It's no secret that the disease is better to prevent than to be treated, especially for pregnant women. If you can not insure against many diseases, you can try to prevent the flu. Prevention of influenza in expectant mothers is an obligatory and important event, because this disease is very dangerous during pregnancy, when immunity is especially weakened. Preventive maintenance at pregnant women of this disease in application of medicines is limited. Therefore, attention should be paid to other methods of prevention. For a future mother, it is important that the prevention of influenza is safe for the child.
Vaccination, as a method of preventing influenza in expectant mothers
Prevention of influenza should begin from the moment the woman learned about pregnancy. In the case of a planned pregnancy, it is recommended to get a flu shot before the planned conception for 10 days. Pregnant women, in spite of common misconceptions, vaccination against influenza can also be vaccinated. After all, only the live vaccines are contraindicated to future mothers. If the vaccination has not been carried out, or if its actions have ended, it is recommended that the pregnant woman be vaccinated in the second half of pregnancy. Children under six months are susceptible to complications of influenza, and vaccination at this age is not done because of weak immunity. If the pregnant woman was vaccinated against the flu in the second half of pregnancy, the protective antibodies will necessarily fall into the blood of the child and after birth it will be protected from the influenza virus.
Other methods of preventing influenza in pregnant women
An important method of preventing viral diseases in pregnant women is proper nutrition, which contains many vitamins and other nutrients that help strengthen immunity. Eat more vegetable and fruit dishes, especially dishes rich in vitamin C - it most actively combats viruses. Also do not forget about garlic and onions.
It is not recommended that pregnant women take caffeine. Caffeine is not very useful for pregnant women, but it is doubly harmful during the flu epidemic. Effective for the prevention of influenza during pregnancy herbal decoctions (according to the doctor's recommendations), compotes, citrus juices, green tea.
Regularly ventilate the room, as a large number of viruses accumulate in the heat. Ventilate should be at least 4 times a day, but just avoid drafts, for expectant mothers they are dangerous. Also regularly spend in the house wet cleaning. If the weather allows and the pregnant women feel fine, it is recommended that they stay outdoors more.
Preventing influenza during pregnancy includes hygiene. Wash your hands as often as possible with soap, wipe your face, touch your face less (eyes, nose, mouth). Rinse your nose with saline (sea salt). It perfectly cleanses the nasal passages, kills a large number of bacteria, helps to avoid an allergic rhinitis.
Pregnant women are recommended to use gauze bandages. They should be changed regularly. After all, the influenza virus, especially during the epidemic, can be "picked up" anywhere (on a walk, in a store, a polyclinic, at home (from relatives)).
Pregnant women should avoid places of congestion. Attend public places only if necessary. When leaving the house, use oxolin ointment, it also protects the mucosa of the respiratory tract from viruses. This ointment is lubricated by the nasal mucosa. In addition, it is desirable for future mothers to avoid close contact (handshakes, kisses, embraces) with people who suffer from any ailments. Also for the prevention of influenza it is recommended to keep your feet warm, do not overcool.
Preventive means against influenza in pregnancy is the intake of vitamins. Pregnant women are simply necessary because of weakened immunity. But vitamins that are suitable for a woman, must necessarily prescribe a specialist individually, taking into account the course of pregnancy.
If there are no contraindications, then, as a method of preventing influenza, pregnant women are well suited to hardening. Do not pour too cold water. A good method of hardening during pregnancy is a contrast shower. Do not forget about the physical exercises, which increase blood circulation, strengthens the immune system.