How to treat colds during pregnancy. How to treat colds during pregnancy: rules of treatment in each trimester

ARVI(acute respiratory viral infections) is a set of diseases that are characterized by damage to the respiratory system and have a similar clinical picture. Flu- it's spicy viral disease which amazes Airways, is accompanied by severe intoxication and can lead to serious complications. Influenza and ARVI are diseases close to each other in terms of methods of infection and clinical picture, but the flu is more severe, causes serious intoxication and can even lead to fatal outcome in the absence of treatment.

Source of infection of these diseases is a sick person, especially in initial period illness when there are no signs of a cold yet. Main route of transmission ARVI and influenza are airborne, the infection spreads with small drops of saliva and mucus that are released when coughing, sneezing, or talking. It is also possible to spread viruses by food(through dirty hands), but this route of transmission is rare.

Not all people are highly susceptible to viruses that cause colds, because... a good level of immunity does not allow pathogens to penetrate and develop in the body. Under heavy physical and mental stress, poor nutrition, hypothermia, exacerbation chronic diseases The reserve of the body's defenses sharply decreases, and the person falls ill. Unfortunately, pregnant women also belong to the group increased risk on infection with acute respiratory viral infections and influenza due to a significant decrease in immunity during pregnancy.

dangerous Colds are dangerous for both the mother and the development of the fetus. The greatest risk of infection with influenza ARVI is in first trimester of pregnancy, when all the vital organs and systems of the child are formed.

Complications of a cold

TO main complications viral infections in the early stages include:

1. Spontaneous miscarriages;
2. Formation of fetal malformations;
3. Intrauterine infection and fetal death.

A special feature of colds in the first trimester is that pregnant women often have a hard time suffering from the disease. Such periods are typical:

• Difficulties in reducing temperature due to the ban on taking many antipyretic drugs;
• High risk of bacterial complications.

In the second trimester the level of a woman’s defenses increases, and a pregnant woman tolerates ARVI and influenza more easily, but the influence of infectious agents on the child still remains significant. The formation of the fetus is already completed by 12 weeks, so exposure to viruses does not lead to severe malformations. The main blow of the infectious disease falls on the growing placenta, and therefore, its blood circulation and supply of oxygen and nutrients. TO complications of a viral infection in the second trimester include:

• Premature termination of pregnancy;
• Development of fetoplacental insufficiency (decreased ability of the placenta to provide adequate exchange between the organisms of the mother and fetus);
• Fetal hypoxia (oxygen deficiency);
• Intrauterine infection of the fetus;
• Premature rupture of amniotic fluid.

Information In the third trimester Colds occur similarly to the second trimester and also have a negative effect on the placenta. The most dangerous infection of the mother is in the last weeks of pregnancy, especially before childbirth, because at the same time, the risk of infection of the child viral infection increases significantly.

Complications of ARVI and influenza in the third trimester:

1. Premature rupture of amniotic fluid and termination of pregnancy;
2. Fetal hypoxia (especially pronounced when infected before birth: the child is born lethargic with breathing problems);
3. Increased risk of birth trauma and increased blood loss during childbirth;
4. Development of postpartum infectious diseases internal genital organs.

Treatment of colds

At the first signs of ARVI and influenza due to high risk development of complications, treatment must be started immediately. It should be remembered that many medications are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy and can cause irreparable harm to the child. In no case should you self-medicate; you should seek advice from a general practitioner who will adequately assess the pregnant woman’s condition and prescribe appropriate treatment.

It is optimal to begin treatment of colds during pregnancy with the use of traditional methods and only if they are ineffective, proceed to taking medications.

The main task for ARVI and influenza in pregnant women is to reduce. Fever dangerous for both the mother and the development of the child. Prolonged hyperthermia (two days or more) can lead to the following: complications:

1. Formation of fetal malformations (this applies only to the first trimester);
2. and premature termination of pregnancy;
3. Impaired blood circulation in the placenta, which impairs its functioning and leads to developmental delay and fetal hypoxia;
4. Disruption of cardio-vascular system mother.

To the main and most effective methods reduce high temperature include:

• Drink plenty of fluids (with lemon, cranberry juice, decoction of chamomile, linden, raspberry, etc.). The drink should be warm, but not hot;
• Cool compresses on the forehead;
• Drying with a damp towel cold water, places of pulse (axillary and popliteal cavities, wrists, elbows);
• Rubbing with a vinegar solution (take 3 parts water for one part vinegar);
• half a tablet no more than twice a day (only as prescribed by a doctor!).

A common symptom of a cold is nasal congestion. It is necessary to treat a runny nose, because... The mother's difficulty breathing can cause insufficient oxygen supply to the baby.

Runny nose

Basic methods of treating runny nose in pregnant women:

• Regular ventilation and humidification of the room;
• . For a runny nose, inhalations based on medicinal herbs(chamomile, sage, thyme), based on aromatic oils (mint, eucalyptus). In the absence of a special device (nebulizer), you can use any wide container. During the procedure, you cannot talk; you must breathe freely through your nose without straining. Inhalations can be done 2-3 times a day for 7-10 minutes;
• Nasal rinsing. For these purposes, you can use a saline solution prepared independently (per glass of warm boiled water add a small pinch of salt) or buy ready-made preparations based on sea ​​salt and water (Saline, Aquamaris). You can also rinse your nose with freshly brewed infusions of chamomile or sage. The procedure can be repeated 3-4 times a day;
• Using homemade drops. For these purposes, you can use self-squeezed beet or carrot juice, herbal infusions(chamomile, sage). The procedure can be repeated up to 4 times a day;
• Vasoconstrictor drops ( Sanorin, ). They can only be used as prescribed by a doctor. severe runny nose and lack of effect from treatment folk remedies. When taking them, it is necessary to carefully read the instructions and strictly follow the dosage.

Sore and sore throat

Influenza and ARVI are often accompanied by tickle And sore throat. When painful sensations you need to see a doctor for an examination so as not to miss the beginning acute tonsillitis(angina), which requires more serious therapy. To the main methods treatment include:

1. Drink plenty of warm drinks (never hot, heat fluids will aggravate the swelling and increase the pain);
2. Frequent gargling. For these purposes, you can use herbal infusions (chamomile, eucalyptus, mint, oak bark), a mixture of salt and iodine (1 teaspoon of salt or soda and two drops of iodine per glass of warm water). You need to gargle every hour until you feel better;
3. Take warm milk with honey and (for a glass of milk, one tablespoon of butter and a teaspoon of natural honey). The prepared solution must be drunk in small sips; the dose can be repeated 4 times a day;
4. Inhalations with medicinal herbs (chamomile, thyme, sage, mint). The procedure is carried out for 10 minutes and repeated 3-4 times a day;
5. Using ready-made medical supplies(use only after consulting a doctor!): n, Chlorhexidine.

Cough

With colds, pregnant women often complain about. Cough can be of two types: dry (without mucus discharge, painful) and wet (with copious discharge sputum).

Cough often causes severe discomfort to a pregnant woman and can also be dangerous for her. further development pregnancy. During frequent coughing attacks, the muscles and ligaments of the abdomen become very tense and contract, which can lead to the threat of miscarriage, and in more severe cases, provoke bleeding.

Treatment cough:

• Inhalations. For a dry cough, you can use steam from boiled potatoes or a solution for the procedure. baking soda, herbal decoctions (chamomile, St. John's wort, linden, sage). When sputum begins to be discharged, it is necessary to switch to herbs that have drying and expectorant effects (yarrow, wild rosemary). The procedure is done for 10 minutes up to 5 times a day;
• Drink plenty of fluids herbal decoctions with honey, warm milk with honey;
• Gargling with infusions of medicinal herbs (mint, oak bark, eucalyptus) every two hours;
• Regular ventilation and humidification of the air in the room (if there is no humidifier, you can simply place dishes with water around the room);
• Drug treatment (Bronchipret). Use only as prescribed by a doctor!

Preventing colds during pregnancy

Any disease, including colds, is easier to prevent than to treat. Prevention of colds should be constant throughout pregnancy. To the main preventive measures include:

• Taking multivitamin preparations for pregnant women, drinking herbal infusions rich in vitamins (tea, cranberry juice);
• A healthy diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, taking natural phytoncides (onions, garlic);
• Frequent walks in the fresh air;
• Regular ventilation of the room;
• Avoid hypothermia and overheating;
• Minimizing stay in crowded places and contact with sick people;
• before every going out during ARVI epidemics.

Colds in early pregnancy are a fairly common occurrence in pregnant women. When a woman's body adjusts to special condition carrying a child, a new one is formed functional system in the body of a mother who is called upon to provide everything the necessary conditions for the full development of the fetus. Although this is unusual, it is quite natural state, leads general decline immunity and, as a result, a high risk of colds. That is why they are regarded frequent colds as a sign of early pregnancy.

Read in this article

Symptoms of colds in early pregnancy

A cold is a general name for various acute respiratory diseases due to the effect of a virus or infection on a person. The first symptoms of a cold are: increased fatigue, weakness, dizziness and nasal congestion. But all ailments are also characteristic of the early stages of pregnancy, when the body is being rebuilt. For timely recognition of colds or other similar diseases future mom should carefully monitor the condition of the throat. After all, these two indicators distinguish simple hypothermia from infection of the body with a virus. If a woman gets cold during early pregnancy, she should never turn a blind eye to it!

Symptoms that require immediate medical attention

Symptoms that indicate the need to seek help include:

• A sharp rise in temperature is a sign of influenza infection; it leads to chills, severe muscle pain and headaches, body aches and a weak dry cough.
• Thick nasal discharge, pain in eyeballs, headache and a dry cough undoubtedly mean infection with adenovirus, which initially manifests itself as a runny nose, frequent sneezing, and only after a while an increase in body temperature.
• A sore throat and sore throat that makes it difficult to swallow are the first signs of a rhinovirus infection. Also, with this disease, breathing becomes difficult, and a burning and tingling sensation begins in the nasopharynx.

The occurrence of any of the above ailments in a pregnant woman indicates an urgent need to consult a doctor to determine accurate diagnosis and prescribing the correct effective treatment.

If you carry out incorrect or inadequate treatment of ARVI in the early stages of pregnancy, the consequences of this disease may well affect the health of the unborn baby. The disease is especially dangerous in the initial weeks of pregnancy, since during the first 4 weeks of pregnancy the placenta is formed, and the fertilized egg does not yet have protection against negative factors.

The effect of colds on intrauterine development of the fetus

Majority modern women are not sufficiently informed about the importance and seriousness of the process of bearing a child. That is why, in the early stages of the disease, many are either treated with familiar but unacceptable means, or are not treated at all, suffering the disease “on their feet.” But due to ARVI in the early stages of gestation, judging by the data medical statistics, occurs in more than 10% of women.

A cold in the expectant mother that occurs in the 5th - 6th week of the embryo's gestational age can cause a defect nervous system child, since it is at this stage of development that the fetal neural tube is formed. Difficulty breathing and, as a result, simple nasal congestion during early pregnancy can lead to oxygen deficiency in the embryo, and ultimately to its hypoxia and developmental delay. In the first trimester of pregnancy (embryonic period), the laying and formation of all the most important organs occurs, and, therefore, it is this period of gestation that will influence the entire subsequent life of the future person.

How to get early treatment correctly

What to do if a woman does get sick in early pregnancy? It is very important to visit general practitioner, who will determine the diagnosis and refer you to a qualified specialist, as well as an obstetrician-gynecologist leading the pregnancy.

But despite all the precautions that the expectant mother takes, there are cases of incompetence of the leading doctor, which can critically harm both the fetus and the woman herself. As they say, “trust, but verify,” so you need to know which drugs can and cannot be used in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Safe medications against colds while pregnant

Unfortunately, the most fast-acting remedies often contraindicated during pregnancy. For pregnant women, you can choose the products presented in the table.

Drugs allowed during pregnancy during colds	Their pharmacological properties
Paracetamol	Taken when fever and headaches occur, it is highly effective and safe for the fetus, which has been proven by numerous studies.
Faringosept	Effective if you have a sore throat in early pregnancy. It has a bacteriostatic effect and is not contraindicated in the first trimester. The drug will help with pharyngitis and stomatitis, relieve a sore throat, act locally and does not change the intestinal microflora.
Aquamaris or Humer	These are saline sprays that are useful for rinsing out your sinuses when you have a runny nose. They are absolutely harmless to the mother’s body and are much more convenient than rinsing the nose with the “old-fashioned” methods.
Viburkol	Thanks to its analgesic and sedative effect, it is simply indispensable for a cold in the expectant mother. Indications for use: fever and fever, inflammation of the ENT organs, for the general treatment of acute respiratory viral infections.
Tussin	It can only be used with the consent of the attending physician or leading obstetrician-gynecologist, although it has no contraindications during pregnancy. These precautions should be taken due to the presence of active substance guaifenesin, which stimulates the production of secretions by the bronchial glands, which enhances the coughing up of sputum. But coughing in early pregnancy is dangerous if the mother has a low-lying placenta or a breech fetus.

Groups of drugs that should absolutely not be taken during pregnancy

The main danger of self-medication is ignorance of the effects of drugs on the fetus. If it is not possible to visit the hospital, you should avoid using the following medications:

1. , excluding the penicillin series. The vast majority of antibiotics cause disruption of the embryo development process, especially in early periods pregnancy.
2. Aspirin. Its use negatively affects the development of the baby’s cardiovascular system and lungs, and there is also a risk.
3. Pertussin. This drug is often prescribed if the patient has a sore throat; in the early stages of pregnancy, its use is prohibited due to the fact that active substances medications cause increased blood pressure and quite often lead to miscarriage.
4. Glycodin and ACC. These drugs are not used due to their pronounced mucolytic effect, which can cause, and.

In fact, the list of prohibited and non-recommended medications during pregnancy is much longer; there is a very limited range of substances that are harmless to the fetus. Therefore, it is much easier and safer to try to cure a cold using “grandmother’s” methods, rather than pharmaceutical drugs. Moreover, nature really has something to offer the expectant mother and her baby. Many widely used natural substances are actually effective in treating colds.

Traditional methods of treating colds

In addition to the measures that are familiar to everyone, it is also necessary to take maximum care during the off-season periods: after a walk, be sure to wash your hands, eat foods high in vitamins, and avoid hypothermia and drafts. When even seemingly harmless symptoms appear, such as chills during early pregnancy, it is urgent to take measures to prevent disease.

At the first signs of illness, a woman needs to go to “bed rest”; it is also recommended to drink plenty of warm water or compote. The room in which mother spends the most time should be warm and ventilated. If you need to go out into public places, you need to lubricate your sinuses with a small amount. oxolinic ointment. This drug has been used quite successfully for decades. Some herbal infusions that can relieve inflammation of the mucous membranes and improve immunity will also be useful.

Herbal infusions for all cold symptoms

There are several proven recipes for decoctions that are effective in the fight against colds:

• Linden flower tea is taken if a woman has chills during early pregnancy. The tea recipe is simple: mix linden flowers and black elderberry flowers in equal parts, add two tablespoons of the mixture to a glass of boiling water. This infusion should be drunk moderately in one dose.
• Coltsfoot leaves help with coughs and have absolutely no contraindications for the expectant mother. And with a dry, barking cough good remedy is an infusion of dates in this form: boil 10-12 dates in half a liter of water for 30 minutes. You need to drink the drink hot for maximum positive effect.
• Raspberries with honey have a general strengthening effect and improve immunity. It is worth noting that raspberry leaves are prohibited during pregnancy; only raspberries are used for infusion. Prepare a medicinal drink according to the recipe: brew a tablespoon of raspberries and currants in half a liter of boiling water and leave the mixture for 15 minutes. You should drink the infusion before meals 3 times a day.

How to treat a stuffy nose

To overcome a runny nose in early pregnancy, you can not only rinse your nose saline solutions, but also use therapeutic inhalations. Recipes for preparing mixtures for inhalation great amount, however, not all of them are suitable for the body of the expectant mother. Boiled potatoes are rightfully considered the most harmless remedy. For beneficial inhalations Boiled potato peelings are used, the vapors of which need to be breathed in, covered with a thick towel.

If you experience dizziness or any other discomfort the woman should stop inhaling.

How to treat a sore throat

Many tinctures for gargling can cope with a sore throat, however, the expectant mother needs to carefully monitor the absence of alcohol in them if the medicine is purchased at the pharmacy. You can prepare a gargling solution yourself using salt, soda or sage infusion. Rinsing with home remedies will be excluded. negative influences both on the baby in the womb and on her body, so they need to be given special attention.

It is prepared by infusing one tablespoon of herb in a glass of boiling water for thirty minutes. You should rinse your throat and mouth with this medicine especially carefully and under no circumstances swallow it. Sage is prohibited for internal use women during pregnancy, since it significantly affects hormonal levels and causes uterine contractions.

You need to gargle with soda according to the following scheme: dilute 2 teaspoons in 250 milliliters of warm water, gargle five times a day. Using soda for oral cavity will help get rid of sneezing during early pregnancy, because with this solution it is effective to rinse your nose with a runny nose. The same effect occurs when using a saline solution for a sore throat and nose.

Every mother tries to give her child only the best, and good health– a valuable gift! And it entirely depends on the 9 months that the baby grows and develops in the womb. It is very important to realize the responsibility that every woman carrying a child bears on her fragile shoulders. By taking care of her health, a young mother will ensure the health of her unborn child.

Nothing more amazing and more mysterious than a mystery conception and birth of a child. And although science assures that it has studied the entire process of pregnancy and fetal development in detail, the origin of life remains the biggest mystery of the universe. It would seem that the mother’s body is designed to bear and give birth to a new person, but from the very beginning it tries to tear away the embryos from itself, like a foreign body. And the small embryonic embryo has to fight for its life already in the womb.

But it’s good that nature gave in and allowed immune system mothers do not so violently reject the embryo from the very beginning of pregnancy. But it is precisely this relaxation that opens the gates to all kinds of infections, causing the pregnant woman’s body to become very weakened and susceptible to infectious diseases. Throughout the 270 days of pregnancy, a woman becomes a target for aggressive viruses and pathogenic microorganisms. And the most banal cold threatens to turn into considerable problems for her and the unborn child.

Why are colds dangerous during pregnancy? What consequences may pregnant women face? And what treatment for colds is indicated during pregnancy? We will try to answer these questions in this article.

What can a common cold mean for a pregnant woman and her unborn child?

As mentioned above, during pregnancy a woman’s immunity is significantly reduced, and her body is unable to effectively and adequately resist viruses and bacteria, which are the source of many acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections with possible further complications. All doctors agree that colds and flu during pregnancy are incompatible conditions. Colds pose a threat to the health and life of the unborn child, not to mention the fact that a woman has a much harder time enduring the most common manifestations of a cold.

And no matter how pregnant women try to protect themselves from diseases and take care of themselves so as not to catch a cold, 80% of expectant mothers still suffer from ARVI. And most often, women manage to catch a cold precisely at the beginning of pregnancy, when the influence of pathogenic microorganisms on the developing fetus is quite large and dangerous. Colds during early pregnancy are very common. But at this moment the main organs and systems of the future person are laid down and begin to develop.

But first, let's look at the main complications that can arise in the mother and fetus. So, due to ARVI, the expectant mother may experience:

• large blood loss during childbirth;
• inflammatory diseases female reproductive system;
• rupture of amniotic fluid ahead of schedule;
• complications postpartum period;
• chronic infections.

With a cold, the fetus can be seriously damaged, so the following are often diagnosed:

• intrauterine infection;
• fetal hypoxia;
• severe fetal malformations;
• fetal growth retardation syndrome;
• fetoplacental insufficiency;
• fetal death.

This list alone is terrifying, so it is very important to prevent colds during pregnancy by everyone possible methods and ways. And most importantly, avoid the slightest cooling of the body and contact with the sick and those with colds. And if you had to catch ARVI, then every expectant mother should know in advance how to treat a cold during pregnancy so as not to panic and act as quickly, efficiently and prudently as possible.

>>Recommended: if you are interested effective methods getting rid of chronic runny nose, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis and persistent colds, then be sure to check out this site page after reading this article. Information based on personal experience author and has helped many people, we hope it will help you too. Now let's return to the article.<<

Why is a cold dangerous during pregnancy in the first trimester?

Many people know that the entire pregnancy is conventionally divided into 3 trimesters of 3 months each. This division is not conditional and not subjective. It was given by nature that during each trimester of pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes its own distinctive changes, as well as with the growing and developing fetus.

A cold in the 1st trimester of pregnancy is considered the most dangerous for both the woman and the small embryo or fetus. Therefore, there is no need to even raise the question of whether the disease is dangerous. Here the answer is the same - dangerous, and even very dangerous. But colds occur very often in the early stages, out of place, out of time. But what kind of disease occurs in a timely manner?

In the first trimester, a cold is most dangerous not before 12 weeks, but up to 10 weeks, because it is during this period that all the systems and internal organs of the unborn baby are formed in the developing body of the fetus. With a viral or bacterial infection, it is very likely that the disease can negatively affect the process of embryogenesis.

After all, it is during this period that the formation of the nervous system, sensory organs, heart, esophagus, limbs, and so on occurs. By the 9th week, the embryo takes on the shape of a human being and is already called a fetus. It weighs 16 grams and is 7 cm long, its heart is already beating, and bone tissue begins to gradually appear in place of small cartilages, the circulatory system, liver, urinary system, and genitals begin to form.

And now imagine how these terrible viruses strike at this small creature. Yes, it is very difficult for this baby to resist such influence. There is no need to describe what defects and deformities of the fetus can be caused by viral diseases, but believe me, this is extremely dangerous if the disease occurs during early pregnancy. By the way, the greatest danger is the rubella virus, which successfully disguises itself as a common ARVI. Its distinguishing feature is the appearance of a rash. Only it can be so mild that even an experienced doctor cannot suspect rubella.

Treatment of colds in the 1st trimester is very problematic. A woman may not even suspect that life has begun in her womb, so she can uncontrollably use any medications to relieve the symptoms of a cold. But this is where the danger lies! A small fetus is afraid not only of the infection itself, but also of its treatment.

Most medications are contraindicated for use during pregnancy. The remaining part of the drugs requires special care in taking and individual dosage selection, and all this under the supervision of a doctor. Sometimes what’s scary is not the cold itself, or even its complications in the form of bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis media, etc., but the fact that you have to use potent medications. But they cause irreparable harm to the fetus, and the mother, without knowing it, harms her baby.

It is especially scary when a pregnant woman, having caught a cold, contracts such a complex and dangerous complication as pneumonia. Not only is the oxygen supply to the body disrupted, a bacterial infection migrates throughout the body, but one also has to use the strongest antibiotics, hormones, immunomodulators, and enzyme preparations. And much of the therapy is detrimental to the fetus... But we will talk about how to cure a cold during early pregnancy a little later.

The danger of colds during pregnancy in the second trimester does not decrease

The second trimester of pregnancy lasts from 12 to 24 weeks after conception. By this period, the placenta has already formed, which serves not only as a conductor for the supply of nutrition to the unborn child, but also as a kind of shield from all the dangers of the outside world. From the moment the placenta develops, you can breathe a little sigh of relief, because the unborn baby is largely protected. By week 24, the fetus weighs about 900 grams and is 33 cm tall. It can already open its eyes, its hair and eyelashes grow, i.e. the future baby is almost formed.

But even during this relatively prosperous period of pregnancy, women are not recommended to catch a cold. The fact is that a cold in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy can lead to feto-placental insufficiency, which, in turn, can cause serious harm to the developing fetus. When such a pathology occurs, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus is disrupted, and it begins to suffer greatly due to their lack. In this situation, the fetus is unlikely to experience any defects in its development, but hypoxia itself is very dangerous for it.

During the 2nd trimester, a cold can negatively affect the development of the fetal nervous system, which is actively maturing at this moment, as well as the development of the child as a whole. In addition, due to a cold that leads to pheoplacental insufficiency, the child may be born prematurely, with very low weight, with a high degree of dystrophy.

Another thing that is dangerous about a cold in the second trimester is the possibility of causing a miscarriage at 14 weeks and disrupting the development of the endocrine system. During the period of 16-17 weeks, a cold can negatively affect the formation of fetal bone tissue. Due to the fact that at 19-20 weeks the laying of eggs in future girls occurs, intrauterine oogenesis may be disrupted, and this is the path to future infertility of future women.

Sometimes expectant mothers do not think about how to treat themselves during a cold, and begin to use antipyretics and antibiotics, harming their baby. Therefore, we ask expectant mothers to exercise maximum caution and treat colds only with folk remedies.

What are the dangers of a cold during pregnancy in the third trimester?

The third trimester of pregnancy begins from 24 weeks until birth. During this period, the fruit is finally formed, develops and matures. It would seem that nothing can harm the unborn child, who is protected from the outside world by the placenta; no defects or malformations will occur. But it is during this period that the expectant mother needs to be as careful as possible and pay utmost attention to her health, because a cold in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy remains dangerous for the mother and child.

Even the most insignificant signs of a cold should already alert the expectant mother and force her to urgently take all measures to stop the pathological process of development of the disease. Otherwise, any disease can seriously undermine the immunity of a pregnant woman and disrupt the course of the birth process.

Firstly, it is very difficult for a woman in this position to endure the disease itself, coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. It is already difficult for her to breathe, lie down, walk, and here intra-abdominal pressure also increases during coughing, and possible shortness of breath is also accompanied by nasal congestion. In a word, colds are subjectively very difficult for pregnant women to tolerate in the 3rd trimester.

Secondly, there is a high probability that at birth the child can become infected from the mother, so a cold after 38 weeks of pregnancy poses a serious danger. In any case, a woman will not have time to restore her immunity after suffering an illness, so pregnant women who become ill in the later stages are always hospitalized, and the newborn baby is temporarily isolated from the mother in order to prevent it from becoming infected with cold viruses. This situation is very undesirable, because the child cannot immediately receive colostrum, which is very useful for him, and it will be morally very difficult for the mother not to see her long-awaited child.

Viral colds during late pregnancy complicate the birth process itself. Giving birth with a high body temperature is very difficult and dangerous. Doctors have to resort to using strong cold medicines during the end of pregnancy, which is very undesirable. And although the placenta tries to protect the baby from the transmission of dangerous viruses, he can get sick. Therefore, if you happen to catch a cold late in life, you can’t sit at home; you need to urgently consult a doctor for help, advice and treatment.

Features of the course of colds in pregnant women

In principle, we can say that the course of colds in pregnant women is no different from other situations. The same symptoms - cough, sneezing, malaise, nasal congestion, severe runny nose, fever, sore throat. But the immunity of pregnant women is initially weakened, so the severity of all cold symptoms during pregnancy will be very high, along with a high probability of developing dangerous complications.

Due to the peculiarities of the state of the immune system in pregnant women, the body temperature against the background of ARVI may remain within normal limits, or slightly subfebrile. Cases of colds without fever during pregnancy are very often recorded. To understand why this happens, first let's remember what a temperature reaction is.

This is the body’s response to foreign viruses and bacteria with the production of a special substance – interferon. This antiviral substance stops forming in the body of a pregnant woman at a body temperature above 38.5°C. And with a greatly weakened immune system during pregnancy, a temperature of up to 37°C during a cold is quite common, but the production of interferon does not occur in this situation, which means there is no full fight against viral aggression.

Therefore, at the first signs of a cold, you should immediately begin treatment, but only under the supervision of a doctor.

Treating colds during pregnancy is not an easy task

As mentioned above, during pregnancy, taking many medications is contraindicated because they can cause irreparable harm to the developing unborn child. In this regard, treating pregnant women for colds is not an easy task. And this puzzle has to be solved in a new way every time, because each pregnant woman needs an individual approach.

When choosing medications for colds, you should be guided by the principle - less is better than more, even if some medications are allowed to be taken by a pregnant woman. You need to weigh each step carefully and scrupulously, constantly consult with your doctor, carefully study the instructions for medications and not follow the advice of your friends, because it is very important in this situation not to harm the child.

What medications are contraindicated

If drug therapy is undesirable or contraindicated, then the main emphasis is on folk remedies when treating colds during pregnancy. But if you can’t do without medications, then you need to know which of them are prohibited from taking. It is strictly forbidden to take antibiotics unless absolutely necessary, especially Streptomycin, Levomycetin and Tetracycline, immunomodulating drugs, alcohol tinctures that increase blood pressure and pulse rate, as well as many antipyretics.

A woman expecting a child needs to be careful not to get sick. After all, the treatment method for expectant mothers differs from that used in other cases. If the pregnant woman still failed to avoid ARVI, in this case it is important to know how to treat a cold during pregnancy so as not to harm your health and the fetus.

To treat colds, it is effective to use traditional medicine, but only after permission from a doctor. Here they are:

• The most effective way to fight a cold is to use horseradish root. You will need to take one horseradish root, chop it, then mix it with the same amount of honey. Move the resulting composition to a warm place for a day, then strain it through gauze and take the medicine every hour, 1 small spoon.
• If you have a cough, it is recommended to use inhalations containing chamomile and sage. These herbs can reduce a runny nose and relieve pain from an inflamed nasopharynx.
• For throat diseases, it is necessary to gargle with the herbs of calendula, sage, and chamomile. Prepare decoctions from these herbs to gargle with. Decoctions should be warm.
• In most cases, natural honey helps get rid of all the symptoms of a cold. It can be consumed either alone or added to tea with lemon. If desired, honey can be added to the rosehip and lemon tincture. You should not overuse honey in the last months of pregnancy, as it can cause allergies in the child, and the pregnant woman herself will develop diabetes.
• If you have a severe runny nose, it is not recommended to use vasoconstrictor drops. If you cannot refuse them, then strictly follow the instructions for the drug. After all, the composition of the drops can have a negative impact on the blood supply to the placenta, which in the future can cause a delay in the development of the child in the womb.
• Nasal drops should be used in rare cases and only in case of strong discharge from the nasal cavity.
• If you have a runny nose, it is advisable to rinse your nose with saline solution. To prepare it you will need half a small spoon of salt per glass of water. You can also purchase special drops based on sea salt at the pharmacy.
• If you have agave, you can use it to treat a runny nose. To do this, you will need plant juice, which must be dripped into the nose, 2 drops at a time.
• To quickly get rid of the disease, stay in bed and avoid visiting crowded places until you have fully recovered.

By the way, it is useful to take it, because it treats many diseases.

What you need to know about colds by trimester

In the cold season, the question of how to treat colds during pregnancy becomes relevant. But before treatment, it would not hurt to know what a common runny nose or sore throat can lead to, depending on the trimester of pregnancy.

If before conception the fairer sex is not particularly worried about how to treat this or that disease, then during pregnancy the situation changes.

The first trimester is considered the most dangerous, since at this time any illness can negatively affect not only the fetus itself, but also the woman. A cold in the first 10 weeks after conception can cause severe harm to the fetus, since it is at this time that the formation of the internal organs of the fetus occurs. In this case, the viral infection disrupts the normal course of pregnancy.

It is important to be treated correctly in the first trimester, since many women do not know about their interesting situation and begin to take medications that are contraindicated during pregnancy. You should not self-medicate; it is best to consult a specialist.

In the second trimester, the fetus is more protected, but colds in a pregnant woman are still undesirable. A cold between 12 and 24 weeks can cause the formation of FNP, which negatively affects the development of the baby. With FNP, the fetus in the womb does not receive a certain amount of microelements necessary for proper life support, and also suffers from a lack of oxygen.

Also, diseases at this time can affect the development of the fetal nervous system. In some cases, colds can contribute to miscarriage. At this time, it is advisable to treat the disease using folk remedies.

In the third trimester, a cold can cause complications during childbirth. If a pregnant woman does not have time to recover, the child may contract an infectious disease from the mother immediately after birth. Also, women who become ill in later stages are sent to hospital for treatment.

If a woman suffers from a cold during childbirth, the child is isolated from her after birth until the mother is completely cured. In addition, increased temperature in the later stages affects the woman’s well-being; she feels tired, so during childbirth she does not find the strength to push. It is worth noting that if the placenta at this stage has already completely matured or has begun to age, then it will not be able to provide any protective functions for the baby.

Video: How to treat snot and throat during pregnancy

The famous science fiction writer A. Belyaev wrote in one of his novels in the second half of the 20th century that by the 21st century all diseases except the runny nose will be defeated. The forecast turned out to be too optimistic, but not without some truth: nowadays, runny noses and colds really cause a lot of trouble.

A seemingly harmless cold becomes a real problem for pregnant women. And the point is not that if a woman is sick, she has a stuffy nose and a sore throat. The main question is how will this affect the condition of the fetus and newborn? After all, both the disease itself and the treatment taken can have a negative impact on the development and health of the unborn baby.

Manifestation of a cold

Microorganisms surround humans everywhere and, according to some data, make up up to 1.5% of the average adult’s body weight. While some of them help people function normally, others, on the contrary, cause illness. The latter, unfortunately, are the majority.

Among all infectious diseases, a person most often encounters a group that doctors briefly call acute respiratory infections - acute respiratory diseases. This includes a separate, but no less common subgroup - acute respiratory viral infections, or ARVI. Common to them are the symptoms called colds:

• Increased body temperature.
• Nasal congestion.
• Serous discharge from the nose.
• Cough.
• A sore throat.
• Frequent sneezing.
• Pain in the ear area.

It often happens that a cold is accompanied by headache, fatigue and body aches.

Such manifestations do not relate to respiratory disorders and are provoked by a general intoxication syndrome, but they also need to be treated.

Immune response

It seems that a person should have a system for fighting pathogens, right? She is, and if we get sick, we get better thanks to her. Immunity cannot always prevent disease. Viruses – the most common pathogens of acute respiratory infections – very changeable. And every time it turns out that the immune cells have the wrong settings to destroy the insidious microbe in the bud. Therefore, people can get colds many times in their lives.

After infection, the immune system studies the enemy, selects the most effective weapon for him and destroys him, the person recovers. Until the next time, when the same, but still slightly different virus comes. This feature does not allow the effective use of vaccination to prevent colds.

It is logical that a weakened immune system allows microbes (viruses and bacteria) to cause illness. With this condition – immunosuppression – All women face during pregnancy. So colds during pregnancy are not at all uncommon.

Maternal body

The emerging fetus has its own unique genetic information. In order not to provoke allergic phenomena, the mother’s immune system is slightly reconfigured and reduces its sensitivity. This does not mean that a woman remains defenseless against infection, far from it. But there is still a reason to take care of yourself.

A cold during pregnancy is harmful and sometimes dangerous for the mother as much as for the fetus. A woman’s body works under increased stress. Because of this, he tends to experience the disease in a more severe form than usual.

Effect on the embryo

The fetus is at even greater risk. He also has intense and subtle processes, the intervention of microbes in which does not lead to anything good. Colds of the expectant mother are fraught with a lot of troubles:

• Spontaneous termination of pregnancy.
• Premature birth.
• Developmental anomalies.
• Pathologies of amniotic fluid.
• Changes in the umbilical cord.
• Placental insufficiency.
• Congenital diseases.

Statistics show that approximately 20% of early miscarriages are caused by a cold in the first trimester of pregnancy.

The main reason for this is the delayed maturation of the placenta, which will not disappear anywhere and poses a problem even at later stages.

Viruses freely penetrate the placenta filter (hematoplacental barrier) and cause great harm to the cells of the embryo. Often irreparable. In some developed countries there is even a practice that, at first glance, is very cynical. Women diagnosed with a cold during pregnancy, 1st trimester and the threat of spontaneous abortion are not treated. It is believed that 80% of such early miscarriages are caused by fetal anomalies incompatible with life and are an integral part of natural selection. Although, according to the author of the article, such a decision must be made on an individual basis.

Principles of treatment

If you estimate the frequency of occurrence of colds in the human population, it becomes clear that the issue of treating pregnant women is quite acute. Nowadays, human migration allows viruses and bacteria to quickly spread throughout the planet, making it almost impossible to hide from them.

General principles of treatment for pregnant women, especially in the early stages, are of little use. Such women require a special approach, even if there is a simple runny nose in the first trimester of pregnancy. Unfortunately, in our country there have been no detailed studies on how to treat such patients.

International practice

The USA has developed a classification of drugs that is used in many developed countries of the world. The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed the following gradation of drugs:

	Controlled studies were conducted on pregnant volunteers, which proved the safety of the drug. The danger to the fetus is minimal.
	Experimental animal studies did not show a risk to the embryo or undesirable effects were still observed. In humans, controlled studies have either not been conducted or negative effects have not been confirmed.
	The risk to the fetus has been experimentally confirmed. Pregnant women were not subjected to studies with trusted results.
	The product is dangerous for the fetus and has been proven to cause developmental abnormalities. During pregnancy, the drugs are contraindicated. If treatment cannot be refused, interruption should be considered.

It is very difficult to compile a list of drugs for each category due to different names in the pharmacopoeias of different countries. Practicing gynecologists are familiar with this list and know what to do and how to prescribe for colds in pregnant women.

The danger of self-medication

In countries where such a classification is not widely used, deviations from international standards are often allowed. Moreover, the fault of doctors in this is not so great. Women themselves cause much more harm to themselves if they try to treat themselves:

1. Drugs without proven effectiveness are used. Some drugs that supposedly normalize metabolism have these features. People often confuse dietary supplements (BAS) with medications, although there is a fundamental difference between them.
2. Several means are used simultaneously when this can be avoided. An example is relieving fever and headaches with complex medications for colds and flu. The source of information about the effectiveness of which is advertising.
3. The regimen taken combines drugs in an irrational combination. This often occurs if a woman tries to cure a cold using a regimen prescribed to another pregnant woman.

Many difficulties arise from treatment with folk remedies. Many of them, based on herbs, are truly harmless. At the same time, they are ineffective.

Therefore, fever and sore throat should be a reason to visit a medical facility.

Medications

Some cold medicines can and should be used during pregnancy. This primarily applies to two categories of drugs:

1. Substances that do not penetrate the hematoplacental barrier.
2. Forms for local use.

However, even in these cases, an unprofessional approach is dangerous. Hippocrates also said that poison can be medicine, and medicine can be poison. In relation to pregnant women, the second postulate is very relevant.

Remember that careless use of any chemical compounds, which include all medications, can be harmful.

Products for systemic use

In no case should you trust the information that any medicine is filtered by the placenta and does not enter the fetal bloodstream. If the mother is sick, the placental barrier is easily overcome by the main cold pathogens - viruses. At the same time, they damage this filter, its permeability increases and filtration properties decrease.

As a result, those substances that normally should not enter the fetal bloodstream penetrate there. This applies to any dosage forms that have a systemic effect: tablets, injections, droppers.

It is worthwhile to dwell in more detail on the overly popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Regarding the drugs in this group, there is an opinion that, apart from them, nothing else can be done to relieve pain in the head or throat. Some pregnant women, having caught a cold, out of habit trust NSAIDs with the health of both themselves and the fetus.

Indeed, some antipyretic and analgesic drugs can be used during pregnancy. No targeted studies have been conducted on these drugs, however, according to statistics, the following are considered relatively safe:

• Paracetamol.
• Indomethacin.
• Diclofenac.

It is believed that paracetamol has the least effect on the fetus. Due to this, it was excluded from the category of teratogenic drugs.

The results of practical observations made it possible to identify individual representatives of antipyretic drugs, the use of which is not recommended during pregnancy:

• This primarily applies to cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors. The most popular are nimesulide, meloxicam, celecoxib.
• Aspirin. Its use should be abandoned in favor of others. If prescriptions of acetylsalicylic acid are necessary, small doses are used.
• For ibuprofen, a connection has been observed between its use and the development of congenital anomalies. Although many are classified as mild or reversible, its use in pregnant women is not recommended.

There is no reliable data on the dangers of many drugs, but to normalize elevated temperature, it is more advisable to use drugs from the first list. Again, this should only be done in collaboration with your doctor. All NSAIDs can interfere with fetal circulation when used in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.

The literature describes a case where a cold at 38 weeks of pregnancy was the reason for the prescription of diclofenac. As a result, an urgent delivery by caesarean section was required. The cause was early closure of the aortic duct in the fetus. The development of such an anomaly is typical for many NSAIDs.

The second most common complication of taking antipyretics in the second half of pregnancy is pathology of the urinary system of newborns. Up to the development of renal failure. This is already considered proven.

A paradoxical conclusion arises: taking antipyretics to treat colds is safer in the first trimester.

Topical products

In this regard, dosage forms that are intended for topical use look much more advantageous in this regard. There is one thing: when using them, you need to pay attention to the ability to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Typically, such information is indicated in the instructions for use; it must be read carefully.

Most often, the absorption of local forms is minimal, their concentration in the bloodstream rarely reaches significant values. But you should still play it safe and consult with a professional physician before starting use. Even if these are, at first glance, harmless forms:

• Nasal drops.
• Spray for the throat.
• Eye and/or ear drops.
• External balms and creams.

Unlike tablets and injections, they are very good to use if the cold does not affect the general well-being of the expectant mother and occurs without fever or intoxication. Local remedies cope well with a runny nose and sore throat, and help cure a pregnant woman without the need to take systemic drugs. Great if you need to treat colds at any stage of pregnancy:

• Nasal congestion during a runny nose can be removed with a solution of vasoconstrictor drops in children's concentration. You should not use it more than twice a day, especially in the first trimester.
• A spray that is used to irrigate the back wall of the pharynx, for example, Yox, Orasept, will help treat a sore throat. Ear and eye drops with an antimicrobial component will not cause harm at any time. Of course, if you follow the instructions.
• Balms based on eucalyptus and other aromatic oils can be very effective for colds. But they must be treated very carefully, since they have a general effect on the body. For example, they can change the tone of blood vessels and muscles of the uterus.

Medicinal herbs

Preparations based on medicinal plants have recently gained popularity due to their lower toxicity and milder effect. Unfortunately, such confidence has little basis. Primarily due to the fact that almost no one has assessed the effect of herbs on the body of a pregnant woman and the fetus. But you shouldn’t completely dismiss plants: research has still been carried out on some.

1. Echinacea purpurea. Stimulates the immune system, good for prevention. When a cold begins, it reduces the duration of the period of elevated temperature. Can be taken in both the first and third trimester. Safe dosage in tablets is 250–500 mg/day, in tincture – 5–15 drops/day. Duration of treatment is 5–7 days. The duration of treatment and dose must be agreed with your doctor!
2. Raspberry leaf tea. General strengthening effect. You can drink from 1 to 8 cups per day. Not recommended in the first weeks of pregnancy.
3. Mint. Delicious and aromatic tea. No negative effects on the fetus were noted.

Chamomile, St. John's wort, ginseng, and gingko biloba are reliably harmful during pregnancy. It is worth limiting your interest in exotic plants, for example, Chinese. They are not native to our region and can have unpredictable effects.

Having trusted the benefits of herbs, many make a mistake common to all types of treatment: they use several types of plants without thinking about their interaction. In Europe, pregnant women are offered to drink ready-made mixtures specially developed for them. A thoughtful and forward-looking approach.

Cold prevention

Despite all the successes of doctors and pharmacists, the best way to fight colds is prevention. The rules of a healthy lifestyle are well known and effective. Therefore, you need to think about the health of the fetus even before the start of pregnancy.

The first step is to accustom yourself to doing morning exercises. As a preventive measure, you can take multivitamin preparations. Some of them are even recommended for pregnant women. Regular ventilation of premises and giving up bad habits, organic food and a positive attitude.

This complex is the best companion for a pregnant woman on the path to having a healthy baby. The reconfiguration of the immune system will be gentle, which will help avoid colds, fever and runny nose.

An analysis of the morbidity and, alas, mortality of pregnant women shows that the medical prognosis is more difficult the later the person seeks qualified medical help. A timely visit to the doctor will protect the mother and fetus from many complications, and sometimes even save life.