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.
In this case, it is necessary to prescribe a treatment that will not harm the fetus, so many medications will not be suitable. In the article we will look at the features of ARVI in the early stages of pregnancy and find out how to cope with this disease without consequences for the mother and the unborn child. It will also be useful to learn about what antiviral drugs exist for ARVI.
Treatment methods
If signs of ARVI appear during pregnancy, it is necessary to begin treatment immediately to avoid the development of complications. A woman expecting a child is advised to strictly adhere to bed rest, drink more fluids, berry fruit drinks and herbal decoctions.
What methods are considered the most effective and safe in the treatment of colds in pregnant women? Experts prefer the following procedures:
- gargling with saline solution, herbal decoction;
- rinsing the nasal passages;
- inhalations with linden or sage decoctions.
If necessary, Paracetamol is prescribed to reduce the temperature. In some cases, drugs with interferon are used to support the immune system. The use of any medications must be agreed with a doctor, since self-medication can seriously harm the unborn child.
If the disease is caused by a virus, then you cannot do without antiviral drugs. Most often, when carrying a baby, a woman is prescribed homeopathic medicines, which consist of natural ingredients and are therefore considered harmless to the fetus:
- Oscillococcinum. A medicine that belongs to the category of homeopathic remedies. It is manufactured and released in the form of granules in capsules. Used sublingually, it restores the functions of the respiratory organs. Effective for acute respiratory diseases and influenza.
- Afobazol. Available in tablet form, as well as drops and capsules. Does not pose a danger to a pregnant woman and her child. Can be used as a prophylactic and during the treatment of viral infections. The drug contains a small amount of active substance, which makes it safe.
- Anaferon. Often prescribed to children and pregnant women. Produced in the form of tablets and drops. Can be used for prophylactic purposes during periods of active viral infections. It has a positive effect on the functioning of the immune system and helps fight various respiratory infections.
Folk remedies
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 what antibiotics there are for a child with 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;
- otitis media, 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.
What are the dangers of ARVI during pregnancy?
The most dangerous virus for a pregnant woman is influenza. This seasonal pathology is very difficult. Its treatment usually takes at least seven days.
No doctor can 100% predict the possible consequences of ARVI during pregnancy. Therefore, in order to prevent the development of disorders in the unborn child, it is necessary to carry out regular disease prevention with the onset of cold weather.
ARVI is especially dangerous for the fetus in the early stages of pregnancy. At this stage, the placental barrier has not yet formed. All harmful substances penetrate to the child.
The first trimester, in addition, is characterized by the formation of most systems and organs in the fetus. Exposure to the virus can negatively affect the child's development and lead to abnormalities.
Starting from the fourth month of pregnancy, many pathologies (and acute respiratory viral infections as well) are no longer so dangerous for the fetus. The disease will not harm the unborn child, since the placental barrier will not allow the virus to pass through.
However, pathology can cause some harm to a woman’s body. ARVI further weakens the mother's immunity.
1st trimester
Infection with ARVI during pregnancy in the 1st trimester carries a serious danger. This is the period of the initial stage of a child’s development, during which he is not yet fully protected. From the first days of pregnancy, the formation of the nervous system occurs.
From the second week the heart and blood vessels begin to develop intensively, and from the fourth week the visual organs begin to develop. The seventh week is characterized by the development of hearing, 8–10 - the formation of abdominal organs. Almost from the very beginning of development, the brain is formed in the fetus. Exposure to viruses can lead to abnormalities in the structure of all these organs.
It is still not known exactly what mutations the infection causes in the embryo. There are cases when a woman’s body, after suffering an acute respiratory viral infection in the early stages of pregnancy, aborts the fetus.
It is believed that the mother's protective instincts simply do not allow a sick child to be born. During the first two weeks of pregnancy, there remains a risk of development of disorders in the unborn baby due to infection. At this stage of gestation, infection with a viral infection is the cause of miscarriage in more than a third of cases.
2nd trimester
The development of ARVI in the second trimester of pregnancy is no longer considered a direct threat to the development of the fetus. However, even during this period, it is recommended to cure the disease as soon as possible.
Even in the fourth and fifth months, the virus disrupts the functioning of the placenta. A certain number of microorganisms can penetrate through it, but it is much less than in the first trimester. However, this amount is enough to cause harm to the fetus.
Studies have shown that women who have had respiratory infections in the second trimester go into labor a little earlier than expected. In addition, they often have reduced labor activity, and doctors need to stimulate contractions.
3rd trimester
The last months are considered the calmest. If a woman falls ill during this period, then the virus can only have an indirect effect on the baby’s body in the form of insufficient oxygen supply.
ARVI during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester does not lead to developmental defects in the child. The maternal body already protects the fetus from the effects of negative factors. The virus cannot enter the child’s body because it has a fully formed protector – the placenta.
You should not be afraid of ARVI before childbirth, but it is better to prevent the disease from occurring, as it negatively affects the mother’s condition.
It should be remembered that after recovery it is necessary to undergo tests (blood, urine). Data from these studies will be the first to indicate changes that may have occurred in the body.
Diagnosis of the disease
If the first signs of acute respiratory infections occur while pregnant, a woman should immediately consult a doctor.
It is advisable to call a specialist home, since visiting the clinic and contact with other patients can aggravate the condition of the expectant mother. The doctor performs a visual examination of the woman, identifies whether she has symptoms of respiratory infections, and prescribes laboratory tests of blood and urine. In the presence of an inflammatory process in the blood, an increase in the number of leukocytes and lymphocytes will be detected. If it is necessary to determine the type of pathogen, a throat smear is examined.
Treatment of ARVI during pregnancy
Treatment of ARVI in pregnant women must be carried out under the close supervision of a physician. Treatment methods directly depend on both the severity of the pathology and the period at which the woman fell ill. There are some points that must be taken into account during the treatment of respiratory diseases in pregnant women.
The first thing a pregnant woman should do when symptoms of acute respiratory infections appear is to consult a doctor. In case of elevated temperature, it is better to call him at home.
It is impossible to independently treat such diseases during pregnancy, since not all medications are approved for use. Even some folk recipes are strictly contraindicated for pregnant women. Therefore, you should only use medications prescribed by your doctor.
There are some recommendations that will answer the question of how to treat ARVI during pregnancy. Treatments that you can use yourself at home include:
- A runny nose can be treated with a saline solution. You can buy it at a pharmacy or prepare it at home. To do this, you need to take half a glass of warm boiled water and a small spoon of salt (it can be sea salt or regular table salt). The salt must completely dissolve in the liquid, after which the product is instilled into the nose. This is done using a pipette three times a day.
- Pain in the throat. Warm milk copes well with this symptom. Honey is added to it and the product is drunk twice a day. This therapy is not suitable for women with allergies to these products. For a sore throat, warm milk, to which you add soda (on the tip of a knife) and butter (a teaspoon), helps a lot. Mineral water (necessarily alkaline and without gas), with a slice of lemon in a glass, also has a good effect on this symptom.
- Cough. Inhalations are best suited to eliminate the symptom. They promote increased expectoration. Typically, various essential oils are used for this, most often eucalyptus or sage. A few drops of the product are added to a pan of hot water, over which you need to breathe, then be sure to lie down and take cover. The procedure cannot be performed at elevated temperatures.
Additional recommendations
These tips can be used for ARVI both in the first trimester of pregnancy and later.
During treatment for ARVI during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester, you should undergo some examinations. They will help determine whether the virus has affected the development of the fetus.
The development of ARVI in the third trimester of pregnancy may be poorly tolerated by a woman due to severe nasal congestion. In the later stages, due to increased workload, a woman experiences shortness of breath, and a runny nose further complicates the respiratory process. Therefore, you need to get rid of this symptom first.
Medicines
If a cold develops during pregnancy, a woman should begin treatment immediately. To do this, you need to see a doctor who will determine whether medications are necessary for therapy. Many medications can have a negative effect on the fetus and are therefore not prescribed.
For ARVI, both in the early stages of pregnancy and in later stages, immunomodulatory drugs can be prescribed. They help boost immunity and also speed up recovery. Interferon-based medications are usually used. These can be drops and various sprays that have a good effect on the nasal mucosa.
Saline solutions are good for getting rid of a runny nose. These products have a disinfecting effect and relieve symptoms of rhinitis. It is recommended to use them every two hours. In rare cases, vasoconstrictor medications are prescribed to relieve nasal congestion. However, at the initial stage of ARVI (in the absence of a strong need), they are not recommended for use, especially in the first weeks of pregnancy.
Among antiviral agents, ointments or rectal suppositories of recombinant interferons are often prescribed, which are also used for other infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Such medications block further reproduction of the virus and increase the body's resistance to the expectant mother. This may be necessary because a woman's immune system is weakened while carrying a child. Because of this, the body cannot always cope with the infection on its own. However, it should be remembered that pregnant women can take such medications for ARVI only as prescribed by a doctor.
Features of the use of drugs
As for cough remedies, you need to know that they must consist of natural ingredients. Such medications include licorice root syrup or lozenges, or plant-based tablets. These medications do not contain alcohol and do not affect the development of the child. The course of therapy can be continued for two weeks as prescribed by a doctor.
You must constantly ensure that your body temperature is normal. When rising above 38º C it is necessary to reduce it. To do this, you need to use products that contain paracetamol. Aspirin-containing drugs (including multicomponent ones) are contraindicated due to their harmful effects on the fetus. You should also not use products that contain analgin.
It is especially dangerous to use NSAID drugs in the first trimester of fetal gestation. They can cause miscarriage.
When treating the flu, some expectant mothers use homeopathy. Some homeopathic remedies are approved for use by pregnant women.
We must not forget that antibiotics have no effect on the virus. They are prescribed only when bacterial complications occur. Pregnant women are strictly prohibited from using such products on their own.
Non-drug therapy
Most women know about the dangers of using medications during pregnancy. They prefer non-drug methods of treating ARVI, since the effects of some drugs can be very dangerous for the fetus. But not only traditional therapy helps recovery. There are some rules. Following them will help the pregnant woman recover faster.
It is important to maintain the correct drinking regime. The liquid should never be hot or cold, but only warm. You can drink fruit drinks, juices (only natural, preferably freshly squeezed), compotes and teas. In the later stages, swelling should be avoided. Therefore, when treating ARVI, you need to drink often, but in small quantities, while focusing on the presence of thirst, as well as your general condition.
It must be remembered that sleep should be complete. You need to sleep at least eight hours a day. Good sleep ensures that both the expectant mother and her unborn baby feel normal.
When the first signs of a sore or sore throat appear, you should rinse it periodically. To do this, brew sage or use a solution of baking soda. They help a lot. These same medications can be used as nasal drops for pregnant women with ARVI.
Aromatherapy
One of the non-drug methods of helping a sick woman is aromatherapy. However, essential oils must be purchased from pharmacies.
It is necessary to select funds so that their action corresponds to the symptoms that appear. Pine oil helps ease breathing and also eliminate cough. Geranium is used for inflammatory pathologies of the ears, throat or nose. Thyme helps thin mucus and improves the process of its elimination (expectoration).
It is necessary to regularly ventilate the room. This helps saturate the body with oxygen. During the heating season, air humidification is also required to improve the condition of the mucous membranes, which become very dry during ARVI.
When the temperature rises, it is advisable to bring it down without the use of medications. To do this, methods such as sponging or taking a shower (under running cool water) are used.
Traditional methods of treatment
Many women during pregnancy refuse to use medications for any illness. They prefer to use folk recipes. However, in any case, you need to know what pregnant women can drink during ARVI.
For sore throat and sore throat, it is best to treat it with a decoction of herbs. Chamomile is suitable for this. The herb has a good antiseptic and analgesic effect. It can be used for inhalation and in the form of tea. It is also good to use calendula for these purposes. When using pharmaceutical tinctures, 20 drops per small mug of warm water is enough. Such procedures will help remove harmful microorganisms from the laryngeal mucosa.
Ginger is often used for rinsing. It is cut into thin pieces or grated. To prepare one glass of decoction, you only need two thin slices. Before use, the product must infuse. You can simply drink this decoction, but only before meals, 70 ml.
Garlic and lemon are excellent remedies for ARVI at the initial stage. These products can be added to the daily menu in small quantities. Garlic should be used carefully by women suffering from chronic gastritis.
Doctors recommend drinking more fluids during illness. You can brew teas from currant and strawberry leaves or from rowan berries. The drink should be consumed one third of a glass three times a day.
Herbal teas
When coughing occurs, it is recommended to drink more herbal teas. To prepare one of them you need to take three ingredients: blackcurrant (leaves), coltsfoot and plantain. These herbs are mixed in equal proportions - 3 tablespoons each. Then they are poured with a liter of boiling water. It is better to keep this infusion in a thermos. The prepared tea is divided into four servings and drunk throughout the day.
Anise and licorice root are good for dry coughs. The ingredients, taken one teaspoon at a time, are crushed. They should be filled with a liter of boiling water. After 20 minutes, the tea is ready to drink. The total amount of the product is divided into three doses.
There are also means to reduce fever, for example, a decoction (compote) of dried apples. It is prepared very simply: pour half a glass of dried fruit into a liter of boiling water. They need to be kept on the fire for just one minute, then covered with a lid and allowed to brew for an hour. To get rid of a runny nose, use aloe juice. Before use, it is diluted half with water. To eliminate this symptom, you can rinse your nose with a decoction of rose hips or mint.
What are hidden infections?
These are diseases caused by pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora - protozoa, fungi, viruses and pathogenic bacteria. Depending on the type of pathogen, the duration of the incubation period for such diseases varies: it can range from one week to a year. In most cases, the infected person has no idea about the carrier status and is capable of infecting others.
The transmission of most pathogenic agents occurs during sexual intercourse through biological fluids of the body - saliva, semen, vaginal secretions, etc. Vertical transmission of infection is also possible - from a pregnant woman to the fetus.
Expert opinion
The best option for protection against such infections is the use of barrier methods of contraception. However, it must be borne in mind that even when using a condom, the risk of infection still remains. Therefore, it is recommended to have sexual intercourse only with a partner in whose health you are confident, and also to get tested regularly.
Obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category Oksana Anatolyevna Gartleb
For women who have sex with one man, whose health they do not doubt, the frequency of such examinations should be at least once a year. In addition, an examination is necessary before pregnancy - and both partners must undergo it. This is especially important if the woman has a history of spontaneous miscarriages or missed abortions (failed abortions).
Those who often change sexual partners are recommended to undergo examination more often - about once every three months or after sex with a suspicious partner.
ARVI and breastfeeding
Treatment of ARVI during breastfeeding does not require stopping feeding. The thing is that the manifestation of the virus occurs only 3-4 days after its penetration into the female body. This means that the virus has already entered the baby’s body through breast milk. But along with him, he also received antibodies from his mother, which help him fight harmful microorganisms.
Treatment of ARVI during breastfeeding also excludes the use of most antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs. The safest option would be to use alternative medicine. But when taking them, it is very important to ensure that the baby is not allergic to them.
Paracetamol can also be used to reduce elevated body temperature. It is completely safe for both the mother and her baby.
If ARVI is accompanied by serious complications, then in this case it is necessary to stop breastfeeding and take antibiotics. If you take such drugs and simultaneously breastfeed your baby, this can provoke a disturbance in the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract and the development of dysbiosis in the child, which is accompanied by impaired bowel movements, bloating and increased gas formation.
To prevent the development of sad consequences against the background of ARVI, you should not self-medicate this disease during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It's better to seek help from a doctor.
Prevention of ARVI during pregnancy
To prevent the development of the disease, it is recommended to prevent ARVI in pregnant women. This is especially necessary if you frequently leave the house in crowded places. The main measures are:
- Mouth rinses.
- Hand washing.
- Ventilation and wet cleaning.
- Taking vitamins.
- Avoiding stress.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Preventing hypothermia.
If someone around her gets sick, the woman should wear a medical mask during this period to prevent the disease from developing during pregnancy.
