Autumn is a time of cold snap and frequent colds. Usually a running nose and a cough are not a reason for panic, but if a woman is pregnant, a cold may affect the further growth and development of the fetus in not the best way.
A woman who has never been sick for the entire pregnancy is a rare phenomenon. The signs of influenza are well known to all of us: headache, cough, general malaise, running nose, high fever. The virus from the orthomyxovirus family causes the disease and is transmitted by airborne droplets. After entering the human body, the influenza virus multiplies rapidly and with a blood stream penetrates all organs and tissues. First of all, the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract is destroyed, because of which it cannot fully perform the protective function and complications arise: sinusitis, bronchitis, otitis, pneumonia. Even inflammatory processes in the heart muscles are possible, which in turn leads to heart failure. This is one of the main dangers of influenza for pregnant women. There is also the risk of spontaneous abortion or premature labor. Often, bacteria — pneumococci, staphylococci, etc., join the influenza virus “for company”. Against the background of the disease, an exacerbation of chronic diseases occurs.
Treatment of influenza during pregnancy
Many influenza medications are contraindicated in pregnant women. Forget about aspirin, antitussive and vasoconstrictors. You need to drink a lot. Drinks with a high content of vitamin C are perfect - tea with lemon, honey, raspberries, broth of wild rose. Of antipyretic drugs, you can use paracetamol. Allowed herbal breast collection, inhalation with chamomile, sage, pine buds. It does not make sense to take antibiotics while flu.
Consequences of the flu during pregnancy
The most dangerous flu is for pregnant women for up to 12 weeks. At this time, the baby’s organs and tissues are being laid. Nature is wise, if the consequences of the flu were too serious for the unborn baby, then the pregnancy comes most of all to an end. It happens that the flu is difficult, but the pregnancy has survived and mom is experiencing - how did the virus affect the child, was there an infection? In this case, you can take a test for estriol, AFP, hCG. An amniocentesis procedure is even possible (amniotic fluid is examined for abnormalities in the fetus). But this procedure carries the risk of miscarriage, and you need to think carefully before you go on such examination.
Prevention of influenza during pregnancy
It is important for expectant mothers to think about hardening the body at the planning stage of pregnancy. Eat properly and fully, do not ignore physical activity. Before going to crowded places, lubricate the nasal mucosa with oxolinic ointment.
