Seasonal flu is always unpleasant. But a cold during pregnancy is also fraught with various complications. Therefore, expectant mothers should take all precautions to avoid contracting the virus.
Pregnant women are more likely to get the flu with severe consequences, largely due to a decrease in immunity. Moreover, flu during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. Therefore, it is worth taking preventive measures.
Get vaccinated. Any woman who is pregnant or planning pregnancy should get a flu shot regardless of the trimester of pregnancy.
The flu vaccine protects not only the mother, but also provides up to six months of protection for the unborn child. Children cannot be vaccinated against the flu until they are six months old, but they receive antibodies from their mother that protect them.
An injection, not a spray. Recently, flu vaccinations have been spreading, which are not given using the traditional method, through an injection, but using a nasal spray. This spray contains a weakened flu virus, which is safe for most people, but is not recommended for pregnant women.
The side effects of such vaccinations have not yet been studied. Therefore, it is better to do a standard vaccination, which is well studied, and certainly will not harm the child and his mother.
Resist germs. As you know, the virus does not enter the body out of the blue. Therefore, it is worth doing everything possible to resist the ingress of microbes into the body. Colds during pregnancy can be avoided by washing your hands regularly with soap and strong running water.
Most germs accumulate on objects that are often touched. Therefore, it is necessary to wipe faucets, door handles and other surfaces with disinfectant wipes or soap and water. During the spread of infection, you should touch your nose and mouth as rarely as possible.
Call a doctor. Many people resort to self-treatment for flu symptoms. However, this should not be done during a cold during pregnancy.
It is better to consult a doctor immediately at the first detection of the disease. He will prescribe antiviral medications for treatment that are safe for pregnant women. This will reduce the duration and severity of the disease. These drugs are the most effective. If you start taking them within two days of the onset of the disease.
Reduce the temperature. Fever in early pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects in the baby. Therefore, when faced with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest or abdominal pain, sudden dizziness or confusion, fever.
A cold during pregnancy can cause fetal movements to slow down or stop. This is also a reason to call an ambulance immediately. Discover a collection of modern fairy tales written for children and families today.
