With the onset of pregnancy, this is how the female body is physiologically structured, the immune system is suppressed, in simple words – the immune system is suppressed. This is necessary so that the mother’s body does not perceive the fertilized egg (zygote, embryo) as a foreign organism. In essence, an embryo is an object consisting of a foreign protein.

With the onset of pregnancy and during its course, the risk of developing a cold in the form of influenza, ARVI or acute respiratory infections increases. Therefore, expectant mothers are not recommended to visit busy places and use public transport.

• Cold on
• Runny nose - as a sign of pregnancy
• How does a cold affect the fetus?
• Cold symptoms in pregnant women
• Flu during pregnancy
• How to treat a cold? What is possible and what is not?
• Medicines to treat colds in pregnant women
• What can you do to lower the temperature?
  • Paracetamol
  • Analgin
• Recommendations for the treatment of colds during pregnancy (ARVI, influenza)

Colds as a sign of pregnancy

A cold during pregnancy may be the very first symptom of an “interesting situation.” Immediately after conception, the concentration of two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, increases sharply. In the early stages of pregnancy, this causes a moderate increase in temperature, its fluctuations from normal to subfebrile (37.5 ° C) - chills.

A woman may not suspect that she is pregnant, but hormonal changes are already making themselves felt. Along with elevated temperature, from the first days of pregnancy the following appear:

• body aches;
• general weakness;
• drowsiness and fatigue;
• lethargy and weakness;
• runny nose (rhinitis).

These “cold” symptoms can also occur against a background of normal temperature, even before a missed period, under the influence of a “hormonal surge.” In the early stages, a cold may turn out to be pregnancy.

In any case, you need to remember that a temperature up to 38° C does not require radical treatment; it cannot be brought down with paracetamol or any other antipyretic drugs.

Runny nose during pregnancy

Something as simple as a runny nose can be a manifestation of various diseases, not necessarily colds. For example:

• ARVI;
• rhinosinusitis;
• allergic rhinitis;
• vasomotor rhinitis;
• rhinitis of pregnant women;
• 3rd trimester – general edema syndrome.

In the third trimester, the body prepares for childbirth. In this case, swelling of the nasal mucosa and congestion are manifestations of edematous syndrome.

“Hormonal rhinitis” or runny nose during pregnancy can accompany a woman for the entire 280 days - until childbirth. And it does not require treatment. Allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis (in pregnant women it has more pronounced manifestations than before conception) against the background of a rise in temperature to 37.2 - 37.5 ° C can be perceived by a woman as symptoms of a cold, but in fact they are not such.

Colds in early pregnancy may not be a symptom of the disease. Therefore, differential diagnosis should be carried out by a doctor and you cannot treat yourself; it is undesirable to take antipyretic drugs. The doctor will focus not only on complaints of a stuffy nose and fever, but also on test results and local manifestations.

Acute respiratory viral infections during pregnancy have similar symptoms, but the infectious damaging agent (virus) can be any of this large group: respiratory syncytial infection, parainfluenza, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, reoviruses, influenza viruses and others.

How does a cold affect the fetus during pregnancy?

Unfortunately, it is impossible to answer this question, it depends on:

• the woman's health status before pregnancy;
• from the period when the woman fell ill with a cold (the 1st trimester of pregnancy is the most unfavorable, susceptible and most delicate);
• the presence of aggravating somatic diseases.

There is no doubt that the fetus suffers from the mother's colds during pregnancy:

• he experiences oxygen starvation (hypoxia);
• the risk of birth defects cannot be excluded;
• a cold may be complicated by the threat of miscarriage;
• Secondary infections may occur.

Cold symptoms during pregnancy

A true cold during pregnancy manifests itself in the same way as in a “pre-pregnant” body. Among the symptoms of ARVI during pregnancy:

• runny nose;
• acute sore throat;
• sneeze;
• headaches and pain in the eyeballs;
• weakness, weakness, dizziness;
• joint and muscle pain, body aches;
• loose stools;
• temperature increase;
• enlarged lymph nodes.

Flu during pregnancy

Flu during pregnancy, unlike rhinovirus, adenovirus infection has more pronounced symptoms of intoxication (high fever, muscle pain, aching joints, severe fatigue). They prevail over catarrhal phenomena. Influenza is characterized by an acute onset against a background of complete well-being. A pregnant woman can clearly answer the question of when she got sick, down to the minute.

Influenza is dangerous due to the development of severe forms of the disease and the addition of a bacterial infection. Therefore, treatment of influenza in pregnant women must occur in a hospital.

How to treat a cold during pregnancy?

The first place in treatment is compliance with the regime: you need to get enough sleep, limit physical activity, be very attentive to yourself and changes in your condition. Because during illness there should not be any factors that require additional effort. All symptoms of intoxication during ARVI are relieved by drinking plenty of fluids. A cold during pregnancy with a temperature of more than 38.5° C requires the use of antipyretics.

In such a condition, when the nose is so blocked that breathing is difficult and the pregnant woman cannot sleep because of this, nasal decognestants (vasoconstrictor drugs) are prescribed. In most cases, they are safe, but if taken occasionally: no more than 3-4 times during the day in a short course. During pregnancy, due to increased blood circulation, more of the drug enters the bloodstream than in a non-pregnant body and systemic manifestations can be observed - increased blood pressure, vasospasms. Vascular spasm of the placenta leads to impaired blood supply to the fetus and hypoxia, increasing the baby’s heart rate.

Cold medicines during pregnancy

Practice shows that during pregnancy, women often prescribe treatment with antiviral drugs. But it has been proven that they “work” only for the flu. For other acute respiratory viral infections, they do not have an evidence base and their use is, at best, useless.

Effect of drugs for ARVI during pregnancy:

• Viferon suppositories for colds are prescribed quite often, but they are ineffective. This is a group of interferons, an analogue of Viferon - Biferon. It can be used as an adjuvant for the treatment of ARVI during pregnancy, but not as the main one.
• , since it is not reliably known how they affect the fetus. There is very little research in this area.
• The use of herbs and dietary supplements is highly discouraged. The generally accepted principle here is that what has not been thoroughly studied should not be applied.
• Vitamins are drugs that help the body fight disease. They are needed. But if antiviral drugs and other medications have already been prescribed, it is better to postpone taking them until the main treatment is completed. Several drugs in the blood plasma can interact and have different effects than expected.
• Previously, it was believed that vitamin C helped to recover and shorten the time of illness. Studies have been conducted that have proven that globally vitamin C does not affect the course of ARVI. For prevention, this biologically active vitamin should not be taken either. For this purpose, a larger dosage is used - 1 gram. At this high concentration, the vitamin crosses the placenta and could theoretically have an effect on the baby. What this impact will be has not been studied.
• Antibiotics - antimicrobial drugs - are not prescribed at the onset of colds (influenza and ARVI), since they do not act on the virus. Treatment with antibiotics at the onset of a viral infection does not prevent the development of subsequent bacterial infections. If a bacterial infection develops while taking antibiotics, you will have to change the tablets to another group of drugs. World organisms develop resistance - they become insensitive to the drug. Therefore, treatment with any antibiotics is prescribed only by a doctor based on the presence of a bacterial infection.

How to reduce high fever during pregnancy?

High temperature during pregnancy is one of the most unfavorable factors affecting the fetus. Experiments on animals have shown that high temperature in the 1st trimester can cause birth defects. The damaging effects of temperature begin when the temperature rises by more than 1.5 degrees and persists for at least 8 hours.

Paracetamol

In order to reduce the temperature during pregnancy, you can take medications that are suitable for your baby and you should not wait for it to decrease on its own.

At the beginning of pregnancy, the temperature may be 37.2 - 37.5 ° C - this is normal and does not require treatment. But if the temperature is 38.5° C, this temperature must be lowered.

The safest and most studied drug from the group of antipyretic drugs is paracetamol. It can be taken for pain of any location (head, throat,). However, like all medications, it has side effects. That is, there may be an adverse effect on the mother and, in high concentrations, on the fetus. Paracetamol is hepatotoxic - it can affect the liver. During pregnancy, for colds, you can use the drug in a dose of up to 2 grams, in extreme cases - up to 4. In the 3rd trimester, paracetamol is recommended to be taken in a dose of no more than 1 gram and in monotherapy (not in combination with other drugs, such as caffeine, vasoconstrictors).

Analgin

Side effects of analgin are very rare, despite this they are very significant: agranulocytosis, the risk of developing nephroblastoma (Williams tumor) and leukemia in a child increases. During pregnancy, metamizole (analgin) should not be taken if you have a cold; its use in the 3rd trimester is especially dangerous. The use of analgin is associated with the development of agranulocytosis in a newborn. Combination preparations of metamizole sodium should also not be taken.

Agranulocytosis is a sharp decrease in the blood of leukocytes and monocytes; the child’s body immediately becomes accessible to bacterial and fungal infections, since there are no cells in the blood that can resist diseases.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of colds in pregnant women in the 3rd trimester

Diclofenac, ketanal, ketarol, ibuprofen - according to indications and with the permission of a doctor, can be used in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. In the third trimester, only paracetamol is allowed for use again.

Risks for the baby when taking NSAIDs in the 3rd trimester:

• Premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, which leads to pulmonary hypertension. It is very difficult to treat.
• The use of NSAIDs can delay the date of birth and initiate post-term pregnancy.
• Increased blood loss during childbirth, as the mother's blood clotting function decreases.
• Formation of diaphragmatic hernias.
• Intrauterine growth retardation.
• Reducing the amount of amniotic fluid.
• When taking NSAIDs immediately before birth - at the end of the term - there is a higher risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in the newborn.
• Cerebrovascular hemorrhages in a child

The drug of choice for reducing fever during a cold during pregnancy is paracetamol. You should not take Analgin and its combinations with other active ingredients. Avoid for treatment in the 3rd trimester of any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory diseases (after). It is not advisable to take any painkillers or antipyretic drugs before and without.

Preventing colds during pregnancy

With the help of preventive measures, you can prevent colds (flu and ARVI). During pregnancy, it is very undesirable to attend public events: theaters, exhibitions, concerts, especially during the period of colds (autumn, winter). Public transport should be avoided. These simple steps are also recommended for use when planning pregnancy, when spouses are trying to get pregnant.

It is necessary to treat yourself with great caution and observe those around you during a flu epidemic in order to notice and isolate yourself in time, or immediately exclude contact with a sick family member.

If someone is sick at home, and it is not possible to send the sick person to relatives, for example, a husband or child, it is necessary to “move” the patient into a separate room, provide separate utensils and regularly ventilate the rooms. If the house has a portable UV lamp for home use, be sure to “quartz” the premises.

If there are children of preschool age, then it is advisable to interrupt the child’s attendance at kindergarten, developmental classes, etc. Children at this age get sick often, they come into contact with peers, exchange microflora and get sick. The baby can get over the disease easily, but for a pregnant mother the infection can be quite serious.

A gauze bandage practically does not help a healthy person from getting sick. But if there is no other choice, it can and should be used, but it must be changed every 2 hours, washed and ironed. If there is a family member in the house who has a cold, everyone, healthy and sick, needs to wear masks.

During an epidemic, it is not advisable to visit a doctor at the antenatal clinic. If you have the opportunity to agree with your doctor for a certain time, do it. This will reduce your risk of contracting the flu while waiting in line. By order, pregnant women are received on certain days, when only healthy pregnant women come to the appointment (as in a children's clinic - healthy child day). This could be any day designated by the administration of the residential complex.

If a pregnant woman accidentally comes into contact with a sick person - on the street, in an elevator, then when she comes home she needs to wash her hands with soap, rinse her nose with saline solution, and gargle. This way you will reduce your risk of getting sick. The virus, getting on the mucous membrane, simply remains on the surface for some time and then penetrates the cells. If you wash your mucous membranes when you get home, your chances of developing colds are reduced. You can gargle with saline solution or chamomile decoction. Do not use soda for rinsing, it dries out the mucous membranes. It can be used when there is plaque on the tonsils and needs to be loosened. It is not advisable to add iodine. It will penetrate in high concentrations into the blood through the mucous membrane, and is dangerous for the fetus.

Before going outside, you can apply Oxaline ointment and Viferon ointment to the mucous membrane; it will not have an antiviral effect, but will become a mechanical barrier to the penetration of the virus. When you return home, you need to rinse your nose again.

To strengthen the immune system, a pregnant woman can take vitamin D in consultation with the doctor. You can compensate for its deficiency with the help of fatty fish and eggs.

What to do if a pregnant woman gets sick with ARVI or influenza?

If cold symptoms appear in the 1st-3rd trimesters of pregnancy, stay home and stay in bed. Be sure to contact a doctor from the antenatal clinic or a paramedic by phone and get a consultation over the phone. Do not take self-medication without your doctor's permission. The maximum you can do on your own is plenty of hot drink in the form of homemade chicken broth, tea with fresh or frozen raspberries or currants (not to be confused with jam, which after cooking has a minimum of nutrients). You can drink warm milk with honey if you are not allergic to bee products.

The liquid that enters the general bloodstream when drinking tea reduces overall intoxication and the effect on the fetus by increasing. Phytomictures - tinctures of chamomile, ginseng, licorice are extremely harmful to the fetus, as they are prepared with alcohol.

Folk remedies for treating colds during pregnancy

Healers recommend using a natural immunomodulator – horseradish – in the acute period. The root is grated on a fine grater, mixed in a 1:1 ratio with sugar, and left for 12 hours in the refrigerator. Take 1 teaspoon per hour.

Chicken broth made from homemade chicken with the addition of dill, pepper, and a lot of onions has a miraculous effect: it reduces cold symptoms and affects cellular immunity. The product gives strength, provides a feeling of comfort and satisfaction, increases the outflow of mucus from the nasopharynx and bronchi, stimulates the restoration of damaged cells, and restores the function of the ciliated epithelium of the nasopharynx. Broth made from concentrates does not have these effects.

An excellent antimicrobial agent. The root is crushed, 2 teaspoons are poured with boiling water and left for 10-20 minutes. You can add a slice to the drink.

Has bactericidal properties. It contains phytoncides that have an antiviral effect and vitamins. You can eat it or inhale its aroma.

ARVI is one of the most common diseases that occurs in adults and children equally. Unfortunately, colds do not bypass women during pregnancy. Ninety-five percent of the disease is caused by viral infections. What to do if ARVI occurs during pregnancy? What is the treatment during pregnancy and what complications may arise?

The main one in pregnant women is the weakening of immune function due to changes in hormonal levels. Other factors may include:

• Regular stressful situations.
• Depressive state.
• Instability of the digestive function, development of dysbacteriosis, the presence of enterocolitis and worms.
• Exacerbations of chronic diseases.
• Presence of carious formations.
• Hypothermia or overheating of the body.
• Lack of vitamins and minerals.

You can become infected with ARVI during pregnancy from another sick person. The viral infection is transmitted through airborne droplets during talking or sneezing, through contact during kissing, or through household contact using shared objects.

The cause of its occurrence during pregnancy may be a sudden change in lifestyle. The woman stops actively moving and sleeps more often. Because of this, the body is weakened, which makes the immune system vulnerable. Unfortunately, such actions become wrong. During pregnancy, you need to take more care of yourself and eat right.

Symptoms of ARVI during pregnancy

The symptoms of colds during pregnancy are no different from a common illness. The main signs of ARVI include the following.

1. A slight increase in body temperature to 37.5-38 degrees.
2. Nasal congestion.
3. Manifestation of a runny nose and the presence of clear discharge.
4. Dry or wet cough.
5. Paroxysmal sneezing.
6. Tearing.
7. Weakness and general malaise.

In this case, the symptoms may not appear all at once, but separately. For example, acute tonsillitis is characterized by a rise in temperature and severe pain in the throat. But congestion and runny nose will be absent. With pharyngitis, only a sore throat is observed.

ARVI in early pregnancy

The appearance of ARVI in the early stages of pregnancy greatly frightens the expectant mother. The thing is that any disease during pregnancy is much more difficult. As a result, some complications may even arise. A cold can negatively affect not only the health of the woman herself, but also the development of the baby.

The main cause of the disease is hormonal changes. And all protective functions are fully restored only by the beginning of the second trimester. As a result, it is generally accepted that ARVI in the first trimester is dangerous.

It is worth noting that many women get sick during pregnancy, but still give birth to healthy babies. The main thing in this matter is to start timely and correct treatment. You should not self-medicate, and if the first symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.

ARVI in late pregnancy

Many women are worried about how dangerous ARVI is in the third trimester of pregnancy. Most doctors say that there is no need to worry too much about this. The thing is that the child is protected by the placenta, through which viruses cannot penetrate.

But untimely treatment can adversely affect the health of the mother. Various medications no longer have contraindications, so when a bacterial infection occurs, specialists prescribe antibiotics. Various antiviral agents and antipyretic drugs are also used for the treatment process.
If we talk about ARVI during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester, the disease can adversely affect the child’s nervous system. In order not to let the inflammatory process take its course, you need to consult a specialist.

The danger of ARVI during pregnancy

Complications after a cold occur extremely rarely and depend on when the woman went to the doctor and began the treatment process.
The main adverse consequences of ARVI during pregnancy are as follows.

1. Development of pathologies in the fetus. Often, various anomalies in the baby occur in the first trimester of pregnancy, when all organs are being formed. The baby's kidneys, heart, stomach, or spleen may not form properly. It is impossible to avoid such a process. If the pathology is serious and incompatible with life, then doctors will suggest terminating the pregnancy.
2. Fading pregnancy. This anomaly occurs quite often today. ARVI during pregnancy in the 1st trimester leads to pregnancy fading from the fifth to the eighth week. This diagnosis can be confirmed only with the help of ultrasound diagnostics, in which the doctor will not be able to detect the embryo or heartbeat.
3. Premature labor. ARVI during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester leads to premature detachment or aging of the placenta, rupture of amniotic fluid, or early birth of the baby. In most cases, babies born after the twenty-fifth week are saved if no other abnormalities are observed.
4. Miscarriage. Often this complication occurs in the first weeks after conception. The woman may not be aware that she was pregnant. There are about eighteen percent of such cases in practice.

Complications can affect not only the fetus, but also the woman herself. The main adverse effects include the following.

• Manifestation of otitis.
• The occurrence of meningitis or encephalitis.
• Development of pneumonia, bronchitis or tracheitis.
• Attachment of a bacterial infection.
• Pharyngitis.
• Sinusitis or sinusitis, which often become chronic.

The process of treating ARVI during pregnancy

As soon as ARVI appears during pregnancy, treatment must be started as quickly as possible. The basis of the treatment process includes the following.

1. Maintaining bed rest. A woman needs to give up any physical activity and walks. For three to five days it is better to lie in bed and not get up.
2. Compliance with drinking regime. During a cold, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids. To do this, you can drink water, tea with lemon or raspberries, lingonberry and infusions of chamomile, celandine or linden.
3. Balanced diet. It is necessary to eat foods that provide maximum benefits for the fetus and the expectant mother. A woman can eat chicken soup, mashed potatoes and salads from boiled vegetables, fruits, dairy and fermented milk products.

Many women ask the question of how to treat ARVI during pregnancy. Only an experienced doctor will help resolve this issue. Basically, treatment for ARVI includes the following.

• Taking antiviral drugs. During pregnancy, a woman is prescribed medications such as Anaferon, Ergoferon tablets and Viferon suppositories. They are safe and do not harm the unborn baby. The dosage and name of the drug depend on what weeks of pregnancy the patient is in.
• The use of interferon drugs. They help produce antibodies and help fight the infection faster. Such medications include Grippferon and Interferon drops.
• Gargling for a sore throat. For the procedure, you can use solutions of sea or table salt, soda, and medicinal herbs. Manipulations should be carried out up to ten times a day.
• Use of antipyretics. During pregnancy, you can take Paracetamol to reduce the temperature. This drug is considered the safest and harmless. It should be used only when a woman has a temperature above 38 degrees. To reduce the temperature, you can drink lingonberry or cranberry fruit drinks, tea with lemon or raspberries.
• Rinse the nasal passages. The use of vasoconstrictors is not recommended during pregnancy. In the first trimester, they adversely affect the fetus. And if they are used for ARVI in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, they affect the premature aging of the placenta. For nasal decomposition, it is better to rinse it with saline solution more often. You can use Furacilin solution.
• Carrying out inhalations. For the procedure, you can use essential oils, decoctions of chamomile, sage or linden, and a soda solution with iodine. Such methods make breathing easier, open up the nasal passages and eliminate sore throats.

To treat ARVI during pregnancy, you need to consult a specialist. Self-medication can be very dangerous for the health of mother and baby.

Preventive measures for ARVI during pregnancy

If a woman knows how to treat ARVI, that’s great. But in order to avoid getting ARVI during pregnancy, prevention should be carried out daily. What will help avoid infection?

Prevention of ARVI during pregnancy includes the following.

1. Rinsing the mouth. After the expectant mother comes home from the street, you need to rinse your throat with herbal infusions of chamomile or sage or tincture of eucalyptus or calendula. This procedure will wash away all harmful organisms from the oral mucosa. These manipulations should be carried out up to three times a day.
2. Compliance with hygiene measures. Every time you go outside, you need to wash your hands and face with soap. For such purposes, it is recommended to use special antibacterial agents or laundry soap.
3. Lubricating the nasal passages with oxolinic ointment. This will protect the nasal mucosa from infection. Oxolinic ointment is considered a barrier agent, therefore it protects the nasal passages from viruses.
4. Use of vitamin-mineral complexes. Any doctor prescribes a woman to take vitamins and minerals. In the first trimester, folic acid, vitamin C and A are required. In the second half, the woman and child need calcium, iodine and potassium.
5. Strengthening immune function. To do this, you should carry out hardening procedures, do exercises and lead an active lifestyle, if the expectant mother has no contraindications.
6. Carrying out daily ventilation of the room and humidification of the air in it.
7. Taking fortified juices. Every morning a woman needs to drink a glass of juice. It may include apple, carrot, beetroot, orange. Moreover, they should not be store-bought, but prepared independently at home.

It is necessary to observe preventive measures not only during the gestation period, but also during the season of increased morbidity.

195 03/25/2019 6 min.

ARVI is a common viral disease that affects both adults and children. In most cases, the disease can be dealt with fairly quickly and without serious consequences. However, everything becomes much more serious if a pregnant woman falls ill with ARVI.

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 described in detail

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 it appears and what can be done about such a problem.

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 drugs should be used, it is indicated

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

Features of treatment

Let's find out how you can cope with ARVI in the early stages of pregnancy.

The first step is to see a doctor. Self-medication during pregnancy is strictly prohibited. Only a specialist can prescribe medications to a woman during this period: otherwise, there is a high risk of harming the fetus.

If the infection is not too severe, the best option is to simply rest. It is also necessary to drink as much warm tea, fruit drinks, and rosehip infusion (weak) as possible.

But what is the best way to treat ARVI in adults and what medications should be used first?

If you engage in such simple treatment in the earliest stages of ARVI, then most likely you will be able to get rid of the disease completely and quickly. And without pills or other medications.

It is worth trying and bringing down the temperature without the use of medications. The following simple procedures can help:

• taking large amounts of fluid;
• frequent wiping of the body with a damp sponge;
• taking a cool shower or bath.

If ARVI is accompanied by a runny nose or sore throat, it is recommended to get rid of these unpleasant symptoms with the help of traditional medicine. An excellent choice in this case would be tinctures of eucalyptus, sage or calendula. Gargling with soda is also a safe and quite effective treatment for a sore throat.

If a sore throat cannot be relieved by gargling with soda, you can use aerosols or Hexorad. If pregnancy has already reached the second trimester, Cameton can also be used.

Aromatherapy can also be of great help for this ailment. Essential oils such as pine, geranium, and thyme will benefit the entire body and help defeat the disease faster. On the other hand, such treatment is completely safe. However, it is necessary to use essential oils wisely during pregnancy - some of them are not recommended (for example, oils of rosemary, hyssop, cloves, camphor).

Steam inhalations are very useful for ARVI. The following are suitable as a basis for the procedure:

• potato broth;
• infusions of mint, St. John's wort, chamomile, breast tea.

In addition, specially developed mixtures for inhalers can be used. The procedure helps clear the airways, strengthens the immune system, and speeds up recovery.

But keep in mind that even seemingly harmless nasal drops and banal aspirin can harm the fetus if used incorrectly, so consultation with a doctor is required.

It is also worth understanding which ones exist and how they should be applied correctly.

Regular wet cleaning of the premises is the key to quickly getting rid of ARVI. Along with cleaning, it is also necessary to humidify the air in the room and ventilate it. If you don’t have a humidifier, you can spray water from a spray bottle or place a container of water next to the battery.

If you are sick, your feet should be kept warm. It is best to wear wool socks, even if the apartment is warm enough. This simple measure will both speed up recovery and minimize the risk of more severe complications.

Hot baths, including foot baths, are strictly not recommended during pregnancy. Such procedures, although effective for colds, however, increase the risk of uterine bleeding.

Often with ARVI, appetite decreases or disappears altogether. But a pregnant woman cannot afford not to eat. Therefore, it is necessary to eat, but only little by little and light, healthy foods.

You may also be interested in information about how to quickly cure ARVI and what

A pregnant woman should sleep at least 7 hours during pregnancy, and more if she is ill. Enough sleep will only benefit the body and help it recover faster. Before going to bed, it is recommended to clear the nasal cavity of mucus to ensure normal breathing.

Vasoconstrictor drops during pregnancy must be used very carefully, and only as prescribed by a doctor. Too much of these drugs can lead to rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure.

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 which ones exist for 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;
• 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.

Prevention

It is much more profitable and safer to prevent a disease than to treat it later. Next, we will look at simple ways to help prevent the occurrence of respiratory disease.

You shouldn't go out for a walk if the weather is bad. It is clear that it is useful for pregnant women to breathe fresh air, however, in rain, heavy snow and windy weather it is better to stay at home. This simple measure will help minimize the risk of respiratory infection.

During the cold season, often prepare and drink warm tea with rose hips, raspberries, and lemon. This drink will help strengthen the immune system and saturate the body with vitamins.

If an epidemic of influenza and ARVI has broken out in the city, try to visit public places less often. Go to shops, hospitals and other institutions only if necessary and only with a gauze bandage.

On video - disease prevention:

If a person sick with ARVI lives in the same apartment with you, try to reduce communication with him to a minimum. Ventilate the apartment more often, spread chopped onions and garlic around the room for disinfection. Do wet cleaning more often.

Dress appropriately for the weather. You shouldn’t wrap yourself up too much, but it’s also categorically undesirable to allow your body to become hypothermic.

So, we have learned what danger ARVI poses in the early stages of pregnancy, and how to cope with this disease. A woman expecting a child, at the first signs of any illness, including ARVI, should immediately seek medical help - only under the guidance of an experienced professional will treatment be safe and effective.

The pregnant woman’s immunity is weakened, which is due to the protection of the child from aggression by maternal phagocytes. But this lowers the threshold for morbidity throughout the entire gestation period. ARVI epidemics during the cold season put the health of the unborn baby and his mother at risk.

ARVI during pregnancy in the 1st trimester has a high risk of complications for the embryo. The lack of a formed placenta makes him vulnerable to viral and bacterial attack. Microorganisms penetrate directly into the embryo, disrupting its development. Acute respiratory viral infection can be caused by 300 pathogens, including:

• adenovirus;
• Ortomyxoviridae (influenza);
• parainfluenza;
• rhinovirus;
• coronavirus;
• respiratory syncytial virus.

The high susceptibility to the disease is explained by the methods of infection: through direct contact with a patient (airborne) and through the mouth (infection on the hands).

Viruses can cause:

• acute bronchitis;
• streptococcal pharyngitis;
• acute respiratory infection.

The disease has the same symptoms for all types of pathogens:

• sudden deterioration in health;
• a sharp rise in temperature;
• swelling of the nasopharynx and runny nose;
• redness and sore throat.

But each pathogen also has its own characteristic features:

• With the flu, the temperature suddenly rises to 38 degrees. and higher. Headache and muscle pain are accompanied by a severe runny nose, and then a dry cough. Against this background, a bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract becomes more active, accompanied by laryngitis and tracheitis. Pregnant women have hyperthermia over 39 degrees. may cause convulsions, subcutaneous hemorrhage.
• The peculiarity of parainfluenza is a low temperature background with a severe runny nose and dry cough.
• Adenovirus causes enlargement of the submandibular and cervical lymph nodes. The course of the disease is long, with declines and rises in temperature up to 39 degrees. within 10 days. During an exacerbation of fever, headache, muscle pain, photophobia, and cough with sputum are observed. Due to intoxication, there is no appetite.
• Respiratory syncytial infection causes fever for 7 days, dry hacking cough, and general malaise.
• Rhinovirus is the most common type of ARVI, its share in the autumn-winter period is from 30 to 50% of all cases. Main symptoms: temperature up to 37.5 degrees. with chills, severe runny nose with swelling of the mucous membranes of the nose, dryness and sore throat, catarrhal conjunctivitis. Stagnation of mucus in the nasopharynx due to swelling often leads to otitis media and sinusitis on the 4th-5th day of illness. Later complications are meningitis, pneumonia.
• Symptoms of coronavirus coincide with symptoms of other types of acute respiratory viral infections. The illness lasts 5-7 days and ends with recovery.

Depending on the degree of damage to the body, mild, moderate and severe forms of ARVI are distinguished. Bacterial complications in the form of otitis media and sinusitis are possible with any form of viral disease.

For the first trimester, any form of viral and bacterial infection is dangerous. ARVI during pregnancy without fever (or its slight increase) with a slight runny nose does not mean that the infection has passed without a trace for the fetus.

Damage to the upper respiratory tract leads to a disruption in the supply of oxygen to the body of the pregnant woman to the unborn child. Both suffer from hypoxia at this stage of gestation.

Microorganisms and their toxins travel through the bloodstream to the rapidly growing embryo, which currently does not have a protective barrier. The likelihood of developmental defects and miscarriage most often occurs if the expectant mother gets sick with ARVI for a period of 1 to 3 months.

Peculiarities of the course of ARVI by week

Depending on the stage of pregnancy, the infection can have different effects on the intrauterine condition of the fetus.

1 Week. By 6-7 days from conception, the fertilized egg enters the uterine cavity and attaches to its wall. There is a high probability that the virus will have a detrimental effect on her, and she will die. The woman will not find out about her pregnancy. The immune system functions as usual. The cause of heavy menstrual bleeding can be explained by illness.

Week 2. The egg completes implantation (attachment) to the wall of the uterus and begins its full development. A viral infection at this time will have the same consequences as in the previous 7 days.

3 and 4 weeks. An embryo is a set of rapidly dividing cells, the size of which is about 0.2 mm in diameter and weight - 0.5 g. The formation of the placenta and sexual characteristics begins. Women's immunity decreases. The body's reaction to the virus is more acute than before pregnancy. There remains a high probability of its interruption.

An acute respiratory viral infection suffered in the 5th week can cause abnormalities in the development of the thyroid, thymus, and kidneys in the embryo. At 6 – disturbances in the formation of the heart muscle, lungs, liver, pancreas.

Infection at 7,8,9 weeks of pregnancy is dangerous for the fetus due to underdevelopment of the reproductive and lymphatic systems. The placenta is still developing. Protection comes only from maternal immunity.

10, 11, 12 weeks. All internal organs are formed, continue to develop, and begin to function. Neural connections are formed, the basis of reflex activity. Infection can cause severe defects.

By the beginning of the 13th week, the fetus’s own protective barrier and immunity begins to work. At this time, the 1st trimester of gestation ends. The temperature unfavorable for the fetus is from 37.5 degrees, while for a pregnant woman it is not so noticeable if it is not accompanied by chills.

In the 2nd trimester, the expectant mother and future baby cope more easily with the infection. The danger at this stage is a bacterial complication of ARVI, which can lead to damage to the placenta. The consequence of deteriorating blood supply will be hypoxia and lack of nutrition for the fetus.

As a result, the fetus will subsequently lag behind in development:

• by body weight;
• brain volume;
• on the formation of neural connections.

A bacterial infection can cause:

• meningitis (inflammation of the meninges);
• encephalitis (damage to the brain);
• hepatitis A;
• pneumonia.

In the 3rd trimester, with a complicated acute respiratory viral infection, polyhydramnios is added to hypoxia and intrauterine growth retardation. For a pregnant woman this means:

• possibility of premature birth;
• long contractions;
• absence of contractions due to impaired uterine contractility.

If a pregnant woman is infected with ARVI at 38 weeks, the newborn may be born infected. He will experience:

• lethargy;
• pale skin;
• faint cry;
• holding your breath.

In the latter case, the newborn is transferred to artificial ventilation.

In the 2nd and 3rd trimester, an increase in temperature above 38-38.5 degrees is unfavorable for the fetus: metabolic processes are disrupted.

Starting from week 27, lung volume decreases due to compression by the uterus. A runny nose aggravates the respiratory function of a pregnant woman; she begins to experience a lack of oxygen. This does not affect the child due to the structural features of hemoglobin.

Lack of appetite due to intoxication and decreased physical activity will have a negative impact on the unborn baby.

How and what to treat

During epidemics, the doctor does not need to conduct clinical tests to identify the pathogen in order to prescribe treatment. The off-season incidence of respiratory infection requires laboratory analysis of a throat swab, ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) to determine the type of virus.

Drug therapy is to support the immune system and reduce the toxic effects on the body: fever, cough, general condition.

At the first symptoms of deterioration in health, you must consult a doctor and be sure to follow his instructions. Self-medication can cause irreparable harm to the baby’s health. Pregnant women with ARVI need special caution in using medications.

Immunomodulators that can be taken starting from week 14 are Ergoferon, Viferon, Grippferon.

A sharp rise in temperature is the body's immune response. At 38 deg. The production of interferon begins, which contributes to the death of the virus and accelerates recovery. But hyperthermia is unfavorable for the unborn child, as it slows down metabolic processes. To reduce the temperature, medications based on Paracetamol are prescribed.

Medicines that relieve coughing attacks and sore throat should be herbal based:

• Kameton (aerosol with vasoconstrictor, anti-edematous effect);
• Inhalipt (spray with bactericidal and analgesic properties);
• Stodal (homeopathic remedy in the form of syrup for dry and wet cough);
• Mucaltin (marshmallow-based tablets to thin sputum in wet coughs).

It is possible to use Hexoral and Bioparox in the presence of a bacterial infection. Hexoral (spray) is an antiseptic, analgesic, prescribed for pharyngitis and tonsillitis. Does not have a negative effect on the body of a pregnant woman and the fetus.

Bioparox is an aerosol, the main component of which is an antibiotic. Used as an inhalation agent.

Remedies for the common cold based on sea water are the safest. Pinosol is a nasal spray, the main components of which are essential oils of pine, eucalyptus and mint. Nazivin - drops, the main component is Oxymetazoline hydrochloride. Use during pregnancy is possible if the benefit exceeds the risk.

The duration of use of drugs during gestation is indicated in the instructions for use. It has a shorter period to avoid side effects.

When coughing and lack of fever, steam inhalation over a decoction of potatoes, eucalyptus, and the use of a nebulizer are useful.

Fluid consumption in the form of teas, compotes (linden, rosehip, cranberry) in the second half of pregnancy should not go beyond the norm. Exceeding it will increase the load on the kidneys and heart of the expectant mother.

For any form of illness you need:

• bed rest;
• easily digestible dairy-vegetable diet;
• fresh air indoors.

Following the regimen will help you overcome the infection faster.

Features of treatment in the first trimester

In the first 3 months of pregnancy, the use of medications is sharply limited. Harm to the embryo can be caused not only by the virus, but also by the drug. During this period the following are prohibited for use:

• antibiotics;
• vasoconstrictors;
• antiviral drugs;
• antipyretics based on aspirin.

Excessive intake of vitamin C will have a bad effect in the first weeks of gestation.

In the first trimester, treatment for ARVI should consist of the most gentle regimen, a protein-vitamin diet with plenty of drinking herbal teas. A pregnant woman should remain in bed. The premises must be wet cleaned twice a day.

It is necessary to provide an influx of clean air, regularly ventilating the room where the patient is. At a temperature of 37.5 to 38.5 degrees. Paracetomol-based drugs are prescribed. Higher hyperthermia requires an urgent call to the doctor.

Coughing attacks can be stopped by swallowing a tablespoon of honey or drinking a glass of warm milk with soda and a teaspoon of butter. These products have mild enveloping, disinfectant and anti-inflammatory properties.

In more severe cases, the patient can use throat and nasal sprays Kameton, Ingalipt, and Mucaltin tablets.

Prevention

Vaccination during gestation is contraindicated. During an epidemic of acute viral infection, pregnant women should limit contact with people:

• do not attend mass cultural events;
• avoid using public transport;
• do not shop in supermarkets during rush hour.

When leaving home, you can use oxolinic ointment, but you should remember that its validity period is 2 hours.

To avoid contracting a viral infection through household contact and airborne droplets, you must:

• wash your hands more often;
• do not touch your face with your hands, especially in crowded places;
• rinse your mouth with a decoction of chamomile or sage 3-4 times a day;
• rinse your nose with iodine-saline solution when returning home.

Walking in the fresh air in the park, outside the city, eating a diet with enough vitamins, following a sleep and rest schedule will help strengthen the immune system.

In the 1st trimester of pregnancy, ARVI most often leads to pregnancy failure or developmental defects in the child. The use of medications during this period is extremely undesirable. Starting from the 14th week, the threat of fetal damage decreases and drug therapy is prescribed. The best prevention of a viral disease is to increase the immunity of the expectant mother.