How can pregnant women safely treat cold and flu symptoms. What medications are considered safe for use during pregnancy. Which home remedies can provide relief for pregnant women with colds or flu. When should a pregnant woman seek medical attention for cold or flu symptoms.

Understanding Cold and Flu Risks During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a vulnerable time for women, especially when it comes to dealing with common illnesses like colds and flu. The immune system naturally weakens during pregnancy to prevent the body from rejecting the fetus, making expectant mothers more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. This increased vulnerability raises important questions about how to safely manage these illnesses while protecting both mother and baby.

Pregnant women face a higher risk of complications from the flu compared to non-pregnant individuals of the same age. These complications may include pneumonia, bronchitis, or sinus infections, which can potentially lead to more serious outcomes such as premature delivery and birth defects. Understanding these risks is crucial for expectant mothers to take appropriate precautions and seek timely medical care when necessary.

Safe Medications for Cold and Flu During Pregnancy

Many pregnant women wonder about the safety of taking medications to alleviate cold and flu symptoms. While it’s generally advised to avoid all medications during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, some options are considered safe after this critical period of fetal organ development. Here’s a list of medications that are typically deemed safe for use after the first trimester:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for aches, pains, and fevers
• Cough drops or lozenges
• Topical menthol
• Nasal strips
• Cough suppressants for nighttime use
• Expectorants for daytime use
• Calcium-carbonate antacids (e.g., Mylanta, Tums) for heartburn or upset stomach
• Plain cough syrup
• Dextromethorphan (Robitussin) and dextromethorphan-guaifenesin (Robitussin DM) cough syrups

Is it safe to take combination medications during pregnancy? It’s best to avoid all-in-one medications that combine ingredients to tackle multiple symptoms. Instead, opt for single-ingredient medications that target specific symptoms you’re experiencing. This approach allows for better control over what you’re taking and minimizes unnecessary exposure to additional drugs.

Medications to Avoid During Pregnancy

Certain medications should be avoided during pregnancy unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider due to their potential risks to the fetus. These include:

• Aspirin (Bayer)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
• Codeine
• Bactrim (an antibiotic)

Always consult with your obstetrician or healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy, as individual circumstances may affect the safety and appropriateness of certain treatments.

Effective Home Remedies for Cold and Flu During Pregnancy

When pregnant women fall ill with a cold or flu, home remedies can offer safe and effective relief. These natural approaches can help alleviate symptoms without the need for medication in many cases. Here are some recommended home remedies:

1. Get plenty of rest to support your immune system
2. Drink ample fluids to stay hydrated
3. Gargle with warm salt water for sore throat relief
4. Use saline nasal drops or sprays to loosen mucus and soothe nasal tissues
5. Breathe warm, humid air to ease congestion (try a facial steamer or hot shower)
6. Consume chicken soup to help reduce inflammation and congestion
7. Add honey or lemon to decaffeinated tea for sore throat relief
8. Apply hot and cold packs to alleviate sinus pain

How effective are these home remedies compared to medication? While they may not provide instant relief like some medications, these natural remedies can significantly improve comfort and support the body’s healing process without introducing potentially harmful substances to your system during pregnancy.

Distinguishing Between Cold and Flu Symptoms in Pregnancy

Identifying whether you have a cold or the flu is important for proper treatment and assessing potential risks during pregnancy. While both illnesses share some common symptoms, there are key differences to note:

Common Cold Symptoms

• Mild to moderate symptoms
• Gradual onset
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Slight fatigue

Flu Symptoms

• More severe symptoms
• Sudden onset
• High fever
• Body aches
• Extreme fatigue
• Headache
• Chills
• Possible nausea or vomiting

How can pregnant women determine if they have a cold or the flu? Generally, if your symptoms are mild, you likely have a cold. The flu typically presents with more severe symptoms, including chills and significant fatigue. If you’re unsure or concerned about your symptoms, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Preventive Measures to Reduce Cold and Flu Risk During Pregnancy

Prevention is always preferable to treatment, especially during pregnancy. Pregnant women can take several steps to reduce their risk of contracting colds and flu:

• Get a flu vaccination: This is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your baby from the flu and its complications
• Practice good hand hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating or touching your face
• Get adequate sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support your immune system
• Maintain a healthy diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to boost your immunity
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals: Limit exposure to family members or friends who are ill
• Exercise regularly: Engage in moderate, pregnancy-safe exercise to enhance overall health and immunity
• Reduce stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like prenatal yoga or meditation

How effective is the flu vaccine during pregnancy? The flu vaccine is highly recommended for pregnant women and can significantly reduce the risk of flu-related complications for both mother and baby. It’s considered safe at any stage of pregnancy and can even provide some protection to the newborn in the first few months after birth.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Cold and Flu During Pregnancy

While most colds don’t pose serious risks to a developing fetus, the flu can be more concerning during pregnancy. It’s crucial to know when to seek medical attention to ensure the health and safety of both mother and baby. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Sudden dizziness or confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• High fever that doesn’t respond to acetaminophen
• Decreased fetal movement
• Vaginal bleeding

Why is prompt medical attention important for flu-like symptoms during pregnancy? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends treating pregnant women with flu-like symptoms immediately with antiviral medications. Early intervention can help prevent complications and protect both the mother and the developing fetus.

Managing Cold and Flu Symptoms Safely Throughout Pregnancy

Navigating cold and flu symptoms during pregnancy requires a balanced approach that prioritizes both symptom relief and fetal safety. By understanding safe medication options, utilizing effective home remedies, and knowing when to seek medical attention, expectant mothers can manage these common illnesses with confidence.

Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one woman may not be appropriate for another. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen during pregnancy. By staying informed and proactive about your health, you can ensure the best possible outcomes for both you and your baby throughout your pregnancy journey.

As research in prenatal care continues to evolve, stay informed about the latest recommendations for managing illnesses during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider is your best resource for personalized advice and up-to-date information on safe treatments and preventive measures tailored to your specific needs and medical history.

Treating a Cold or Flu When Pregnant

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When you become pregnant, everything that happens to you can affect not just your body but the fetus, too. This can make dealing with being sick more complicated. Before pregnancy, if you got a cold or became sick with the flu, you may have taken an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant. Now that you’re pregnant, you might wonder whether it’s safe. Although medications can relieve your symptoms, some may harm a developing fetus. But treating a cold or flu during pregnancy doesn’t have to be a stressful experience, and you can take many medications while pregnant.

Medications

According to most OB-GYNs, it’s best to avoid all medications in the first

12 weeks of pregnancy. That’s a critical time for the development of a fetus’s vital organs. It’s a good idea to speak with your doctor if you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant and currently taking medication or considering taking medication. Several medications are considered safe after 12 weeks of pregnancy. These include:

• topical menthol
• nasal strips
• cough drops or lozenges
• acetaminophen (Tylenol) for aches, pains, and fevers
• cough suppressant at night
• expectorant during the day
• calcium-carbonate (Mylanta, Tums) or similar medications for heartburn, nausea, or upset stomach
• plain cough syrup
• dextromethorphan (Robitussin) and dextromethorphan-guaifenesin (Robitussin DM) cough syrups

Avoid all-in-one medications that combine ingredients to tackle many symptoms. Instead, choose single medications for the symptoms you’re dealing with. You should also avoid the following medications while pregnant unless your doctor recommends you take them. They increase the risk for problems:

• aspirin (Bayer)
• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
• codeine
• Bactrim, an antibiotic

Home remedies for cold and flu during pregnancy

When you get sick while pregnant, your first steps should be to:

1. Get plenty of rest.
2. Drink a lot of fluids.
3. Gargle with warm salt water if you have a sore throat or cough.

If your symptoms worsen, you might want to try:

• saline nasal drops and sprays to loosen nasal mucus and soothe inflamed nasal tissue
• breathing warm, humid air to help ease congestion; a facial steamer, hot-mist vaporizer, or even a hot shower can work
• chicken soup to help relieve inflammation and soothe congestion
• adding honey or lemon to a warm cup of decaffeinated tea to relieve a sore throat
• using hot and cold packs to alleviate sinus pain

Is it a cold or the flu?

The common cold and the flu share many symptoms, such as a cough and runny nose. However, a few differences can help you tell them apart. If your symptoms are generally mild, then you likely have a cold. Also, chills and fatigue are more likely with the flu.

Things you can do to reduce your risk

When you’re pregnant, your body’s immune system becomes weaker to prevent your body from rejecting the fetus. But, it also leaves you more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections. Pregnant people are also

more likely than nonpregnant folks their age to have flu complications. These complications may include pneumonia, bronchitis, or sinus infections. Getting a flu vaccination can reduce your risk of infection and complications. Other things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick include:

• washing your hands often
• getting enough sleep
• eating a healthy diet
• avoiding close contact with sick family or friends
• exercising regularly
• reducing stress

When should I call my doctor?

Although most colds don’t cause problems for a fetus, you should take the flu more seriously. Flu complications increase the risk of premature delivery and birth defects. Get immediate medical help if you experience the following symptoms:

• dizziness
• difficulty breathing
• chest pain or pressure
• vaginal bleeding
• confusion
• severe vomiting
• high fever that isn’t reduced by acetaminophen
• decreased fetal movement

The

CDC recommends treating pregnant people with flu-like symptoms immediately with antiviral medications. Call your doctor’s office if you have any questions or you’re not sure your symptoms are worrisome.

Takeaway

Getting sick while pregnant can be particularly unpleasant, and you might wonder whether it’s safe to take OTC medications to ease your symptoms. Generally, doctors recommend avoiding medications in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you’re currently taking medication for a condition or it’s after 12 weeks, and you want to take something to reduce cold or flu symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk with a doctor about what’s safe and what you should avoid.

medicine that’s safe for pregnant women?

Sep 24th, 2020
Mid-Atlantic Women’s Care

Obstetrics

When you are pregnant, your immune system doesn’t operate at maximum capacity, which is actually a good thing because it keeps your growing baby protected, and stops your body from thinking the fetus is an intruder. However, this comes with the downside that your body can’t ward off the viruses that cause the common cold quite as effectively. This can leave you vulnerable to the symptoms that come along, including a congested nose, cough, and sore throat. 

As we move into cold and flu season, you may find yourself coming down with a cold, and while you can rest assured that your baby isn’t experiencing any of them, you want to get rid of the symptoms quickly and safely. While colds are mostly an uncomfortable annoyance best managed by a little extra rest, fluids, and patience, you may find yourself seeking out cold medications to alleviate your symptoms. We recommend making a call to your OBGYN so they can steer you in the right direction in terms of cold medications that are considered safe during pregnancy. Here are our own recommendations on what to do if you get sick while pregnant.

Common cold symptoms during pregnancy

Generally, a cold will start with a sore or scratchy throat lasting about a day or two, followed by the gradual onset of other symptoms which may include:

• Sneezing
• Mild fatigue
• A runny, then later stuffy nose
• A dry cough, particularly as the cold is ending which may continue for a week or more after the other symptoms have mostly subsided
• A low-grade fever typically under 100 degrees Fahrenheit

Cold symptoms usually last between 10 to 14 days. However, if your symptoms persist longer than that time frame or seem to progressively worsen, you should talk to your primary care physician so they can ensure it hasn’t turned into something more serious like an infection or the flu.  

Is it a cold or the flu?

The best way to tell the difference between a cold and the flu is to take account of the typical symptoms.

• A cold is milder than the flu. Its symptoms come on gradually and typically you only run a low-grade to no fever. It generally starts off with a sore throat that goes away after a day or two, a cold ends with the main symptoms of a runny nose and cough.
• Influenza, commonly called the flu, is more severe and the onset is more sudden than a cold. Symptoms include a high fever (typically 101-104 degrees F or higher), headache, chills, a sore throat that typically worsens by the second or third day, intense muscle soreness, and a general feeling of weakness and fatigue. These symptoms, along with sneezing and a cough, can last a couple of weeks or longer.

What to do if you get a cold while pregnant

Before turning to medicine, there are some effective cold remedies that don’t come from a pharmacy shelf. Here are ways to alleviate symptoms and feel better fast:

• Keep eating: It’s common to not have much of an appetite when you have a cold but it is important to eat a healthy diet while you are sick and pregnant.
• Rest: While this won’t necessarily shorten the duration of your cold, your body needs rest. Sleeping can prove to be a bit difficult when sick with a cold. Breathe easier by elevating your head with a few pillows. Nasal strips can also help as they gently pull your nasal passages open. They are easy to find, sold over the counter and are drug-free.
• Stay active: If you can, do some light to moderate, pregnancy-safe exercises. It will help your body to fight off the cold faster.
• Drink lots of fluids: Symptoms of colds like sneezing, runny nose, and fever causes your body to lose fluids that are essential to you and your baby. Warm beverages like tea with honey (which helps to suppress a dry cough) or hot soup with broth are soothing for your symptoms and cold water and juices work fine as well.
• Eat foods with vitamin C: Foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, melon, kiwi, and red cabbage are packed with vitamin C which will help to boost your immune system.
• Get more zinc: Pregnant women should try to get 11-15 milligrams of zinc each day, including the zinc in prenatal vitamins. Foods like turkey, beef, eggs, yogurt, wheat germ, oatmeal, and pork will also help to boost your immune system.
• Use a humidifier: Dry conditions in your home can aggravate your symptoms so using a cold or warm air humidifier at night can really help. 
• Use saline nose drops, rinses, and sprays.  All of these can help to moisten nasal passages, and they’re unmedicated, so they are safe for use while pregnant. We do recommend avoiding neti pots, however, as they can spread germs.
• Gargle with warm salt water: Gargling with warm salt water can help to ease a scratchy throat and help control a cough.

Medications that are safe for pregnant women to take for a cold

Before reaching for the medications in your medicine cabinet, reach for the phone and call your OBGYN to discuss the recommended remedies you can take for a cold while pregnant. Here are cold medications that are generally safe during pregnancy.

Acetaminophen

Taking acetaminophen like Tylenol can help in the short-term to reduce head and body aches and break a fever.

Cough medicine

Expectorants like Mucinex, cough suppressants like Robitussin, vapor rubs like Vicks VapoRub, and cough drops are all considered safe during pregnancy. But again, make sure to consult your OBGYN about safe dosages.

Nasal sprays

Plain saline drops and sprays are safe and can help to moisturize and clear a stuffy nose. Most steroid-containing nasal sprays are also safe but you should check with your doctor about brands and dosing.

Antihistamines

Benadryl and Claritin are generally safe during pregnancy but, as usual, check with your doctor as some will advise against them during the first trimester.

Medications to avoid during pregnancy

Always check with your doctor or OBGYN before taking any medications – prescription, over-the-counter, or homeopathic – particularly the following.  

• Pain relievers and fever reducers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can cause pregnancy complications, particularly if taken during the third trimester.
• Decongestants like Sudafed and DayQuil are generally cautioned against after the first trimester and only in a limited amount.
• Avoid non-steroidal nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline.
• Don’t take supplemental vitamins or herbal remedies without medical approval.

treatment in the early stages, as well as in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters

12/21/2022

9-13 minutes

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Contents

• What to do with SARS during pregnancy
• What is the danger of a disease during pregnancy
• Treatment
• Contraindications during pregnancy
• Preventive measures

Show all

ARVI or ARI is something that can happen to absolutely everyone, and expectant mothers are no exception. Pregnancy lasts for three seasons and almost always affects the period of increased incidence of SARS and influenza. So sometimes it is difficult to avoid infection, especially if a woman continues to go to work and is constantly in contact with people. But the body during this period is especially vulnerable to infection, and it is much easier to catch a cold.

How dangerous is the disease in this state for the woman herself and the unborn child? How to treat SARS during pregnancy and what are the contraindications? How to protect yourself from the disease in such a vulnerable position? Read our article, we will try to answer all the main questions.

What to do with SARS during pregnancy

Acute respiratory viral infections are one of the main reasons for hospitalization during pregnancy, so the best thing to do is to see a doctor. The specialist will select the optimal drug, taking into account pregnancy and condition, issue a sick leave certificate and, if necessary, send you for hospitalization.

Do not be afraid of this: usually the expectant mother is hospitalized to avoid possible complications and monitor her condition to prevent threats – this does not mean that the threat is already there. However, this should not be taken lightly either. The disease can be dangerous for both the expectant mother and the fetus: pregnant women are a high-risk group for the adverse course of SARS¹. What exactly is the danger of the disease during pregnancy, we will tell further.

What is the danger of the disease during pregnancy

During pregnancy, ARVI usually takes a long time, but there are no severe clinical manifestations. The fact is that during this period the immune system works in a special way (this condition is called physiological immunodeficiency), pathological processes often become chronic. At the same time, viruses penetrate from mother to fetus through the placenta, so that all three components of the mother-placenta-fetus system are included in the infectious process. What does this mean for mother and child?

Viruses can negatively affect the permeability of blood and lymphatic vessels, cause changes in the tissues and organs of the fetus, and increase the risk of infection with pathogenic microbes.

Due to the virus entering the placenta, placental insufficiency is formed, intrauterine growth retardation occurs, chronic hypoxia (oxygen starvation) of the fetus is possible. Today, a direct relationship has been proven between placental insufficiency and the severity of late gestosis (a pathological condition characteristic of the third trimester) in pregnant women.

It is especially dangerous to get ARVI in the first trimester of pregnancy: according to statistics, it is during this period that the number of complications is greatest, and it is lowest in the third trimester¹.

It should be understood that the mere presence of a cold in a future mother does not mean the mandatory development of all the described pathologies. Most women who get sick while expecting a baby give birth to healthy babies, everything ends well. It is only important to monitor the condition and take timely measures, especially in case of SARS during pregnancy in the first trimester¹.

Treatment

Treatment of acute respiratory viral infections during pregnancy is not an easy task, since information about the safety of drugs during this period is often contradictory. And many patients refuse to take any medication at all, because they think that it will harm them and the unborn child. This approach is also wrong: the longer the disease lasts, the higher the risks, and the poor health of the expectant mother also affects the child. Among the means, the use of which requires a mandatory consultation with a doctor, the following can be noted:

• paracetamol if a woman has a fever, headache, pain in the muscles and joints, which are often observed in ARVI. In studies conducted on animals and humans, no risk of using paracetamol during pregnancy or negative effects on intrauterine development of the fetus has been identified. In some preparations, paracetamol is combined with other active substances, which also help to alleviate the condition of the expectant mother²;

For example, Coldrex HotRem, in addition to paracetamol, contains phenylephrine and ascorbic acid. The first allows you to eliminate nasal congestion, while the second provides the body’s need for vitamin C, which increases with a cold. The drug should not be used during pregnancy without first consulting a doctor, who will weigh the pros and cons before prescribing it to relieve symptoms³.

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• antiviral agents , which are used only when the viral nature of the disease is proven. However, such therapy has inevitable toxic manifestations, and its complete safety for pregnant women has not been proven – such drugs can also be used only with the permission of a doctor and under his control⁴;

• antibiotics if a bacterial infection has joined the viral infection. The use of such drugs in pregnant women has a number of features that also need to be taken into account – doctor’s supervision is required in this case as well⁵;

• topical preparations , such as a vasoconstrictor spray to relieve the symptoms of a runny nose or lozenges to relieve a sore throat. The intake of such drugs and the dosage of active substances in them should also be discussed with the attending physician.

Contraindications during pregnancy

Are there any medications that are completely contraindicated during pregnancy? Yes, such remedies exist, and they are also among the cold medicines. Information about this is always indicated in the instructions for the medicine, and if pregnancy is mentioned in the list with absolute contraindications, it is definitely not worth using such a remedy. Consult with your doctor: he will be able to choose the drug.

Preventive measures

As we have already figured out, SARS during pregnancy is much more dangerous than in the normal state, and we must try to prevent infection. It’s better than curing the disease. Therefore, the observance of preventive measures during this period is especially important. We share the main ones.

• Minimize contact with sick people . And this is both relatives with whom you constantly communicate, and strangers. This is especially true for working expectant mothers who communicate a lot with colleagues or clients, or those who are often in public places. When the SARS incidence threshold is exceeded in the region, it is better to refuse to attend concerts, lectures and other events, and not to go to shopping centers on weekends. For some, this will be a serious change in the usual way of life, but the health of not only the future mother herself, but also the child is at stake.

• Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently . If contact with people cannot be avoided, cover your face with a disposable mask: it can reduce the chance of getting sick. And do not forget to wash your hands more often: it is especially important to do this immediately after coming home. Outside the home, when it is not possible to use soap and water, use sanitizers. They can’t replace proper hand washing, but it’s better than nothing.

• Avoid hypothermia, stress . Both can negatively affect the immune system, making the body defenseless against a viral infection. Dress warmly and focus on the most important thing, don’t worry about trifles⁷.

Take care of yourself: in this joyful, but such a responsible period, a woman should carefully monitor her health and carefully observe all preventive measures. Think about whether you really need a trip to a crowded shopping center and whether you can temporarily transfer to work remotely in order to have less contact with strangers. This is especially important during the period of an increase in the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections and in the early stages of pregnancy, when the danger to the unborn baby is especially great. And if it happened that the disease still overtook, do not panic. Contact your doctor to choose the best drugs for pregnancy, and follow his instructions exactly.

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References

1. Malinovskaya V. V., Baranov I. I., Vyzhlova E. N., Shuvalov A. N. Treatment of acute respiratory infections in pregnant women // Obstetrics and Gynecology: News. Opinions. Education, 2019, With. 72–78.
2. LU. S. Lapushkina About the main thing: is it possible to take paracetamol during pregnancy?.
3. Instructions for use of the drug Coldrex HotRem.
4. Sharashkina N. V., Runikhina N. K., Burmenskaya O. V. Respiratory viral infections in pregnant women: analysis of laboratory monitoring results for the choice of etiotropic therapy // Farmateka, 2014.
5. Adamyan L. V., Kuzmin V. N., Arslanyan K. N. Features of the use of antibacterial drugs in obstetric practice. The problem of antibiotic resistance // The attending physician, 2015.
6. Paretskaya E. M. Treatment of SARS in pregnant women: cough, runny nose, fever.
7. Paretskaya E. M. Causes of SARS in pregnant women and factors that increase the risk of the disease.

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what to treat, what you can and cannot do to pregnant women

A cold in pregnant women can begin with a headache and malaise. Then cough, runny nose and sore throat usually appear. It is important not to start the disease and start treatment on time. But many of the usual medicines for colds during pregnancy cannot be used – the risks are high. What to do in this case, how to help a woman.

How to treat a cold during pregnancy

It is contraindicated to carry the disease on your feet. Firstly, this can have serious consequences for the baby, and secondly, pregnant women are at risk of severe ARVI (1). For example, it has been proven that the virus can disrupt the processes in the uterine cavity, including the maturation of the placenta, which in some cases leads to the development of fetoplacental insufficiency (2). And this, in turn, can provoke the most adverse consequences up to the death of the fetus. Treatment is needed, but how?

To cope with a cold faster, you need to establish a balanced diet and drink more clean water. Water helps to remove pathogens and accumulated toxins from the body. The treatment of colds in pregnant women is different in that you can not use most medications. Only a doctor can prescribe medications, recommend other methods that are safe for a woman in position. Therefore, if you are expecting a baby and feel that you have a cold, you need to see a doctor.

Treatment of runny nose during pregnancy

It is safe for pregnant women to rinse their nose with salted water or special solutions from a pharmacy. Photo: Makoveeva Svetlana

A safe way is to rinse the nose with salted water or special solutions from a pharmacy. And with a strong swelling of the nose, it is allowed to use vasoconstrictor drops. But our expert, gynecologist Olga Diveeva, notes that you should not wash your nose too often and uncontrollably. The same goes for other drugs. You must first consult with your doctor.

– You can not take medicines on your own: both antiviral, antibiotics, and vasoconstrictor drops, drugs to relieve the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections. It is important to know the composition of the funds, not all of them can and should be used during pregnancy, says Olga Diveeva.

Fever in pregnant women

– You can not bring down the temperature until it rises to 38 degrees: an increase in temperature means that the body is fighting the pathogen, – says our expert. That is, if the thermometer shows no more than 38 degrees, it is better not to take any action with medicines. The body itself fights the virus, drugs are useless. But if the temperature rises, the woman’s condition worsens, you can drink an antipyretic based on paracetamol. Raspberry or lime blossom tea may also help. If the temperature rises to 39and above, you need to call an ambulance.

Throat treatment during pregnancy

If a pregnant woman has a sore throat, it is better to consult a doctor and find safe drugs. Photo: Valeriy Zvonarev

Even if you have a severe sore throat, lozenges should not be used to alleviate the condition. Pregnant women can use the following methods to treat their throat:

• gargle with saline solution or soda decoction – repeat every hour;
• gargle with infusion of chamomile and eucalyptus;
• gargle with a solution of Miramistin, Furacilin or Chlorhexidine.

If this does not help, then you need to see a doctor and find safe drugs.

Cough treatment during pregnancy

If a cough starts, folk methods will come to the rescue: warm milk with butter and honey (it can be added to milk not hotter than 60 degrees). It is important to understand that coughing cannot be started. Up to 30% of ARVI episodes during pregnancy are accompanied by bronchitis, and other complications are possible: sinusitis, otitis, pneumonia (3). Therefore, if milk with honey does not help, and the cough does not decrease, you need to see a doctor to find safe drugs.

Contraindicated for pregnant women

Expectant mothers who have caught a cold should avoid taking any medications during the first trimester. When choosing remedies for treatment with your doctor, you should be careful not to use alcohol tinctures, avoid components such as lemongrass, ginseng, and eleutherococcus. There are other important points as well.

• Any heating is contraindicated: bath, hot bath, foot baths, mustard plasters.
• Do not drink aspirin and indomethacin.
• Prohibited are immunomodulators, antibiotics, and drugs that increase heart rate and blood pressure, affecting blood clotting.

Prevention of diseases during pregnancy

Doctors recommend that pregnant women with a cold avoid any medication during the first trimester. Photo: Caroline Arber, globallookpress.com

During the SARS season, in autumn and spring, pregnant women should not visit crowded places, because women in the position have reduced immunity. You should not meet with sick relatives and friends, and if household members sniffle, it is better to minimize contacts, drink and eat from separate dishes, ventilate the premises more often and carry out wet cleaning.

It is also important to dress for the weather, wear masks to protect yourself from viruses, and rinse your nose after visiting public places.

Popular questions and answers

Gynecologist-endocrinologist, nutritionist Olga Diveeva answers important questions.

What can pregnant women do when they have a cold?

In case of a cold, pregnant women should observe the drinking regime, moisten the room, breathe fresh air – walks are not prohibited. You can use natural sources of vitamin C, lemon, wild rose, cranberries in their natural form, frozen berries are also suitable, they can be brewed with boiling water.

It is allowed to use vitamins and herbal supplements to fight the virus, but only under the supervision of a specialist. You can observe a light diet during the period of illness, so as not to give an extra burden to the body during illness.

What should pregnant women not do when they have a cold?

It is forbidden to take medicines, antiviral drugs, antibiotics, expectorants, vasoconstrictor drops, drugs to relieve the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections on your own. Any medicines during pregnancy can be taken only after consultation with a specialist and according to strict indications.

Do not perform inhalations on your own. It is enough just to humidify the room.

You should not be left without a doctor’s supervision. During pregnancy, immunity is most often reduced and complications of acute respiratory infections can quickly develop, so it is important to monitor and control from the very first days, both for the pregnant woman and for the condition of the baby.

Strict bed rest is not allowed. It has been proven that against the background of a decrease in motor activity, the risk of thrombosis increases, as well as stagnation in the lungs, which aggravates the course of SARS and can lead to the development of pneumonia.

It is not recommended to rinse the nose uncontrollably and very often – this leads to washing out of the beneficial microflora of the mucous membrane, which is involved in protection against viruses and bacteria.

Under no circumstances should you be too nervous. With ARVI, the body usually copes on its own within 5-7 days. Subject to all measures, SARS does not adversely affect the baby.

Will folk remedies help in the fight against colds in pregnant women?

Those that are not abused. For example, sources of vitamin C: rosehip, cranberry, lemon. They can be consumed in natural or frozen form, pour boiling water.

References

1. Clinical guidelines “Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in adults”.