Sometimes you think, "It's just a cold, it's okay." But the fact is that during pregnancy, one can not ignore or underestimate any of the symptoms.The body is at this time most vulnerable.You can get complications even after a mild cold if not taken appropriate measures.Therefore, you need to be treated.On the other hand, you are afraid that this or that drug can harm your child developing in you.
If it's a cold, a runny nose, a cough, a sore throat, it's better to stay at home and try to help yourself with home remedies. However, if they are not effective, call your doctor.
Follow the principle that all medicines during pregnancy should be taken only after consulting a doctor. And this is absolutely not related to the fact that you tolerated some of the drugs before. Even if it is herbal or homeopathic granules - it is better to consult with a specialist. Do not risk your child's health! Some medicines (including so-called "natural") can have serious side effects for a growing child. Especially if they are taken in the first trimester of pregnancy, when organogenesis occurs and all the organs of the child's body are formed. There are also medicines that are absolutely contraindicated for all nine months, because they can cause miscarriage or premature birth. But what if your doctor prescribes antibiotics or other powerful drugs because he will confirm your bronchitis or sinusitis? Can such treatment harm your child? Follow the doctor's directions and do not worry about side effects. For the youngest children, the course of your illness can be much more dangerous.
Qatar upper respiratory tract
As a rule, the first sign is a chill. It should not be underestimated, since the infection can develop and go up to the lower respiratory tract. How can you help yourself? Start treatment as soon as possible. Try "internal" measures, such as garlic and onions. These vegetables contain so-called phytoncides, i.e. substances that act as antibiotics. In the early stages of infection, they are very effective. You can put saline or sea salt solution into your nose. Inhalations (for example, water with salt or soda) are also effective. In addition, you can take vitamin C (up to 1 gram per day). The dose should be divided into several doses throughout the day.
What should I avoid? Drops with a shrink effect on the nasal mucosa (eg, Akatar, Tizin). They can be used only for 4-5 days. Their misuse can cause a secondary swelling of the nose and trouble breathing. Also, during pregnancy, do not take drugs containing pseudoephedrine (such as Gripex, Modafen). When to see a doctor? If you observe all the symptoms together: cough, fever, or discoloration of nasal mucus from clear to yellow or green.
Cough
Usually begins after several days of prolonged infection. It is better not to treat it yourself, but immediately consult a doctor. He will determine whether your cough is due solely to the diseases of the throat or whether there are already changes in the bronchi. The doctor will evaluate the cough by its type. If it is "dry" - it must be suppressed by prescribing antitussives. If "wet" - take an expectorant. You may need antibiotic treatment. How can you help? With a damp cough, inhalations are effective (for example, chamomile, water and salt). Pregnancy and certain herbal teas such as plantain, as well as homeopathic preparations, are safe during pregnancy. Better yet, ask your doctor to prescribe natural medicines for you.
What should I avoid? Syrups containing codeine (can cause embryonic harm) and guaiacol. By themselves, do not take measures to suppress cough. It is important! Persistent coughing can cause premature contraction of the uterus and early childbirth. So do not delay the trip to the doctor!
Fever
If the temperature exceeds 38 ° C, it must be reduced so as not to damage the child. How can you help? At high temperature, preparations containing paracetamol (at a dose of 250 mg) are allowed. Use it up to 2-3 days.
What should I avoid? Preparations containing ibuprofen. They are not recommended during pregnancy. Ibuprofen can cause changes in the cardiovascular system in children. In the first trimester of pregnancy it is also forbidden to take aspirin and antibiotics, especially in high doses. There are drugs that can cause malformations of the fetus.
When should I see a doctor? If after 2-3 days a fever does not pass - it is necessary to call a doctor at home. Your doctor can decide what to take, including antibiotics.
Sore throat
Typically, the symptoms of a viral infection or sore throat are immediately visible. Be sure to consult a doctor if you have a high fever, and a white coating appears on the tonsils. Probably, a sore throat can quickly appear. How can you help? Good rinse aid several times a day (for example, with salt water, soda, water, honey, sage). During pregnancy, you can use herbal remedies for sore throat (for example, plantain grass and other drugs available without a prescription at the pharmacy). They act soothingly with sore throat. But do not use them for more than 2-3 days. You can also use a spray that has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
What should I avoid? Natural drugs against sore throat are usually safe for pregnant women, but still should not be abused by them. When should I see a doctor? If the pain in the throat lasts longer than one week. Your doctor can decide whether to use locally acting antibiotics.
Flu
The best way to protect yourself from colds and flu during pregnancy is vaccination. It can be done from September and throughout the flu season, which usually lasts until March. It is best to vaccinate before pregnancy. Some doctors also allow the vaccine during pregnancy, if you did this before the second trimester. However, in this case it is necessary to exercise extreme caution and ask your gynecologist to bear this in mind. How can you help? During the flu season, you should avoid not only sick people, but also large crowds in the supermarket, cinema, subway. Do not forget to wash your hands after returning home. If you follow all the precautions, but still get the flu - call your doctor. He will tell you the appropriate measures. Stay at home and go to bed. Have a lot of rest, drink tea with raspberries, elderberries and dogrose. If you have a high fever, then use products containing paracetamol to lower the temperature. What should I avoid? First of all, aspirin and preparations containing ibuprofen.