Flu, runny nose and cold in pregnancy. Effective treatment stops the symptoms

Every illness during pregnancy will cause the future mother to worry about herself and the baby. Whether it's a cold, a cold or the flu, there's no need to panic. What helps with colds and flu in pregnancy? How to proceed in order to overcome unpleasant symptoms as soon as possible? When to see a doctor?

Weakened immunity during pregnancy

Physiological and hormonal changes occur during pregnancy - the woman's body changes and pregnancy hormones also act, which, among other things, are behind the changed immune mechanisms of the future mother. In pregnant women, due to a weakened immune system, a mild cold often appears at the beginning of pregnancy, which is considered one of the symptoms of pregnancy. A woman is susceptible to respiratory diseases during the entire pregnancy.

Runny nose in pregnancy

It is the most common disease of the upper respiratory tract. A cold can be infectious (relatively contagious) or non-infectious (e.g. allergic). Most often, the origin is an infection, while the inflammation starts in the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. An acute viral disease is manifested primarily by swelling, restriction of nasal passage, and increased production of mucus. Inflammation of the mucous membrane leads to swelling, which limits the passage of the nose, and this can be accompanied by an increased discharge from the nose. The incubation period of a cold is very short - it lasts from 12 hours to 3 days, the disease usually lasts 7 to 10 days, a stuffy nose can bother you for several weeks. A severe cold during pregnancy can be really unpleasant, but it should not endanger the baby. A cold is often a secondary symptom of inflammation of the respiratory tract, e.g. flu. Colds and colds are often referred to as one and the same disease, sometimes colds are referred to as just one of the symptoms (stuffy nose) of colds and flu.

During pregnancy, the so-called pregnancy cold. Clogged nasal cavities in this case do not cause allergies or colds. This condition can last up to six weeks. It can occur at any time during pregnancy, but the most typical period for a pregnancy cold is the first trimester of pregnancy.

Cold in pregnancy

A cold during pregnancy is a very common disease that most likely no mother can avoid. Colds are caused by one of about 200 types of viruses, rhinoviruses are often the cause of the disease. Rather, it is considered a milder disease that can be managed without medication. But that doesn't mean you should underestimate him. During pregnancy, a woman should be doubly careful, therefore it is advisable to visit a doctor for any illness.

The most common symptoms of a cold (they develop gradually) are:

A cold is very similar to the flu, but this disease is milder and its incubation period is longer. The symptoms of the common cold last about a week.

Flu in pregnancy

A viral disease that is transmitted by droplet infection, with a short incubation period (symptoms appear several hours, rarely days after infection). It is one of the most common diseases of the respiratory tract, so it is not surprising that it often afflicts expectant mothers as well.

Flu symptoms appear suddenly, most often they are:

The flu is dangerous for the child during pregnancy, especially during the 1st trimester, when the fetal organs are developing, but you should not underestimate it during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters either. In no case should you try to "walk through" a cold or flu.

Cold vs flu

These two diseases are often confused, as they have similar symptoms. So how to tell them apart? The beginnings of the disease are different, a cold spreads for several days, the onset of the disease is gradual, the flu manifests itself suddenly, it starts within a few hours. An elevated temperature of up to 38 °C appears during a cold, a symptom of the flu is a rapid onset of fever, often above 39 °C. A runny nose and stuffy nose are a characteristic sign of a cold, but this symptom is rare in the case of the flu. A sore throat is common at the beginning of a cold, there may be a moderate headache and rarely pain in the limbs. With the flu, a sore throat is very unlikely, a headache is typical and stronger than with a cold, as well as muscle and limb pain. Both diseases are accompanied by a dry cough, with a cold it appears at the beginning and at the end of the disease, in between there is frequent productive cough. Weakness is also a common symptom, patients usually feel weak during a cold, rapid and severe weakness is typical for the flu. The patient gets over a cold in 7 to 9 days, the flu lasts 7 to 14 days.

Treatment of colds in pregnancy

If it is not necessary, do not consume medicines during pregnancy, rather focus on rest and natural treatment when you have a cold. Regimen measures will contribute to the relief of pain and bring you relief from the disease. For example, try:

You can alleviate the symptoms of the disease with the help of herbal teas, honeydew, mint, ginger, rosehip or linden flower are very helpful for flu and colds during pregnancy. If the disease does not subside and none of the above advice has helped, support the treatment with appropriate pills after consulting a doctor. Expectant mothers can take medicines to reduce fever containing paracetamol.

Treatment of influenza during pregnancy

Influenza is mostly treated symptomatically, medicines are administered against individual symptoms. The temperature during pregnancy should not exceed 38 °C for a long time in order to avoid endangering the fetus. To reduce it, you can use wraps, a shower, but also anti-fever drugs (antipyretics). A saline solution or a decoction of plantain will help with a sore throat. For sinus infections, you can try steaming. It is important to observe sufficient fluid intake, increased intake of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and zinc. Rest in bed, regular ventilation of the room should be a matter of course. Nasal drops for pregnant women containing essential oils or sprays with sea water are effective for colds, e.g. Sanorin and Olynth. Their long-term use is not recommended. In serious cases, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, during pregnancy penicillin, cephalosporins and fusafungin (Bioparox) are suitable drugs of this type.

Prevention of flu and colds

Colds and flu during pregnancy can be prevented. The basis is to avoid apparently sick people and places with a large number of people. Increased hygiene in the form of more frequent hand washing and use of disinfectant will not hurt either. You can also prevent the flu with the help of vaccination, an injection with the vaccine will not harm the developing fetus in any way. Preventive measures also include the use of probiotics, increased intake of vitamins and minerals in the diet or in the form of nutritional supplements. Don't forget to eat healthy, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, get enough sleep and exercise.

When to see a doctor?

In the case of a cold, cold or flu, it is advisable to first try all symptomatic measures, i.e. bed rest, adequate drinking regime, vitamin intake or fresh air. If the condition does not improve and strong symptoms start to worry you, you should go to a specialist. Reasons for visiting a doctor are cold symptoms lasting longer than a few days, difficulty breathing and rapid onset of fever (over 39°C). Warning signs are also chest pressure, dizziness, vomiting or disorientation.

Flu, colds and colds in pregnancy - experience

According to the discussing mothers, you should keep calm and think positively when you are sick. Stress is not good for your health, you need to rest in bed and drink plenty of fluids, especially tea. Steaming over a saline solution and gargling with salt water also helps, Paralen helps with elevated temperature. Some mothers recommend Oscillococcinum for colds and flu.

The most frequent questions - FAQ

Colds and flu can be very unpleasant during pregnancy, they contribute to the discomfort of expectant mothers, which is related to physiological and hormonal changes in their bodies. Concerns about one's own health and the health of the fetus are appropriate, but there is no need to stress. Prevention and early detection of the disease is important in order to get rid of it quickly and ideally without medication.

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