While carrying a child, the body changes, experiences enormous stress and provides a new life with everything necessary. This causes a decrease in immunity and if prevention is not carried out, the woman will not escape various viral infections.
ARVI is a disease that affects the respiratory tract. Infection occurs due to the virus and is then followed by a second period – infection by bacterial flora. There are several forms: light, medium and heavy.
If in a normal state, a person can treat an illness with medicines, then a pregnant woman does not have such an opportunity. How to fight the infection in this case?
ARVI - danger to pregnancy
An acute respiratory disease during an interesting situation can have an extremely negative impact on the development and formation of the fetus. The most dangerous period is the beginning of pregnancy, when the embryo is most vulnerable. But the rest of the time, the disease poses a threat and can provoke oxygen starvation, fetoplantar insufficiency, and defects.
The following symptoms are characteristic of ARVI:
- weakness in the body;
- migraine;
- aches and chills;
- sore throat and muscle weakness;
- runny nose.
If you suspect a viral infection, you should immediately consult a doctor and begin treatment. You cannot use medications on your own during pregnancy; they can have side effects.
Drug Safety Assessment System
All medications recommended by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation undergo the necessary cycle of clinical and preclinical studies, according to which their effectiveness and safety are determined, including for pregnant women. Therefore, before you start taking this or that drug, it is important to carefully read the instructions, which should indicate from what week of pregnancy this medicine can be taken.
What drugs can be used by pregnant women to treat influenza and ARVI?
Antiviral treatment should be started as early as possible in the first or second day from the onset of the disease, based on the clinical manifestations of the disease. Some antiviral drugs belong to category “C” and are therefore prescribed only with the written consent of the patient.
For acute respiratory infections, for the purpose of prevention or treatment, from the first day of pregnancy, VIFERON ointment or gel can be applied to the nasal passages (the active substance is interferon alpha 2b has antiviral and immunomodulatory activity). These drugs have only a local effect. Starting from the 14th week, VIFERON suppositories can be used as an antiviral agent.
Scheme of use of the drug VIFERON Suppositories for the treatment of influenza and ARVI during pregnancy
Rectal suppositories 500,000 IU are used one suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 5 days, starting from the 14th week of pregnancy. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued.
When using the drug rectally, the liver and stomach do not experience excessive stress, which avoids many side effects. The ointment and gel are not absorbed into the blood and act locally at the site of application.
It should be borne in mind that antibiotics have no effect on viruses, so their use in the treatment of viral diseases is not justified. In case of a bacterial complication, such as tonsillitis, otitis media or pneumonia, an antibiotic may be prescribed. The inclusion of the drug VIFERON® in the complex therapy of ARVI and influenza in pregnant women helps reduce the risk of premature termination of pregnancy by 3.54 times (1), and also helps to significantly reduce the duration of intoxication symptoms.
Reference and information material
Author of the article
Gerasimenko Igor Olegovich
General doctor
Sources:
- Malinovskaya V.V., Baranov I.I., Vyzhlova E.N., Shuvalov A.N. “Treatment of acute respiratory infections in pregnant women”, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2019
i https://ru.wikipedia.org/
ii https://www.who.int/
iii https://www.rosminzdrav.ru/
ivhttps://www.rmj.ru/
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ARVI and colds during the gestational period: causes
The main factor that provokes the development of the disease during pregnancy is a sharp decrease in immunity. The body works for two, so it becomes extremely vulnerable to viruses and infections.
Doctors strongly advise taking multivitamins, herbal teas and eating foods rich in nutrients throughout pregnancy.
There are more than 300 known pathogens of respiratory viral infections. The disease is easy to catch; it is transmitted through airborne droplets.
An important point is the prevention of colds:
- during the epidemic, exclude or minimize visiting crowded places;
- lubricate the mucous membranes with antiviral agents (Oxolin, Viferon, some esters);
- dress warmly, shoes should be waterproof;
- observe personal hygiene rules, especially after public places (wash hands and gargle);
- take approved vitamin complexes;
- add foods rich in microelements and fiber to your diet;
- try not to contact with infected family members or use a special bandage;
- adheres to a healthy lifestyle;
- drink ginger tea, one cup in the morning is enough;
- Onions and garlic are allowed within reasonable limits; they are natural antibiotics.
Risks for the child
The disease poses a threat not only to the woman, but also to the child. Therefore, it is important to block the symptoms in time and begin treatment.
In the first trimester, the fetus develops internal organs, life support systems, and the brain. And the placenta is just beginning to function, so harmful substances and toxins can penetrate and cause various complications.
In the middle of pregnancy, the child already has formed systems, organs, and the placenta actively performs a protective function. But even at this time, ARVI can cause unpleasant consequences. Against the background of a respiratory infection, fetoplacental insufficiency, hypoxia, or other pathologies may develop, depending on the general health of the woman and the course of pregnancy.
The child’s nervous system is still developing and when infected with viruses, the brain may be damaged.
It is necessary to regularly monitor body temperature, because if the temperature is above 38 degrees for a couple of days, the child may experience problems with metabolism, and in some cases, develop other pathologies.
A high risk of developing abnormalities in the fetus occurs if a woman simultaneously has other diseases, for example, bronchitis, tonsillitis, late toxicosis.
In the third trimester, respiratory disease can cause polyhydramnios, and this is dangerous for the child and the woman in labor. Premature birth may occur and complications may arise. Having an illness right before birth can have a negative impact on the child: he will appear lethargic, underweight, and pale due to hypoxia.
With this outcome, he requires intensive treatment. Most often, such children are immediately transferred to a special box and given assistance.
Use proven methods
The most well-known (and very effective) methods of combating acute respiratory infections during pregnancy are:
- Drink plenty of warm drinks. During pregnancy, you should not drink a lot of tea - it is better to replace it with berry juice (containing vitamin C, which is important in fighting colds), mineral water (still) or compote. This method of treatment should be excluded in the third trimester - frequent heavy drinking can cause swelling
- Gargling. Decoctions of chamomile, calendula, eucalyptus and sage are excellent for rinsing. This simple and effective procedure will help relieve such unpleasant symptoms as sore throat during pregnancy, dry, sore or loose throat. When rinsing, the mucous membrane of the throat is cleared of food debris and phlegm, and the condition of the pharynx and tonsils improves.
When you are sick, you should not leave the premises. The air temperature at home should not exceed 22 degrees, in addition, the humidity in the apartment should be maintained at a sufficiently high level.
Diet plays an important role in the fight against acute respiratory infections - it should consist mainly of light vegetable and fruit dishes that are quickly digested and contain many vitamins.
During pregnancy, warming procedures are unacceptable - mustard plasters, cups, compresses, “steaming” the legs, etc.
How to be treated for ARVI during pregnancy
The difficulty of treatment for a woman who is expecting a child is that most known and effective medications are prohibited. Especially in the first trimester, at this time almost everything is prohibited, even most herbal infusions and decoctions.
Antibiotics are substances that inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and infections. There are natural origin and semi-synthetic. The product is strong and acts immediately. But for pregnant women, such therapy is prescribed in exceptional cases when urgent help is needed.
Acceptable antibiotics:
- Amoxicillin;
- Ampicillin; Flemoxin and some others.
For the treatment of the throat, the following preparations for gargling and irrigation are allowed:
- Chlorhexidine;
- Miramistin;
- Hexoral;
- Rotokan;
- Aquirin.
Despite the fact that the listed medications are acceptable for a pregnant woman to take, they should only be prescribed by a doctor who will accurately indicate the required dosage and rules of use.
You can use a solution of salt and soda to gargle.
Symptoms of flu infection
Despite the presence of an incubation period, influenza often manifests itself within the first day after infection. This picture is more relevant for pregnant women. This is due to the fact that the expectant mother’s immunity is weakened - the body nourishes not only itself, but the fetus, distributing strength between two (often three). The hormone levels of a pregnant woman differ from those of girls who are not in an interesting position.
The lungs of a pregnant woman experience considerable stress, because they must provide oxygen to the tissues of not only the mother’s body, but also the unborn baby. And over long periods of time, it is difficult for the lungs to fully expand, since the grown fetus presses them from below. Any infectious invasion of the respiratory system leads to serious consequences in the form of complications.
The first thing a pregnant woman infected with the flu may feel is shortness of breath. But, realizing the unusual nature of their situation, many ladies ignore this symptom, and completely in vain. There is a drug that, when taken in the first 24-48 hours after infection, can stop the spread of the virus throughout the body, which means protecting the mother and unborn baby from serious consequences. By not paying attention to the shortness of breath that appears, the woman allows the flu to invade more organs and tissues.
The second important symptom is severe weakness. Many people also ignore it, especially if it manifests itself over a long period of time. Complete powerlessness and the desire to stay in bed all day is a mandatory reason to consult a doctor.
Vitamins
Taking vitamins is a must. Experts recommend starting to take special complexes during pregnancy planning and continue throughout the entire period. The doctor will select the appropriate drug depending on the individual characteristics of the woman in labor. The most popular and safest is Vitrum Prenatal.
Unpleasant sensations in the throat are a constant symptom of ARVI. To fight the infection, your doctor may prescribe the following medications:
- Lysobacter;
- Faringosept;
- Laripront;
- Sebedin.
What are the dangers of frequent ARVI during pregnancy: negative consequences
Negative complications from a cold:
- Intrauterine development slows down;
- Hypoxia;
- Fetoplacental insufficiency;
- Damage to the nervous system and brain of the fetus;
- Premature birth;
- Low water;
- Polyhydramnios;
- Deviations in the functioning of the placenta;
- Reduced immunity in the child in the future.
In general, with frequent illnesses, the body loses a lot of strength and energy, and its supply of vitamins and microelements runs out. And during the gestational period, these factors greatly weaken the immune system and interfere with the normal development of the child.
A common cold during pregnancy can cause a lot of troubles and complications. Therefore, it is important to observe safety measures during epidemics, carefully monitor your well-being and carry out preventive measures.
Consult a doctor
When the first signs of a painful condition appear, you should immediately contact your doctor (it is best to call him at home rather than visit a clinic). Even if you have always been able to cope with such diseases on your own and have experience using medications, this time it is better to trust a professional - remember that now the disease carries much more risk. Only a specialist can find a way to solve the problem that is guaranteed to be safe for the fetus.
