is therefore very important to visit a doctor on time or call him at home in order to begin adequate and competent treatment. It is strictly not recommended for a pregnant woman to take any medications on her own or use traditional medicine recipes.

What to do if you have a cold

First of all, it is worth transferring the woman to a quiet room in which the air temperature is maintained within 22-23 degrees (there is no need to warm up the room any more). The humidity level should also be comfortable. The room must be ventilated periodically.

Like any other person, if a cold occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, a woman should adhere to bed rest, not lift heavy objects, and sleep more.

In the initial stages of the development of the disease, many recommend drinking as much fluid as possible. However, ladies in an interesting position should be careful. It is worth giving up herbal teas, sugar and large amounts of honey.

If we talk about nutrition, then pregnant women should reduce their food intake, as this is an additional burden on a weakened body. It is recommended to eat light soups, vegetables and fruits.

The cold itself cannot cause serious harm to the fetus. However, when the first symptoms of viral illnesses appear, everyone begins to take medications that can quickly improve their well-being. Ladies in position should be very careful in this matter. Not all cold medicines are as safe as they seem.

How to cure a cold in a pregnant woman?

Colds during early pregnancy can be treated using different means. If it is mild, then there is no need to take medications - you can use traditional medicine. But even in this case, caution must be exercised, since not all of its products are approved for use by pregnant women. The following methods for treating colds in early pregnancy are the safest.

1. Rinse. They help well with painful sensations in the throat, perform an antiseptic function and help prevent sore throat. You can gargle with an infusion of herbs (chamomile, sage, calendula) and special solutions (sea salt, salt with iodine).
2. Inhalations and aromatherapy. If there is no fever, then these procedures will help cope with colds. Inhalations are carried out with rosehip oil or eucalyptus oil. To do this, heat water in a kettle and add a few drops of oil. Next, covering themselves with a thick cloth over their heads, they bend over a bowl of scented water and breathe in it. But caution must be exercised if allergic manifestations are observed.
3. Nasal drops. Your doctor will help you choose the right nasal drops for a cold. If the nose is stuffy, then drops with a vasoconstrictor effect can be used for no more than 3 days.

Do not forget about taking vitamins and drinking plenty of warm water, which will help you cope with the disease faster.

If a cold in early pregnancy is accompanied by fever, cough and headaches, drug therapy may be required. How to treat such a cold? Only by means that will not have a harmful effect on the fetus.

In any case, consultation with a doctor is necessary. In order not to worry that medications taken as needed for colds up to 12 weeks will negatively affect the development of the fetus, it is necessary to follow all preventive measures.

Antipyretics

Paracetamol is considered the safest drug of this type. This remedy has repeatedly undergone various studies, during which it was found that this medicine is not capable of causing malformations or complications during pregnancy and childbirth. However, as with all drugs, it is important not to exceed the recommended dosage.

Also, while carrying a baby, you can take other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include aspirin and ibuprofen. Acetylsalicylic acid has not been recommended for pregnant women for a long time, but it is worth considering that modern drugs have come a long way. Today, aspirin is considered safe. At the same time, it is absorbed very quickly and does not damage the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.

Antitussives

If we talk about these cold medications, then you should not be afraid of negative consequences if you take drugs that contain dextromethorphan. This component helps combat cough pathogens, improves sleep and has a weak analgesic effect. Despite the fact that the instructions for similar formulations contain contraindications for use in the early stages of pregnancy, according to all known studies, dextromethorphan is absolutely safe and cannot cause harm to a young mother or her unborn baby.

Decongestants

Tablets for colds in early pregnancy, effervescent formulations, capsules, teas and powders belong to this group of products. As a rule, they are combination medications that relieve pain and help cope with high fever.

The most popular among these products are powder mixtures, which quickly dissolve in water and are consumed in the form of drinks. However, if such drugs contain pseudoephedrine, it can be taken in minimal quantities so as not to harm the fetus.

Decongestants also include products intended for inhalation, creams for the nasal mucosa and solutions that are instilled into the nose. According to early studies, such drugs are not capable of adversely affecting the development of the fetus. However, additional tests were carried out. Based on the data obtained, doctors came to the conclusion that intranasal decongestants should not be taken 2 months before conception and during the first trimester. According to the same studies, there was no connection between the use of oral decongestants and fetal anomalies. Therefore, you should give preference to these cold remedies in the early stages of pregnancy.

How to treat a cold in early pregnancy

In the first trimester, cold treatment should not be neglected. Many women make the serious mistake of refusing treatment for fear that the medications will harm the baby.

The doctor will select a treatment regimen using medications approved during pregnancy. Their use will cause much less harm than the complications of a prolonged cold.

General recommendations for colds:

• gentle bed rest;
• plenty of warm drinks;
• leg insulation;
• light but nutritious diet.

At elevated temperatures, paracetamol can be taken.

In some cases, and only as prescribed by a doctor, pregnant women are allowed to take medications containing ibuprofen.

Aspirin and drugs containing it are prohibited during pregnancy because they cause fetal malformations. It is also prohibited to take Nimesulide (Nise) and Analgin during pregnancy.

Also, pregnant women should avoid physiotherapy, mustard plasters and hot baths and foot baths.

Local preparations

To make breathing easier, rinsing the nose with saline solution is recommended. You can make it yourself or purchase a pharmacy form in the form of a spray (Aqualor, Aquamaris and others). Regular rinsing will clear the nasal passages of secretions, moisturize irritated mucous membranes and make breathing easier.

• Such a common remedy for the common cold as nasal vasoconstrictor drops is not recommended for use during pregnancy. However, sometimes they are still prescribed, but only in cases where a woman cannot breathe fully due to severe nasal congestion.

In this case, it is permissible to use drops such as Otrivin, Sanorin, Pinosol.

Sprays can only be used with the permission of a doctor; the duration of therapy should not exceed 3 days.

The safest and most accessible type of inhalation for pregnant women is inhalation with regular steam or decoctions of medicinal herbs (chamomile, sage, calendula).

You can add a few drops of rosehip, eucalyptus, hyssop or chamomile essential oil to the water (if you are not allergic to aromatic oils). The approved medications for sore throat during pregnancy are Faringosept, Lizobact, Tantum Verde, and Miramistin sprays.

Traditional methods of treatment

The most popular folk remedy for colds is tea with honey, lemon or raspberries.

It is best to drink it at night, so that you can immediately wrap yourself in a warm blanket and fall asleep.

Warm milk with honey and butter will help relieve cough and sore throat. Lingonberry and cranberry fruit drinks and rosehip decoction can help the immune system in the fight against colds.

If you have a runny nose, you can apply a warm boiled egg or a bag of heated salt to the bridge of your nose. Then you need to rinse your nose with saline solution and drop a couple of drops of aloe or Kalanchoe juice into each nostril.

Quick relief from sore throat comes with gargling.

For rinsing, you can use solutions of sea or table salt, soda, herbal decoctions (sage, chamomile, oak bark, calendula). The procedure should be repeated every 1.5-2 hours.

Expectorants

Drugs included in the expectorant group are also often used for colds and are included in most cough mixtures and syrups.

If we talk about the safest components, then you can safely take Tussin, Coldrex Broncho and other products made on the basis of guaifenesin.

Bromhexine, contained in most drugs in this group, also does not pose a danger to pregnant women. But it is better to refuse the well-known “Mukaltin” while carrying a baby. The fact is that it contains marshmallow root, which has abortifacient properties.

During a cold during pregnancy in the 1st trimester, you should be wary of all expectorants made from natural herbs. Most of them are absolutely safe for the woman herself, but can have a detrimental effect on the development of the fetus or cause a miscarriage.

A little about the problem

ARVI is an abbreviation meaning acute respiratory viral infection. The disease is caused by pneumotropic viruses and usually occurs in an acute form. Note that this disease is one of the most common in the world.

Pregnant women are at risk because their bodies are usually weakened in the early stages and their immunity is naturally reduced. Medical statistics indicate that from 55 to 80% of all pregnant women suffered from ARVI at one time or another. Infection occurs by airborne droplets, and virus strains spread very quickly in this case. But what the first symptoms of ARVI may look like and how treatment occurs at home is detailed here.

In the video, what problems can arise from a cold during pregnancy:

Symptoms of the disease are as follows:

• general weakness, lethargy;
• nasal congestion, difficulty breathing;
• cough and sore throat, sore throat;
• headache;
• temperature increase;
• runny nose.

Treatment of the disease should begin when the very first signs appear. But before starting to take any medications, a pregnant woman should consult a doctor so as not to harm the unborn child by taking strong or inappropriate medications.

You may also be interested in information about why a child develops a cough after an acute respiratory infection and what can be done about this problem.

Echinacea

This plant began to enjoy enormous popularity. When deciding how to treat a cold in early pregnancy, many women prefer this particular remedy, which is included in a huge number of drugs. Echinacea is used to prepare mixtures, tablets, teas, etc. Moreover, the products can be purchased at any pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription.

For a long time, this herb was considered medicinal and helped fight toothache, itching from insect bites, skin damage and much more. Echinacea does have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating, antiviral and antifungal properties.

However, if we are talking about treating a pregnant woman, then you should pay attention to one important nuance. The fact is that the extract from this plant affects the formation of blood vessels (this process is called angiogenesis). This property is very useful for people suffering from sarcoma, but can have a destructive effect on the fetus. The process of embryo development is always accompanied by angiogenesis, since it is responsible for the correct formation of small vessels.

Among other things, when the fetus is formed, there is a continuous process of cell division, which develops even at a faster rate than some viruses and bacteria.

If all these processes are suppressed, this can lead to untimely development of the fetus, and in some cases even provoke the death of the unborn baby. Therefore, you should avoid echinacea. The same applies to some antiviral drugs. If they suppress the process of cell division in order to stop the development of the virus, then this can also negatively affect the embryo itself.

There is a huge amount of research confirming that echinacea has a positive effect on respiratory diseases. However, there is too little data on its effect on the fetus.

Got a cold in early pregnancy

23.10.2012 13:32
A cold is a very unpleasant and insidious disease, which is dangerous due to unexpected complications. As you know, children, the elderly and pregnant women are a special risk group. The last thing expectant mothers want is to catch a cold during this already difficult period for them, but, unfortunately, the “enemy” does not choose, and anyone can get caught in his insidious net. What danger does a cold pose to the unborn baby during pregnancy? How to repel the attack of the “enemy” in time and help a pregnant woman cope with the disease without causing harm to the fetus? We will try to answer these vital questions in this article.

What are the dangers of colds during early pregnancy?

Colds of various natures, especially in the first trimester, can turn into a tragedy for the unborn baby, causing irreversible abnormal processes in the development of the fetus, so a pregnant woman needs to think about preventive measures in advance. After all, the expectant mother’s immunity weakens somewhat as her body undergoes restructuring. Why is this happening? This process, called immunosuppression (suppression of defenses), is necessary so that the mother’s body cannot “confuse” the embryo with a harmful agent and “neutralize” it in the most cruel way. For this reason, early pregnancy often turns a woman into a target for bacteria and viruses.

During the first weeks, all vital organs of the child are formed, its cells multiply at lightning speed, and the mother’s inaction during this period is simply unacceptable. A cold in the early stages of pregnancy can lead to improper functioning of the placenta, which in turn leads to a serious disruption of the fetal nutritional processes. In addition, the risk of pathological development of organs such as the heart, liver and brain increases. A pregnant woman may suffer another sad fate as a result of a viral attack - a miscarriage.

As practice shows, the risk is high, but it can be minimized, or even reduced to zero, if you seek help from your doctor in time and take urgent measures. Vigilance in such situations is never superfluous, and negligence towards yourself and the unborn baby can become a fatal mistake, which, alas, cannot be corrected.

How to treat a cold in early pregnancy

It is known that harm to the unborn child is caused not only by viruses, microbes and bacteria, but also by the woman’s condition, which is caused by the vital activity of harmful agents in the body: high fever, muscle aches, runny nose and other unpleasant symptoms. How should you act in such situations? First of all, we must not forget about bed rest. This approach will already reduce the risk of developing various defects in the fetus. The use of synthetic drugs will have to be minimized or completely eliminated. Under no circumstances should you take aspirin-containing medications to reduce fever (they cause developmental defects in the child). The best alternative to aspirin may be warm tea with linden or raspberry. If folk remedies fail to bring down the temperature, you can drink Paracetamol.

Symptoms of a cold such as a cough, runny nose or sore throat can also cause discomfort. Since taking most synthetic drugs is prohibited during the first trimester of pregnancy, you will have to be content with the same folk methods: gargling with herbal decoctions (sage, eucalyptus, chamomile), rinsing the nose with sea salt, inhalation three times a day. Perhaps these measures will be enough to ease the symptoms of a cold.

What are the dangers of colds during late pregnancy?

A cold in a woman in late pregnancy, according to doctors, does not entail such severe consequences - the baby’s organs are already formed, and the placenta, which is a powerful barrier against microorganisms, too. But this does not mean at all that a cold, starting from the second half of pregnancy, can be left to chance. After all, the mother has a great event ahead - the birth of a long-awaited baby, so she needs to take care of her strength and health.

Thus, colds in women in late pregnancy can disrupt the further course of labor. Moreover, the likelihood of transmitting viruses to the child during its passage through the birth canal increases. Also among the complications caused by a cold in the mother in late pregnancy are fetal hypoxia, placental insufficiency and even premature onset of contractions. The risk is usually not great, but it exists.

How to treat a cold in late pregnancy

It is unacceptable to carry the disease on your feet - this is the first thing to consider. However, this rule applies to any trimester of pregnancy. The use of synthetic drugs during this period is very limited, but does not have such strict prohibitions. When coughing, it is permissible to use expectorant syrups (except those containing codeine) or natural herbal preparations (for example, Mucaltin), sold in pharmacies. To eliminate the main symptoms, you can also drink teas from linden, coltsfoot, licorice root, calendula, chamomile, thermopsis, marshmallow and oregano.

A runny nose is treated by washing with saline solutions. If the nose is completely stuffy, it is advisable to instill it with Nazivin. The red throat is irrigated with a solution of soda, herbal decoctions, Furacilin or Rotokan, and the temperature (if it is above 38 C) is brought down with warm tea made from antipyretic herbs - raspberries, linden, coltsfoot. If unconventional methods do not help reduce the temperature, you should take Paracetamol. Before using any synthetic drug, you must consult your doctor.

Preventing colds during pregnancy

Now there are already two of you, and protecting the baby by any means is the main task of the expectant mother. The issue of preventing colds is extremely important during pregnancy, especially in its early stages. First of all, because the “piquant situation” itself causes a decrease in immunity. The list of cold medications available during pregnancy is very limited, so to prevent illness it is very important to take care of basic safety rules:

It's easy to catch a cold from air conditioning, but difficult to cure

— When going outside in the midst of an epidemic, be sure to wear a mask. Try to avoid large crowds of people;

- When you get home, rinse your nasal cavity with saline solution, gargle with soda solution - this will prevent the proliferation of microorganisms;

- At night, grate garlic or onion, place it on a plate and place it next to your bed until the morning - this will “neutralize” the space around you;

- Make sure your diet is varied, nutritious and rich in vitamins (especially vitamin C). If your doctor allows it, you can take additional mineral and vitamin complexes;

— Do not forget to regularly ventilate the apartment/room;

— To prevent colds during pregnancy, you can also instill aloe juice diluted with water (1:1 ratio).

Pregnancy complicated by a cold is a difficult test for the expectant mother and baby. If the first symptoms have already “manifested themselves in all their glory,” do not delay and start treatment with traditional methods as early as possible. The main thing is not to panic, but to seek help in time. After all, your worries will negatively affect the baby’s health. If treatment is started in time, perhaps the child will not even “notice” the mother’s illness.

Vitamin C

Many women are worried about colds in the early stages of pregnancy. Not everyone knows what to do and how to treat it. Many people prefer vitamin C, which is popular today. It would seem that what could be more harmless than the component found in citrus fruits? In fact, it is very difficult to answer this question accurately.

A huge amount of research has been carried out on this component. However, all the tests carried out did not clarify the issue. Some scientists categorically deny the positive properties of ascorbic acid, while others, on the contrary, are convinced of the benefits of this vitamin.

To be fair, it is worth noting that most of the laboratory studies were conducted without the participation of a control group. This approach contradicts all the rules of medicine. Therefore, these results cannot be called reliable. There were also many controversial issues regarding the dosage of the drug required to prevent colds.

Although vitamin C is widely recommended for combating viral illnesses, it is worth noting that the effect of this component on pregnant women has not been fully studied. Also, not a single official study has been conducted that could answer the question of what effect vitamin C has on pregnancy. Therefore, no doctor can say whether taking this drug can provoke premature birth or other negative consequences. In order not to take unnecessary risks, you should abandon such experiments and give preference to proven means.

Is there any danger

If a woman, having just become pregnant, gets sick with ARVI, she is usually very scared. Many believe that it is in the early stages that it is most dangerous for the expectant mother to suffer any diseases. In addition, doctors say that at the beginning of pregnancy, the condition of most women is already unimportant, so any illness is especially difficult for them to bear. The occurrence of complications, including bacterial ones, is also possible.

Of particular danger is the possibility of the disease having a negative impact on the development of the fetus. This possibility exists, and the doctor’s task is to minimize this risk.

The danger of acute respiratory viral infection in early pregnancy is that during this period the immunity of the expectant mother is reduced. As a rule, immunity returns to normal only by the second trimester, and until this time the woman’s body is vulnerable to various viruses and infections.

Let us note, however, that many expectant mothers experience ARVI in the early stages, and almost all of them have a successful outcome. Therefore, it is impossible to talk about any terrible risk in this case. The most important thing is to immediately consult a doctor and, under the guidance of a specialist, begin competent treatment. After all, the main danger in this case is not the disease itself, but its complications: it is important to minimize the likelihood of such complications occurring. But what signs of ARVI and influenza can be identified in adults, and what medications should be used, are indicated here.

The video shows the dangers when treating ARVI in a pregnant woman:

Prevention of colds during early pregnancy

In order not to rack your brains over the treatment of a simple cough or runny nose, it is worth taking the necessary preventive measures. First of all, you should eat right. If the body does not receive all the necessary microelements and natural vitamins, then the pregnant woman’s immunity weakens even more.

Exercising (but not strength training) and frequent walks in the fresh air will help keep the fair sex in good shape. You should also avoid crowded places, especially during periods of epidemics of viral diseases. If necessary, it is recommended to use a protective gauze bandage. In addition, you should refrain from communicating with sick people.

The apartment must be cleaned and ventilated regularly. The temperature and humidity in the room should be optimal.

If a woman is susceptible to viral illnesses, then you need to make sure that she has her own room. If you are allergic to plants and animals, you should also avoid contact with them. In such a state, the protective functions of the expectant mother’s body can be significantly weakened.

Also, you should not bring yourself to a stressful state. If a woman is too nervous and does not sleep well, her immune system fails. Therefore, there is no need to worry about trifles. If you have a mild cold, you can see a doctor, but there is nothing to worry about. Since the body of the expectant mother is able to cope with minor ailments. If the temperature rises sharply, you should immediately call emergency help.

Treatment of colds during pregnancy

• If you experience a runny nose during pregnancy, rinse your nose with a weak solution of sea salt.
• You can also lubricate the outside of your nose and temples with Zvezdochka balm.
• Menthol oil, which can be instilled directly into the nose, also helps to cope with a runny nose.
• If you have a sore throat, then experts recommend using gargles based on a decoction of chamomile, calendula, and sage.
• An infusion of oak bark also helps very well.
• Use an inhaler with a little baking soda.
• To cure colds during pregnancy, drink more. Drinking plenty of warm fluids helps thin the mucus and makes it much easier to clear when coughing.

Attention!

Steaming the legs of pregnant women is strictly contraindicated, but it is difficult to make hot baths for the hands.

How to reduce fever during pregnancy?

As you know, an increase in temperature is a protective reaction of the body, but the immune system is suppressed during pregnancy. Therefore, the expectant mother may not have a temperature, if not to mention its slight rise, characteristic of the beginning of pregnancy.

If a pregnant woman’s temperature rises above 37.5 degrees, this can be dangerous for the unborn child and therefore needs to be brought down. First, call your doctor and be sure to inform him about your situation so that he can select the safest gentle medications.

• On your own, you can only use tea with lemon or raspberry, as well as rubbing with cool water.
• Or you can use an old folk remedy - rub the body with a solution of 3% vinegar in water - so that the water is sour.
• You can also use vodka, which also needs to be diluted with water.

While pregnant, be attentive to your health, and you can minimize the risks that arise at the beginning of pregnancy or completely eliminate them.