9 myths about colds, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections during pregnancy

Symptoms and causes of ARVI in the second trimester

A pregnant woman becomes infected with ARVI through airborne droplets from an infected person. Infection can also occur by touching objects that have been touched by an infected person. The duration of the incubation period ranges from 3 to 7 days - as a rule, it is during this time from the moment of infection that the first symptoms of the disease appear.

IMPORTANT! During pregnancy, a woman’s immunity level decreases significantly, as this is necessary for the full development of the fetus. It is not surprising that ARVI occurs in more than 80% of cases in pregnant patients. The main feature of acute respiratory infection during pregnancy is that women are prohibited from taking most medications.

The risk of infection by viral agents increases significantly under the influence of the following points:

• hypothermia of the body;
• nervous tension, frequent stress;
• increased physical or mental stress;
• exacerbation of another disease;
• taking certain medications that have a negative effect on the immune system.

Most often, these are the reasons that provoke a decrease in the immune factor and the development of an acute respiratory infection.

ARVI in the second trimester of pregnancy is accompanied by symptoms characteristic of a common cold. Main symptoms of the disease:

1. Temperature increase.
2. Redness and pain in the larynx.
3. Headaches, dizziness.
4. Tearing.
5. Runny nose.
6. Stuffiness and burning in the nose.
7. Cough.
8. Increased dryness of mucous surfaces.

ARVI in the second trimester of pregnancy is accompanied by a deterioration in general health, weakness, fatigue, and loss of strength. The disease can occur without an increase in body temperature.

The peculiarities of treatment of ARVI in the second trimester of pregnancy are that it is labor-intensive and lengthy, especially in cases where it is carried out incorrectly or was started too late. Therefore, when the first symptoms of the disease appear, a woman should immediately consult a doctor.

ARI during pregnancy in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester

ARI during pregnancy in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester occurs at least once in almost all expectant mothers. Respiratory infections are very common. You can become infected with them anywhere: in a clinic, store, public toilet, from your family, friends, etc.

The virus primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. If it falls below, then this is already considered a complication. And in order to exclude the unpleasant consequences of acute respiratory infections during pregnancy with a long-lasting illness (more than 12-14 days), you must definitely consult a doctor. In addition, chest pain (heart pain), wheezing in the lungs, symptoms of dehydration and general intoxication of the body may be reasons for hospitalization.

It is very easy to catch acute respiratory infections in the early stages of pregnancy, because a woman’s immunity is reduced at this time. Therefore, you must always remember the risk of infection. Viruses are transmitted by airborne droplets - by coughing, sneezing, or talking. You can also become infected if you touch a surface that has viruses on it, for example, such an object could be a door handle in a clinic office, and then rub your nose with that hand. Hand cleanliness is an excellent prevention of acute respiratory infections during pregnancy. Hands should be washed as often as possible. If possible, use antibacterial soap. Wear a medical mask in public places and use oxaline ointment to treat the nasal cavity. Better yet, if the risk of contracting an infection is high, for example, you work at a school, get a flu shot. After all, it is the flu that is dangerous for expectant mothers.

How to treat acute respiratory infections during pregnancy if you do become infected? Medicines should be taken symptomatically. Moreover, before you drink even a very well-known medicine, you must read the instructions for it. The fact is that acute respiratory infections in the 1st trimester of pregnancy can be treated with a very small amount of medications, since they are contraindicated due to possible harm to the embryo. And in general, there are no drugs that would speed up recovery. Any acute respiratory infection that is not complicated by a bacterial infection goes away in 7-10 days. Moreover, they try to carry out some kind of treatment for acute respiratory infections during pregnancy only in the first 3-4 days of illness, since they are the most unpleasant. A runny nose, sore throat, headache, and cough appear. And then everything goes downhill. Your health improves significantly. But until this improvement occurs, something needs to be done.

When an acute respiratory infection begins, a cold during pregnancy in the first trimester is in full swing, and the body temperature rises, it is possible to use antipyretics. Of course, it is better to take medications only when the temperature rises to 38.5 degrees or more. When there is an acute respiratory infection, a dangerous temperature during pregnancy is above 39.5 degrees.

But it often happens that at a much lower temperature a headache appears. Well, you can also get rid of it with the help of an antipyretic - Paracetamol. This drug is allowed during the entire period of pregnancy in moderate dosages.

When acute respiratory infections progress during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester, manifested mainly by a runny nose, the woman is recommended to instill saline or a sterile solution of sea water into her nose. All this is sold in pharmacies. The products are absolutely safe. This way, everything unnecessary comes out of the nose faster, you feel better, and the headache caused by sinusitis goes away. Well, moisturizing the nasal mucosa also helps in the fight against the disease itself.

Sometimes, for acute respiratory infections in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, vasoconstrictor drops are prescribed. But it is advisable to use them very rarely, for example, only before bedtime, as they lead to vasoconstriction, which can be harmful for the child. These drops are contraindicated if your blood pressure is high.

You can get rid of a sore throat and cough by gargling and sucking on lozenges. The goal is to moisturize the upper respiratory tract. Sometimes doctors also recommend using antiseptics, such as Chlorhexidine or Miramistin, when rinsing. But they, on the contrary, dry out the mucous membrane and can sometimes make you feel worse.

Acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections during pregnancy are an unpleasant phenomenon, but not as dangerous as the flu. If it happens that you get sick, don’t blame yourself or your family for it. Most likely, the disease will not affect the child in any way. Well, if you are really panicking, contact an ENT specialist.

Peculiarities of the course of ARVI by week

The second trimester of pregnancy begins at 4 months, that is, at 14-15 weeks. An acute respiratory infection in the second trimester of pregnancy can have a negative impact on the fetus, causing hypoxia and other developmental pathologies.

Features of the development of a viral disease, as well as possible complications, depend on the specific stage of pregnancy the woman was infected with. This is due to the fact that every week is accompanied by a new stage in the child’s development.

Week 15

The 15th week of pregnancy is extremely important for the development of the child; the formation of the endocrine and nervous system of the fetus occurs. An acute respiratory infection suffered by the expectant mother at this time can lead to serious complications.

A viral disease can cause fetoplacental insufficiency, that is, provoke disturbances in the normal functioning of the placenta, which leads to oxygen starvation of the fetus and the development of its nervous system.

Week 16

At the 16th week of pregnancy, the child’s nervous system continues to form, so any acute respiratory disease can lead to disruption of this process. But the expectant mother should know that the period of miscarriages is behind us.

Week 17

The 17th week of pregnancy is characterized by the beginning of the baby’s immune system working independently. Accordingly, a viral disease suffered by the mother at this stage may cause the child to be born with a weakened body.

Week 18

The 18th week of pregnancy is accompanied by the active development of the child’s brain, the formation of the thymus gland, which is responsible for the production of lymphocytes. The adrenal glands also begin to function. ARVI at this stage of pregnancy can lead to severe complications of the osteo-articular system of the embryo.

Week 19

The development of the fetus at week 19 occurs at a rapid pace - it quickly gains weight and increases in size. The brain continues to form and its functioning improves. ARVI in the expectant mother at this stage can lead to various pathologies of the respiratory system.

20 and 21 weeks

At 20 and 21 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is already very similar to a newborn baby - his facial features are formed, they become as accurate and expressive as possible, and the fetal facial expressions are actively developing.

An acute respiratory infection during this period can cause some pathologies of the circulatory system, disturbances in the development of taste buds, as well as hearing organs.

End of the second trimester

At 22, 23, 24 and 25 weeks of pregnancy, the formation of the respiratory system is completed, the bronchi and nerve endings in the brain begin to fully function, and the skeletal bones become stronger. The rudiments of baby teeth in the gums also become mineralized. An acute viral respiratory infection in a pregnant woman can lead to disruption of these important processes.

Colds during pregnancy - 2nd trimester

The second trimester of pregnancy is considered the easiest and most pleasant in terms of the pregnant woman’s well-being. Toxicosis, as a rule, has already subsided, the tummy begins to round, but it is still not so large as to create difficulties when moving. In addition, in the middle of pregnancy, the expectant mother will be able to feel the first movements of her baby. It is also generally accepted that a cold in the second trimester of pregnancy is the least dangerous for the fetus. And although the body fights colds during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy much better than during the 1st, the pregnant woman should still help him with this.

Let's think about how to protect yourself from colds during the period from 13 to 26 weeks of pregnancy. Firstly, it is worth taking basic measures to prevent colds. This includes a diet enriched with vitamin C, frequent walks in the fresh air and prevention of hypothermia. The second factor that will help reduce the likelihood of a cold during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy is limiting contact with potential carriers of viruses. Therefore, try to refrain from visiting crowded places, hospitals, and using public transport. Be especially careful during the seasonal increase in the number of infections with acute respiratory diseases.

It should be noted that a cold during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy can be dangerous for those internal systems of the baby that are being formed at this time.

For example, if a cold occurs at 14 weeks of pregnancy, then two dangerous factors are observed at once. The first is a miscarriage, because the shorter the pregnancy, the greater the likelihood of such an outcome. The second is a disruption of the endocrine system of the unborn baby, because it is at the 14th week of pregnancy that its formation is completed, and a cold does not have the best effect on the hormonal state of the woman and her heart.

A cold at 16-17 weeks of pregnancy no longer affects the likelihood of miscarriage, but, nevertheless, can affect the quality of the baby’s bone tissue. Up to the 18th week, active strengthening of the fetal bones occurs, and the weakening of the maternal body can somewhat slow down this process.

A cold is especially dangerous at 19 weeks of pregnancy if you are carrying a girl under your heart. During this period, eggs are actively formed in the baby’s ovaries, and viral infections of the pregnant woman can affect their number and functioning. This is also dangerous for a cold at 20 weeks of pregnancy.

In addition to all of the above, by this period all the internal organs of the pregnant woman rise upward, squeezing the diaphragm. This causes difficulty breathing, heartburn, and intestinal problems may occur. Moreover, the longer the period, the stronger these manifestations. After all, the baby is growing by leaps and bounds, and at the same time all his internal organs are strengthening. And if a cold catches you closer to the 25th week of pregnancy, then the risk of complications for the fetus will be much less than if the cold occurred at the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy.

To summarize all of the above, I would like to note that a cold negatively affects not only your unborn child, but also you yourself. Pregnancy already takes a lot out of a woman’s health, and you need to be very attentive to the slightest manifestation of illness. Take care of yourself, and if you still develop a cold in the second trimester of pregnancy, consult a doctor immediately. Do not use medications or various tinctures. They may contain components harmful to the mother and unborn baby. Remember that self-medication during pregnancy is especially dangerous!

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Danger and possible consequences of the disease

As medical practice confirms, during epidemic outbreaks, an acute viral respiratory infection can develop in 90-95% of pregnant women. The main danger and possible consequences of the disease depend on the individual characteristics of the female body.

In the second trimester of pregnancy, the child is reliably protected by the placenta, so serious pathologies of fetal development during this period occur extremely rarely. In some cases, ARVI can cause the following consequences:

• damage to the placenta;
• malnutrition of the embryo;
• fetal hypoxia;
• retardation in mental or physical development;
• brain damage;
• brain damage (encephalitis);
• damage to the meninges (meningitis).

It is for this reason that when the first signs of ARVI appear, the expectant mother should immediately consult a doctor. This will help to start treatment in a timely manner and prevent the development of severe fetal pathologies.

Colds during pregnancy

ARVI, acute respiratory infections, and viral diseases develop rapidly due to a woman’s suppressed immune system, often with complications. At the first signs of the disease, you need to begin treatment so that the cold does not affect the fetus.

You cannot treat it yourself - it is better to consult a doctor.

It is easy to catch a cold during pregnancy by treating your own body as if it were not in the stage of bearing a child. A tricky disease that can overtake an organism weakened by pregnancy.

The expectant mother overheated in the sun and was caught in a draft, becoming hypothermic? A cold is guaranteed.

How and with what to treat ARVI during pregnancy?

Answering the question of how and with what to treat ARVI during pregnancy, doctors emphasize that various medications are extremely undesirable when carrying a baby. It is best to use simple, accessible and safe ways to get rid of an acute respiratory infection:

1. During the period of exacerbation of the disease, it is necessary to observe bed rest.
2. Drink plenty of fluids – still water, herbal tea.
3. Regularly ventilate the room and do wet cleaning.
4. Gargle your reddened throat with hot decoctions of medicinal herbs.
5. If you have rhinitis, rinse your nose with warm salted water.
6. Watch your diet, eat more fresh vegetables, fruits and berries.

Features of treatment in the second trimester

An acute respiratory viral infection in the second trimester of pregnancy is considered less dangerous than in the early weeks, since at this time the fetus is already reliably protected by the placenta. But the lack of properly selected and timely treatment can lead to the development of serious fetal pathologies.

In some cases, the disease provokes disturbances in the normal functioning of the placenta, resulting in oxygen starvation and a delay in the development of the embryo.

It is important to remember that the independent use of any medications in the second trimester of pregnancy is strictly prohibited. Serious pathologies in the development of a child can be caused not only by the consequences of the disease, but also by the improper use of pharmacological agents. Any medicine can be used only after prior consultation with a doctor.

Prevention

During pregnancy, a woman’s immunity decreases significantly, so the likelihood of contracting ARVI increases. In order to prevent the development of the disease, you need to try to protect your body as reliably as possible - avoid visiting crowded public places, rinse your nasal passages daily with warm water and salt, regularly ventilate the room and do wet cleaning. When visiting crowded places, it is recommended to use a special protective gauze mask.

Daily walking, moderate physical activity, adequate sleep, absence of stressful situations, and taking specially selected multivitamin complexes will also help increase the level of the body's defenses. It is very important to prevent hypothermia and choose comfortable clothes for the weather, made from natural materials.

Prevention lies in the fact that you need to pay special attention to your diet and proper drinking regimen - drink weak black or green tea, compotes, fruit drinks, decoctions of chamomile, rose hips and other medicinal plants. The diet should be dominated by vegetables, fruits, cereals, low-fat broths, lean meats, poultry and fish, and dairy products.

ARVI during the second trimester of pregnancy can cause negative consequences for the child. When the first signs of the disease appear, a woman should seek qualified medical help. This will help protect the baby and quickly restore good health.

ARVI during pregnancy, 2nd or 3rd trimester, is an equally unpleasant and sometimes dangerous disease. Any person who catches a viral infection puts their health at risk due to the likely development of dangerous complications; moreover, respiratory infections are not so easy to tolerate. For a pregnant woman, the disease is also dangerous because it can disrupt the normal formation of the fetus, provoke premature birth, and reduce the amount of nutrients that penetrate the placenta to the baby.

Preventing influenza during pregnancy

It is known that many diseases are easier to prevent than to cure. During an epidemic of acute respiratory infections, or any other disease, try to take all possible measures to reduce the risk of getting sick. This is especially true for the first three months of pregnancy. For example, limit travel on public transport during the cold season (since the greatest likelihood of infection occurs in crowded places). Before going out to crowded places, especially during an epidemic, lubricate your nose with OXOLIN OINTMENT.

Be careful, medications!

• Use medications only as directed or after consulting with your doctor.
• If your doctor has prescribed you a drug, be sure to ask about possible undesirable effects on the fetus before taking it. Don't hesitate to ask questions like this!
• You cannot use unknown or unfamiliar medications on your own. It is absolutely not necessary that a drug recommended by the media as the best and fastest way to get rid of all signs of a disease will achieve a cure. It is best to consult a doctor who can provide you with qualified assistance.
• Be careful when reading the instructions for the drug (this is the information sheet included in the packaging of the drug) - it may contain information about whether this drug is allowed to be taken during pregnancy.

To increase the body's resistance, and, consequently, reduce susceptibility to viral infections, it is recommended to take multivitamin complexes for pregnant women.

If someone in your household gets sick with the flu, try to limit contact with them, put on a gauze mask, change it every 2 hours, and carefully observe personal hygiene measures.

Causes and symptoms

ARVI and pregnancy 2nd trimester are concepts that cannot be mutually exclusive. A woman who is pregnant has a somewhat weakened immune system, which is why the infection quickly penetrates the body and then begins its harmful activities there.

Despite the fact that by the 12th week of pregnancy the baby is already protected by the placenta, ARVI still remains a dangerous pathology that a young mother should avoid. This delicate period requires minimal use of medications, so it is not always easy for a woman to alleviate her own condition, and because of this, complications can develop more often than in other people.

For what reasons can pregnant women develop a viral infection?

1. Features of an organism weakened by constant hormonal changes characteristic of the period of gestation.
2. Hypothermia due to prolonged exposure to the street without proper clothing.
3. Constant mental and physical stress.
4. Frequently experienced stress.
5. Recent other illnesses or exacerbation of existing chronic diseases.
6. The use of certain drugs that weaken the immune system.

The factors listed above weaken the body’s immune forces, which leads to a decrease in natural immunity and makes a woman susceptible to viral influence.

Symptoms characteristic of acute respiratory viral infection:

• increased body temperature;
• pain in the throat, head, muscles;
• general weakness;
• cough;
• nasal congestion and runny nose;
• flow of tears;
• redness of the eyes.

ARVI lasts no more than a week, in especially difficult cases, relief from catarrhal symptoms can last up to two weeks. Timely therapy and compliance with medical recommendations reduce the likelihood of developing bacterial complications and speed up the recovery process.

The course of pregnancy and consequences for the fetus

The consequences of ARVI during pregnancy are not always dangerous for the life and development of the fetus, but they can bring many problems and complicate the course of pregnancy. Termination of pregnancy in the second trimester occurs very rarely (due to reasons related to viral infection), the child is reliably protected by the placenta, and therefore practically does not suffer from the virus.

Problems can arise only when a woman has an extremely weak immune system, or an existing pathological course of pregnancy.

ARVI or influenza during pregnancy in the second trimester, the treatment of which is not given due attention, can provoke the emergence of various problems.

The course of pregnancy and consequences for the fetus may be as follows:

1. Damage to the placenta, which causes an infection to develop inside it. This leads to problems with the nutrition of the fetus, which is fraught with the development of hypoxia and slowing down the rate of development of the baby.
2. The baby’s nervous system is still actively developing throughout the second trimester. Exposure to viruses can cause brain damage and disrupt normal development.
3. A particularly severe consequence of the disease during pregnancy is the development of meningitis, encephalitis, hepatitis and fetal pneumonia.
4. The presence of a runny nose during pregnancy is already a threat of developing gestosis, an increased threat of miscarriage, and the occurrence of serious problems with the heart, respiratory system and kidneys.

Important! To avoid the development of severe ARVI disorders during pregnancy, a woman should, when the first catarrhal symptoms of a cold occur, immediately seek help from a doctor and strictly follow all his recommendations.

It is difficult to predict the course of a viral infection during this delicate period; pregnancy complications can occur in any woman. Therefore, prevention of ARVI during pregnancy is so important, it protects the life and health of the unborn baby.

Principles of treatment

The second trimester of pregnancy is a time when you should not take a lot of medications; to avoid negative effects on the growing body, a woman should adhere to traditional methods.

It is very important to follow the principles of treatment:

• regularly ventilate the house, wet clean it and maintain a sufficient level of humidity;
• take multivitamins recommended by your doctor;
• without elevated body temperature, walk in the fresh air more often;
• drink plenty of fluids, especially drinking rosehip infusions, lingonberry and cranberry juices;
• get enough sleep and rest;
• eat a variety of healthy foods, and if you have no appetite, don’t try to force yourself to eat;
• as prescribed by a doctor, it is recommended to take medications that strengthen the immune system;
• wear a mask when interacting with healthy family members to avoid cross-infection;
• observe bed rest.

Remedies for runny nose

To prevent the development of complications from the respiratory system, a runny nose should not be ignored. Nasal congestion will not only reduce the quality of life of the expectant mother, it will not allow the delivery of the required amount of oxygen necessary for the normal development of the baby to the placenta.

What a pregnant woman can use to get rid of a runny nose:

• during this period, drops of aloe or kalanchoe are used to relieve the inflammatory process (they must be diluted with clean water);
• Irrigation of the nasal mucosa with saline solutions (Aquamaris, Salin, pharmaceutical saline solution) is mandatory;
• to narrow blood vessels, you can occasionally instill Tizin, Dlynos, Otrivin;
• It is not recommended to use drops to constrict blood vessels for more than three days in a row;
• other drugs can be used after consulting a doctor.

Remedies for sore throat

To relieve discomfort in the throat, you should use medicinal lozenges for resorption (Faryngosept, Lizobakt). You can also gargle with solutions containing baking soda and salt, irrigate with infusion of chamomile or calendula, and rinse with Furacillin solution.

Important! The use of cough suppressants is allowed only after consulting a doctor, strictly adhering to the instructions.

Antipyretic drugs

The health and development of the fetus depends on the condition of the mother carrying it. A woman should not tolerate elevated body temperature; at this time, intoxication of the body occurs, which can harm the growing baby.

Experts recommend using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances to reduce elevated thermometer readings. These include medications based on paracetamol and ibuprofen. They will gently and carefully lower the temperature to the desired levels, and in addition, relieve unpleasant pain.

Antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs

An uncomplicated course of a viral infection, as a rule, does not require the prescription of special drugs that fight pathogens or increase the strength of the immune system. However, when serious complications are possible due to the body’s inability to fight the infection on its own, a specialist may recommend taking antiviral drugs.

Pregnant women can use the following medications:

• Grippferon spray;
• Ergoferon tablets;
• suppositories Viferon (from 16 weeks).

All of these drugs are allowed during pregnancy only if recommended by a doctor. A woman cannot independently change the course of therapy or dosage prescribed to her by a specialist.

Eating and drinking when sick

In order for relief from a viral infection to proceed faster, the expectant mother must be attentive to her own diet. This is necessary so that the body receives a maximum of valuable elements that promote rapid recovery.

Basics of nutrition for ARVI:

• refusal of fatty, spicy, salty foods;
• you can eat broths made from chicken meat, porridge with water, cereal soups in the form of puree;
• fresh fruits and vegetables will saturate the body with fiber and restore vitamin deficiencies.

To speed up the healing process, you just need to monitor the amount of fluid you drink. Removal of toxins will go faster if the pregnant woman drinks plenty of fluids. Juices, compotes, rosehip decoction, cranberry, lingonberry fruit drinks, and clean water are suitable for this purpose.

Important! If a pregnant woman has chronic kidney pathologies, then increasing her drinking regime is possible only after receiving medical approval.

Carbonated sweet drinks, coffee and strong tea are those drinks that you need to give up for a while.

Home treatment

ARVI in pregnant women can and should be treated using folk remedies; if they are approved by the attending physician, they will be safe for a woman in this condition.

During the treatment of ARVI, you can use recipes that relate to traditional medicine:

• It is allowed to carry out treatment using steam inhalations, adding essential oils of eucalyptus, pine, fir, hot, freshly boiled potatoes;
• drink warm milk with honey and butter at night;
• gargle with herbal infusions.

Treatment of acute respiratory infections during pregnancy

It is impossible to predict fetal damage due to an infection suffered by the mother, but it can be prevented with safe treatment.

At the slightest feeling of discomfort, you should consult a doctor to make a correct diagnosis. He will prescribe you the appropriate treatment and acceptable dosages. Self-medication has never been considered the best way out for illness, and during pregnancy this is out of the question. Even treatment with folk remedies can do you more harm than good. Therefore, everything must be approached with great responsibility.

When the first symptoms of a cold appear, rubbing your feet with “Zvezdochka” balm, massaging the ears, bridge of the nose and wings of the nose where they pass into the nasolabial folds can help.

If this is possible, the doctor will most likely advise you on traditional methods of combating acute respiratory infections. Taking into account the characteristics of your body and possible allergic reactions, you and your doctor will select the safest methods for you. If, for some reason, you are treating yourself, there are several important points to consider. Antibiotics, immunostimulants, traditional antipyretics based on Aspirin and antiviral drugs are currently contraindicated for you. Alcohol tinctures should not be used. Beware of all recipes using calendula. But chamomile, sage, rose hips, eucalyptus are welcome, if there is no individual intolerance. To treat a runny nose during pregnancy, it is better to choose Aquamaris and Pinosol. And be careful with vasoconstrictor drops. As with the treatment of cough during pregnancy. Remember, Ambroxol and Ambrobene are contraindicated in the first trimester. It is better to choose Doctor Mom or Gedelix cough syrup. And if possible, drink warm milk with honey and butter (it also helps with sore throats). You can gargle, for example, with a decoction of chamomile or sage, as well as sea water or plain water with salt and iodine. Or you can buy Iodinol at the pharmacy.

Among other medications, it is possible to use Paracetamol or Panadol (for the treatment of fever during pregnancy), Bioparox, Faringosept, Furacilin. But it’s better, if you don’t have allergies, to try aromatherapy: fir, tea tree, orange or eucalyptus oil. They can be used both to disinfect indoor air (drop a couple of drops on an aroma lamp) and to protect yourself in public places (apply a drop of oil to your nose if the smell does not irritate you).

Warm drinks are an integral part of the treatment of acute respiratory infections during pregnancy, especially in the presence of fever. Green tea, fruit drinks, compotes, and decoctions are well suited for this. The first trimester does not require quantitative control of fluid intake. And in the middle and at the end of pregnancy, do not overdo it so that swelling does not appear. Warm socks are never contraindicated. But floating legs is very dangerous.

Don’t forget about the good old proven method: steam inhalation. Chamomile decoction, saline solution, and boiled potatoes are suitable for this.

Panic in such cases is contraindicated. Follow these recommendations and everything will work out for you. But after recovery, you definitely need to undergo an ultrasound examination (and possibly a laboratory examination too) to exclude complications and disorders. After the 20th week, your doctor may also refer you for Doppler ultrasound to check the blood flow in the placenta. And then you will sleep peacefully.

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Why colds are dangerous and tips for prevention

What is bad about ARVI suffered by a woman during pregnancy? Basically, the presence of serious consequences for the baby and the development of various dysfunctions of the placenta, which provides its nutrition and development.

Dangers of colds in a pregnant woman:

• development of oxygen starvation in the fetus;
• influence on the endocrine system, bone tissue, the process of egg formation in girls;
• the likelihood of premature birth;
• developmental delay of the fetus.

Following the recommendations given by the doctor will help minimize the risks of complications and get rid of the disease faster.

It is very important to adhere to the necessary preventive measures, which will allow a woman to preserve her own health and not expose the health of her unborn child to risks.

Prevention of the development of ARVI:

• do not visit places known for a large number of people, transport, shops, cinemas (when there is an increase in the number of cases);
• when returning home, be sure to wash your hands with soap and irrigate the nasal cavity with saline solution;
• the best prevention is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with frequent and regular walks in the fresh air;
• ventilate the apartment, carry out wet cleaning, maintain air humidity at an optimal level;
• take those vitamin complexes that were recommended by the doctor;
• It is mandatory to wear a protective mask when members of your household are sick, or there is a need to visit places where sick people may be;
• bring your diet back to normal, filling it with essential nutrients, valuable minerals and vitamins;
• Avoid being in stressful situations that can have a harmful effect on the health and strength of the immune system.

ARVI, or acute respiratory viral infection, occurs mainly in the autumn-winter period. With the onset of cold weather, no pregnant woman is protected from this insidious disease. How to cope with ARVI in the second trimester of pregnancy without harm to the baby?

Symptoms

The manifestations of ARVI during pregnancy do not have any specific differences:

• mild fever;
• headache;
• general weakness;
• a sore throat;
• runny nose;
• nasal congestion;
• lacrimation.

The main question that torments every pregnant woman when such symptoms appear: is it the flu or a common ARVI? Unlike influenza, a respiratory viral infection develops slowly, with a gradual increase in body temperature to 37.5-38.5 °C. Fever in uncomplicated ARVI rarely lasts more than 3 days and is not accompanied by a significant deterioration of the condition. Many expectant mothers suffer from infection on their feet.

A severe runny nose, sneezing and sore throat are the hallmark symptoms of ARVI. With influenza, catarrhal symptoms are mild and occur against a background of high (up to 39 °C and above) body temperature. Possible lacrimation (most often occurs with adenoviral infection). Subsequently, a sore throat appears when swallowing, a dry and wet cough. All symptoms persist for 7-14 days, after which they gradually subside on their own or under the influence of medications. Complications due to ARVI are rare.

How to treat acute respiratory infections?

First, it’s worth listing what you should never do during pregnancy. No antibiotics, dietary supplements! Also forget about hot baths, steam rooms, foot baths. Never use aspirin or medications containing it (for example, Coldrex or Efferalgan). To reduce the temperature, do not use rubbing alcohol. Wool socks are also not a good idea.

If you have a runny nose, you cannot self-prescribe and use medications containing vasoconstrictor components, such as SANORIN, DLYANOS, NAZIVIN, GALAZOLIN, OT-RIVIN, NAPHTHYZIN, etc. They can only be prescribed by a doctor and only if there are strict indications.

What can be used to treat acute respiratory infections during pregnancy?

To relieve fever, you can use paracetamol and drugs based on it. You can also wipe yourself with water at room temperature; in extreme cases, to quickly lower the temperature, you can add a little vinegar essence to the water, but just a little.

It is advisable to bring down the temperature with medications only if it has risen above 38 degrees. A temperature of up to 38 degrees indicates that the body is fighting infection - after all, this is a protective reaction of the body. It is at elevated temperatures that the production of interferon increases, a substance necessary to fight infectious agents, in particular viruses. In addition, an increase in body temperature causes the death of a number of pathogens.

But you should not expose the fetus to high temperatures for more than two days - elevated temperatures can lead to disruption of metabolic processes.

For a runny nose and sore throat, you should use folk remedies. Suitable rinses and inhalations based on eucalyptus tincture, sage decoction, soda, calendula tincture, MALAVIT.

For inhalation, you need to bring the water to a boil, bend over at a distance of 25-30 cm from the surface of the water and breathe through your mouth or nose, depending on what you are treating - a cough or a runny nose. Inhalations are carried out every 2-3 hours.

If you have a runny nose, you can clear your nose with AQUA-MARISA - 1-2 sprays into each nostril 3-6 times a day. You can use homeopathic spray EUPHORBIUM COMPOSITES, EVA-MENOL ointment, oxalic ointment, PINOSOL ointment and drops.

For a sore throat, you can use aerosols STOPANGIN, GEXORAL. From the second trimester - KAMETON. You can also use medicinal lozenges for resorption with essential oils, for example, NEO-ANGIN and DOCTOR THEIS ANGI-SEPT, which have weak antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Nutrition during illness should be balanced - do not forget about vitamin complexes, fermented milk products, low-fat broths and soups. Appetite usually decreases when sick, but care must be taken to ensure that the baby receives a sufficient amount of nutrients.

You need to drink more water - at least 2 liters per day. Water very well removes toxic substances from the body that poison it. It is best to drink drinks such as weak tea with lemon, rosehip infusion, cranberry or lingonberry juice, dried fruit compote, alkaline mineral water. At the same time, you need to ensure that approximately the same amount of water is removed from the body per day as you drank. But if you have severe edema or gestosis, then to remove toxins from the body you will have to go to the hospital - there, under the supervision of a doctor, you will undergo detoxification. You cannot prescribe diuretics yourself!

The course of pregnancy and consequences for the fetus

There is no reliable evidence that acute respiratory viral infection suffered in the second trimester of pregnancy affects the development of the fetus. In most cases, after recovery, women safely give birth to a healthy child on time. Miscarriage due to ARVI occurs extremely rarely and is most often associated with bacterial complications. Adverse consequences of infection are observed in women with severely reduced immunity and are associated with concomitant pathology of pregnancy.

Severe ARVI, accompanied by prolonged fever and occurring with complications, can cause the development of placental insufficiency. Impaired blood flow in the placenta leads to the gradual occurrence of chronic fetal hypoxia. The brain and all parts of the nervous system primarily suffer from a lack of oxygen. This condition can subsequently provoke a delay in the physical development of the fetus and the birth of a child with low body weight.

Principles of treatment

In the second trimester of pregnancy, much attention is paid to non-drug methods of therapy. Although many medications are already approved for use at 12-24 weeks, not all of them are completely safe for the fetus. To reduce the number of medications you take and speed up recovery, experts recommend adhering to the following simple rules:

1. If you are feeling well, wet clean your home daily. Entrust the cleaning to relatives if you cannot do it yourself. Washing floors and wiping dust is the best way to get rid of viruses and prevent further spread of infection.
2. Maintain a comfortable microclimate in your home (air temperature 22 °C with humidity 50-70%). In such conditions, the nasal mucosa does not dry out, nasal breathing becomes easier and the risk of infection spreading to the lower respiratory tract with the development of bronchitis and pneumonia is reduced.
3. Ventilate the room as often as possible (including before daytime and nighttime sleep).
4. If you feel well, walk away from crowded places for at least 1 hour a day.
5. Sleep at least 8 hours a day. Try to set aside 1-2 hours for naps during the day.
6. Eat tasty and varied food. Help your body gain strength to fight infection.
7. Drink warm tea, berry juice, dried fruit compote, mineral water. Drinking plenty of fluids helps cope with intoxication and speeds up recovery. Avoid hot drinks - they injure the mucous membranes and worsen the cough.
8. Support your immunity. Take a prenatal multivitamin, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and drink milk and honey.
9. Wear a mask when interacting with healthy people to avoid spreading infection.

Drug therapy in the second trimester of pregnancy includes:

Antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs

For uncomplicated ARVI, specific antiviral therapy is not carried out. The emphasis is on drugs that stimulate your own immunity and help cope with the infection:

• Grippferon (spray or drops).
• Ergoferon (tablets or oral solution).
• Viferon (candles).

Immunomodulatory drugs should be taken strictly according to the instructions and not exceed the indicated dosage. Viferon suppositories are approved for use only from 16 weeks of pregnancy. At 12-16 weeks, Grippferon spray becomes the drug of choice.

Remedies for runny nose

To facilitate nasal breathing, preparations based on sea water are used (Aqualor, Aqua Maris. Dolphin, Marimer, Salin). The nasal passages should be cleaned every 2-3 hours. You can also use saline solutions to prevent ARVI before leaving home, as well as immediately after returning. Sea water gently cleanses the nasal passages, preventing viruses from gaining a foothold on the mucous membrane and preventing their reproduction.

In the second trimester of pregnancy, some local vasoconstrictor drugs (Rinorus, Tizin, DlyaNos, Pinosol) are approved for use. Before using the drops, rinse your nose with saline solutions. The course of treatment is no more than 5 days. If nasal congestion persists for a long time, you should consult a doctor.

Remedies for sore throat

In the second trimester the following are allowed for use:

• Mukaltin;
• Miramistin;
• Stodal;
• Licorice root extract;
• Hexoral;
• Dr. Theiss;
• Stoptussin;
• Doctor Mom;
• Bromhexine;
• Libexin;
• Gerbion;
• Gedelix et al.

All medications should be taken strictly according to the instructions. It is not recommended to exceed the dosage indicated in the annotation. The drug can be in any form: lozenges, spray or syrup.

Rosehip infusion and linden infusion give a good effect for sore throat and dry cough. You should gargle at least 4 times a day after meals.

Antipyretic drugs

The second trimester is the most favorable time for using antipyretic drugs. Drugs from the NSAID group should be used only when the temperature rises above 38.5 °C. The course of treatment is no more than 3 days. If the fever persists for a long time, you should consult a doctor.

During pregnancy, paracetamol and ibuprofen are allowed as antipyretic drugs. Aspirin-based products are not used for the treatment of ARVI in expectant mothers.

The best prevention of ARVI during pregnancy is a healthy lifestyle. Hardening the body, adequate physical activity, and a balanced diet help boost immunity and protect against insidious viruses.

How to avoid ARVI: preventing colds during pregnancy

Infection is possible not only from a sick person, but also through the use of personal hygiene items and dishes.

First of all, you need to reconsider your diet. Eliminate smoked meats, foods containing preservatives, dyes, and flavorings from your diet. The listed factors are agents that “irritate” the immune system, forcing it to produce protective proteins, instead of building a defense against external pathogens and preventing chronic foci of infections from being activated in the body. Be sure to consume enough proteins: meat, fish, cottage cheese, eggs. Proteins and their components - amino acids - are the main building material for new cells, including immune defense cells.

Among the vitamins recommended for the prevention of colds are: pyridoxine (B6), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), pangamic acid (B15), vitamins A and E. All necessary vitamins are contained in special vitamin complexes for pregnant women.

Phytoncides—substances of plant origin that have anti-inflammatory and antibiotic-like properties—have a beneficial effect on the body. There are a lot of them in onions, garlic, and radishes. It is advisable to eat these products raw as a dietary supplement. During epidemics of colds, you can place plates of finely chopped garlic around the apartment, changing them periodically.

Among the activities useful for the prevention of ARVI is hardening. This procedure not only strengthens the immune system, but also tones the skin, normalizes vascular tone, and prevents aging. Daily hardening procedures may include a 5-minute contrast shower. Pour alternately warm (38-40°C) and cool (20-22°C) water for 30-40 seconds over the entire body (if you did this procedure before pregnancy) or only the legs to the knees (if you decided to try it for the first time). Always finish the procedure with cool water.

Walking barefoot on the floor, or on grass and sand in summer, is also useful. If you have never done this, you can start at any time, at any stage of pregnancy, as long as you do not have pregnancy complications. The earlier the better. Over time, gradually reduce the temperature of the cool part of the contrast shower.

Walking at any time of the year can be considered a hardening method. A walk should be, first of all, a pleasure. Walk as much as possible, preferably in a park or suburban area; it is good to walk after rain, because humidified air is a means of preventing lack of oxygen in the mother and fetus.

Ventilate the room. Sleep in a well-ventilated room (approximately 30 minutes of ventilation before bed or a slightly open window all night, provided there is no draft).

If a flu epidemic has begun, use Oxolinic ointment. Apply it in a thin layer around the nostrils on the skin and 2-3 mm inward on the nasal mucosa.

Avoid exposure to infections during pregnancy. Public places with a lot of people (shops, cinemas, clinics) are not the best place for expectant mothers during flu and ARVI epidemics. If you cannot do without visiting crowded places, do not hesitate to wear a mask.