How to treat flu during pregnancy? Prevention and treatment of influenza during pregnancy. Flu in pregnant women: how dangerous is it and why? Flu in the 3rd trimester

Flu is a viral disease that has dangerous consequences. You can become infected with virus cells only through airborne droplets through contact with a sick person.

If we talk about influenza infection during pregnancy, the disease is dangerous because it can harm the baby and lead to spontaneous miscarriage.

The danger of such a disease

Pregnancy for women is a period that always runs smoothly. It is really difficult to meet a woman who has not been sick for 9 months. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the expectant mother’s body works in “emergency mode.” The immune system is subjected to serious stress.

If the immune system fails, the risk of infection with viral diseases increases. If the flu has been diagnosed in a pregnant woman, it can cause the following complications:

1. Spontaneous miscarriage.
2. Developmental defects in the fetus.
3. Disturbances in the process of formation of internal organs.

If the disease affects a pregnant woman before 12 weeks, the likelihood of complications is extremely high. During this period, the baby’s organs are actively forming, and the virus can interfere with this process and cause pathological changes. The complications will be so serious that the woman will have a spontaneous miscarriage.

In the video, treatment of influenza during pregnancy:

In such a situation, gynecologists will not continue the pregnancy, since there is a high probability that the child has defects that are incompatible with life.

Main danger These are complications that the flu can cause. If the virus leads to the development of pneumonia, pyelonephritis, endocarditis, then the chances of giving birth to a healthy baby will be minimal.

Gynecologists advise that after an infection you undergo a series of additional diagnostic procedures. Take a screening test and do an ultrasound. A procedure called amniotic fluid sampling is often recommended.

During the process of collecting material for research, the risk of miscarriage increases. But based on the test results, one can only judge the baby’s health within the context. The test will not provide direct information indicating the presence of certain pathologies in the child.

In the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, a viral infection is associated with minimal risks. If the flu is mild, without complications, then it is unlikely to affect the growth and development of the fetus. Of course, it is possible to judge whether the disease affected the fetus only after conducting appropriate research.

An ultrasound will examine not only the child himself, the structure of his internal organs, but also the placenta. Because placental abruption can cause premature birth.

• donate blood for a triple screening test;
• Do an ultrasound with Doppler.

These are standard recommendations that will help identify the presence of pathological changes in the condition of the fetus. If the results of ultrasound and screening indicate that the child is growing and developing in accordance with the norm, then you can “exhale”, but it is not recommended to let down your vigilance.

Prevention

Since influenza is a viral disease, it can be infected under the following circumstances:

1. When the activity of the immune system decreases (observed in all pregnant women).
2. Upon contact with an infected person (i.e. by airborne droplets).
3. When carrying out certain manipulations involving blood (transfusion).

It is worth exercising some vigilance:

• strengthen the immune system;
• avoid visiting crowded places;
• Avoid situations involving the use of untested biological materials.

The simplest and most effective option is to strengthen the immune system. You can do this in several ways:

Prevention can have several variations; often it is enough to adhere to simple dietary rules, regularly walk in the fresh air and not drink alcohol . Together with healthy sleep and active rest, this will be quite enough.

In the video, what products should be used at home:

The most effective is an integrated approach to solving the problem, that is, it is worth combining proper nutrition, moderate physical activity with taking immunostimulants and vitamins.

It is also recommended to get a flu shot before becoming pregnant. Vaccination is carried out with a “dead” virus, that is, inactive. For this reason, if the vaccination is done in advance, the chance of “encountering” an infection is much lower.

But during pregnancy you should not get vaccinated, despite the fact that vaccination is carried out using inactive virus cells, certain problems may arise against the background of decreased immune activity.

It is also recommended to avoid crowded places. Shops and shopping centers are a breeding ground for infectious diseases. Since the premises are not properly ventilated, they are visited by various people who can be carriers of not only the flu, but also other diseases dangerous to the life and health of women.

How dangerous is the flu during pregnancy? How to treat it? The influenza virus is most dangerous due to its complications on the body of the mother and child. Rarely does pregnancy occur without this common disease. It is necessary to ensure bed rest, wet cleaning and fresh air flow into the room.

Self-medication is dangerous in any trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, at the first symptoms of the disease, you should consult a doctor. A healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and light forms of hardening will help prevent the disease and relieve serious complications.

Flu symptoms

Influenza is an infectious disease of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza virus. It is spread by airborne droplets. If a person has the flu, sneezing and coughing can spread the infection further. This is how the influenza virus reaches healthy people. In the body, it spreads with the bloodstream and destroys the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.

Flu symptoms include:

• aching joints;
• fear of light;
• increased body temperature;
• cough;
• runny nose.

Sweating in a state of flu is replaced by chills. This is due to the fact that body temperature decreases. Then the person sweats. After some time, this state is replaced by chills. This means that the temperature rises again (sometimes up to 40° C).

First, it is necessary to correctly diagnose influenza during pregnancy. "How to treat him?" - this is a question that needs to be resolved secondarily. The symptoms of influenza are similar to some other viral diseases. You should consult a doctor for a correct diagnosis and do not self-medicate.

during pregnancy

Flu during pregnancy can cause many different complications. How to treat it? Will this harm the baby?

The influenza virus can have a negative impact on the condition of a pregnant woman and affect the development of the fetus. The threat of miscarriage, premature birth - these are complications after an infectious disease.

• The virus negatively affects the cardiovascular system. May cause heart failure.
• Cause complications such as pneumonia, sinusitis, bronchitis, otitis media, sinusitis.
• Influenza contributes to the complication of chronic diseases (gastritis, asthma) and leads to metabolic disorders.

After an illness, immunity and resistance to various types of bacterial infections (pneumococcal, staphylococcal, hemophilic) decreases.

Flu during pregnancy in the first trimester. How to treat

Flu is especially dangerous in the early stages of pregnancy, up to 12 weeks. The virus can travel through the bloodstream and infect the fetus. Unfortunately, no doctor can say for sure how influenza during pregnancy will affect a child’s development. In the first trimester, reviews from women who have been ill and doctors tend to believe that the consequences in each case may be different.

There is an assumption that the flu especially affects the central nervous system and affects the nerve cells of the fetus. You should know that the mother’s body produces antibodies and is able to protect the embryo from the virus.

The greatest danger is the consequences in the form of At 2-3 months of pregnancy, the formation of embryonic organs occurs. Defects in their development can be caused by influenza during pregnancy in the first trimester. How to treat it?

You should not take medications for the first 12 weeks. They can negatively affect the baby's development. Be sure to stay in bed at the beginning of the disease and limit your intake of salty foods. Only in case of high temperature (from 38.5 ° C) should you take medicines with paracetamol (for example, Ibuprofen).

Flu during pregnancy. Second trimester

You should know that during pregnancy there is a natural decrease in immunity. This occurs due to the fact that the child’s cells are perceived by the mother’s body as foreign. Only in this case will the woman be able to bear the baby.

The disease contributes to fetal hypoxia. It can harm the placenta, lead to oligohydramnios, and premature rupture of amniotic fluid. Flu poses a threat of miscarriage during pregnancy in the second trimester. It is better to start treatment from weeks 12 to 24 with decoctions of rose hips and chamomile. Drink fruit drinks, dried fruit compotes. Try to use folk remedies as much as possible.

During illness, it is necessary to stay in a well-ventilated area, with a room temperature no higher than 23° C. Reduce vigorous activity and rest more. Limit food intake if you have a decreased appetite.

In general, the influenza virus affects the birth process itself. After an illness, the risk of blood loss and weakening of labor increases.

Flu during pregnancy in the third trimester. How to treat

From 24 weeks, the mother’s body becomes most susceptible to the influenza virus. Decreased immunity and susceptibility to infectious diseases contribute to complications during illness.

You need to try to protect yourself from large crowds of people, especially during flu epidemics. The incubation period can last from several hours to several days.

Possible intrauterine infection of the fetus, the development of hypoxia can form the flu during pregnancy in the third trimester. Treatment should begin at the first symptoms. Be sure to call a doctor at home and follow all his recommendations.

If you get the flu during pregnancy in the third trimester, how to treat it? Preference should be given to traditional methods. Minimize your medication intake.

Medicines

You should not self-prescribe antiviral medications. At high, obvious temperatures, take Paracetamol. In some cases, doctors allow the use of acetylsalicylic acid. You should take antipyretics no more than 4 times a day.

Do not take antibiotics or painkillers under any circumstances. This should only be done on the advice of a doctor when your health condition is of serious concern. You should not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

It is allowed to gargle with a solution of Furacilin or baking soda. You can add herbal medicines to your treatment for better expectoration.

For severe runny nose, use vasoconstrictor medications. It must be remembered that it is recommended to bury them for no more than 3 days. In mild cases, it is better to limit yourself to rinsing the nose with saline solution.

Indications for hospitalization

1. Lack of quality home care and good conditions.
2. Complication of chronic diseases (cardiovascular, pyelonephritis, tonsillitis).
3. The appearance of complications of influenza (pneumonia, damage to the nervous system).

Folk remedies

Even folk remedies during pregnancy are best used after consulting a doctor. Possible complications and damage to the fetus are caused by influenza during pregnancy. How to treat it?

Tea with raspberries, honey, and lemon can be taken throughout pregnancy. cranberries will help lower the temperature and remove toxins from the body.

Gargles with calendula, eucalyptus, and sage are recommended for sore throats. Radish juice with honey and boiled dates with boiled milk will help relieve coughs. Soda inhalations will help with dry cough. To remove phlegm, prefer steam inhalations with herbs - chamomile, St. John's wort, oregano, lavender, eucalyptus. It is not recommended to inhale vapors while covered with a towel at high temperatures.

Phytosolutions made from carrot and apple juice with the addition of a few drops of fir oil are suitable for the nose. beets can be dripped every 2-3 hours.

You can take ginger tea as a general tonic. Grate ginger root (about a teaspoon), pour 2 cups of boiling water over it. Add honey and lemon juice to taste.

Flu prevention

Vaccination against the influenza virus is safe for mother and child. Contraindications for it are the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, individual intolerance, allergy to the drug.

The absence of stress and hypothermia is also included in the prevention of influenza. Proper nutrition, restful sleep, taking vitamin supplements. Essential oils should be used for aromatherapy. Rinse your mouth with tincture of eucalyptus and calendula mixed with water. Wear a gauze bandage during a flu epidemic. Periodically iron it and wash it.

• Do not walk in rainy weather or in strong winds.
• Regularly ventilate the apartment and do wet cleaning.
• Dress appropriately for the weather, lubricate your nose with oxolinic ointment.
• Accept (within reasonable limits).
• Avoid people who already have the flu.
• Place chopped onion and garlic in the room.

During the period of bearing a child, a woman needs to be especially careful about her health. During the season of increased natural incidence of respiratory infections, influenza viruses pose a particular danger. Most people are given the opportunity to get vaccinated against it, but this option is not always available for pregnant women. Given natural immunosuppression, the risk of getting sick increases. But an even bigger problem is complications of pregnancy due to influenza.

What is special about the influenza virus?

Every year, information about the influenza virus epidemic appears in the public domain, only its alphanumeric designation changes. The English letters H and N indicate the structure of the dominant virus.

Humanity has been familiar with influenza viruses for a long time, only in 1933 type A was first isolated. Later, after 7 years, type B was discovered, and after another 9 years, type C. The high variability of the pathogen baffled researchers. But the classification was based on the presence of certain antigen proteins. These are hemagglutinin (denoted by the Latin letter H) and neuraminidase (N). A total of 13 subtypes were identified for hemagglutinin antigen and 10 for neuraminidase. They form many combinations.

Type A includes antigens H1, 2, 3 and N1 and 2. The type of virus is respectively designated H1N1, H2N1, and so on.

Hemagglutinin ensures the attachment of the virus to cells and the production of antibodies to it. But under their influence, a mutation of this antigen occurs, which is transmitted to the offspring. Viral neuraminidase ensures the release of viral particles from the cell. She is also capable of point mutations. New properties are transferred to young viruses. This allows the pathogen to evade the immune response.

Immunity is formed to a virus with a certain structure. Therefore, immunologists annually need to conduct research and make predictions about what type of influenza virus will cause an epidemic. Therefore, if the forecast is incorrect, they may be useless.

What is the risk of infection?

For the fetus

The danger of a viral infection depends on the period when infection occurs. In the early stages of pregnancy, the flu can lead to infection of the embryo. During this period, the placenta is not yet formed; the mother’s blood flows freely to the fetus. Its penetration into cells leads to their destruction. For an embryo, the loss of several cells is fraught with death or the appearance of gross deformities and disruption of organ formation. In the first trimester of pregnancy, infection may end.

Infection with influenza in the second trimester is not so dangerous for the fetus. But when the virus penetrates the placenta, signs of intrauterine growth retardation appear; the fetus will lag behind the norm in size and weight.

Infection in the third trimester can also lead to intrauterine infection. Transmission of the virus sometimes occurs after childbirth. A newborn suffers from the disease very hard, and complications often arise. The reason is the imperfection of the immune system. Only maternal antibodies, which are transferred with milk during feeding, are able to slightly protect the child.

For pregnant women

Complications of the disease pose a threat to the mother: her body has a heavy burden in the form of a growing fetus. If there are chronic pathologies of other organs, then it is very difficult to avoid complications. Most often, pathological conditions arise from the following systems:

• respiratory: bacterial pneumonia, empyema, lung abscess;
• upper respiratory tract: sinusitis, otitis, tracheitis;
• cardiovascular: myocarditis, pericarditis;
• neurological: encephalitis, meningitis, meningoencephalitis, polyneuritis, neuralgia;
• muscular: myositis;
• other systems: nephritis, Reye's syndrome, toxic-allergic shock.

A feature of the virus is its tendency to damage the vascular wall of microvessels, which disrupts their patency and causes hemorrhages. Pregnant women may develop bleeding disorders due to increased consumption of clotting factors.

Flu in late pregnancy can lead to bleeding, including in the postpartum period.

The virus is able to interact with immune cells and cause their transformation. This leads to the following consequences:

• disrupts the immune system's response;
• creates an immunodeficiency state;
• causes autoimmune reactions.

Joint tissues react to immunological disorders. Arthritis and arthrosis may develop or worsen. Hemorrhages into parenchymal organs and myocardium are also dangerous.

How does the disease manifest itself?

The onset of the disease is always sudden, the incubation period lasts 1-3 days. The first sign is an increase in temperature. In the first two days it rises to 39-40 degrees. After this, it can drop to 38. About a day after the onset of fever, other flu symptoms appear:

• headache;
• feeling of aching in muscles, joints;
• nasal congestion;
• dryness of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and pharynx;
• pain when moving the eyes;
• sometimes nausea, abdominal pain;
• sleep disorder

Mucous discharge from the nose appears only after a few days. A characteristic feature of the pharynx: it is hyperemic, and fine grain appears on the surface of the mucosa. These are areas of lymphoid tissue. This symptom persists until 7-8 days after the temperature drops.

The patient's appearance acquires characteristic features:

• the face seems swollen, puffy;
• pronounced pallor of the skin;
• cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle and lips.

Clinical manifestations of complications depend on the affected organ. If it is the heart or pericardium, then pain of varying intensity appears, there may be noises, signs of malfunction.

The addition of pneumonia is accompanied by a sudden rise in temperature, wheezing in the lungs, and weakness. Shortness of breath appears.

Neurological complications are accompanied by signs of damage to the brain and its membranes. An intense headache develops, which is not relieved by analgesics, as well as sensitivity to light and sound. Pathological reflexes may be detected.

Sinusitis, or inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, is accompanied by a headache that worsens with movement. There may be a feeling of fullness in the sinuses: on the forehead, on the sides of the nose. The pain will intensify when bending forward.

Is additional diagnostics needed?

What to do if the first symptoms of an acute respiratory infection appear? You need to see a doctor. Treatment of a pregnant woman should be carried out under the strict supervision of a therapist and gynecologist to prevent negative effects on the fetus. But first you need to make a correct diagnosis.

In most cases, special diagnostics are not required to determine the influenza virus. The diagnosis is made based on the characteristic clinical signs and complaints of the patient.

If the flu affected the 1st trimester, but the pregnancy was not interrupted, then at 16-20 weeks it is necessary to conduct an examination of the fetus to identify malformations and hidden pathologies. To do this, a triple test is performed, which includes:

• alpha-fetoprotein;
• human chorionic gonadotropin;
• estriol.

An analysis of only one hormone is not informative; it must be performed in combination. The blood test is complemented by an ultrasound of the fetus. Based on its results, it is possible to assess the presence of gross malformations of internal organs. If the examination results indicate the presence of abnormalities, it may be necessary. This is a procedure for collecting amniotic fluid through a puncture in the anterior abdominal wall under ultrasound guidance. Fluid analysis can identify genetic abnormalities.

Infection in the 2nd trimester and later requires other examination methods. It is enough to carry out:

• Fetal ultrasound;
• Dopplerography of blood vessels of the placenta, umbilical cord;

Serological methods for diagnosing infection are rarely used. Antibody growth is determined at intervals of 8-14 days. This reflects only the process of immunity formation. Virological methods are necessary for microbiological laboratories in terms of studying the prevalence of the virus, because the study requires a long time to grow the pathogen in cell culture.

Possible treatments

Treatment of influenza during pregnancy begins with nonspecific techniques. They include limiting contact with other people, frequent wet cleaning of rooms, and ventilation. If you have a quartz lamp at home, you can perform quartz treatment for 30 minutes twice a day.

Nutrition during illness should be gentle, varied and balanced. In order not to further injure the oral mucosa, you should not treat with hot tea or milk. The temperature of the liquid should be such that it does not burn, but warms. Drinking plenty of fluids is one of the conditions for recovery. You can drink tea with lemon, cranberry juice, compotes, and a diluted chamomile decoction.

Rinsing with antiseptic solutions helps eliminate local symptoms:

• warm soda solution;
• furatsilin;
• decoction of chamomile, calendula.

To treat rhinitis, you can use vasoconstrictor drugs only after consulting a doctor. If the dosage is exceeded, they can have a systemic effect and increase blood pressure. You can use saline solutions for rinsing the nose and instilling them - “Aquamaris”, saline solution.

To reduce temperature, only Paracetamol is used. Other antipyretic drugs are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy.

The gestational age also determines which medications can be taken. Before 12 weeks, most drugs are prohibited. This also applies to the antiviral Arpetol. It is used only from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy.

The 2nd and 3rd trimester is the period when interferons can be used for treatment. They are prescribed in the form of rectal suppositories for 10 days.

It is not necessary to take it to treat a viral infection. They are used only when bacterial complications develop:

• pneumonia;
• sinusitis;
• otitis;
• myocarditis;
• encephalitis.

The choice of drug is within the competence of the doctor. It takes into account the possible type of microorganism and its sensitivity to the antibiotic, as well as the safety of the drug for the fetus. Most often this is a group of Penicillins and Cephalosporins. The form of administration and dosage depend on the pathology and severity.

Infection at 37 weeks of pregnancy is not an indication for early delivery. It is necessary that the acute period of the disease passes and the fruit ripens. If there are no complications, then the woman can stay at home until contractions appear.

Influenza detected before childbirth is an indication for hospitalization in the observation department. The disease is not a contraindication for breastfeeding. You just need to wash your hands thoroughly and wear a mask to prevent the child from becoming infected.

How to protect yourself from the flu?

Prevention of influenza during pregnancy includes walks in the fresh air, regular wet cleaning and ventilation of the apartment. During the season of natural increase in the incidence of ARVI, you should avoid visiting crowded places and travel less on public transport. You can apply Oxolinic ointment to the nasal mucosa before leaving the house. It does not allow viruses to attach to the epithelium of the mucous membrane. Washing your hands, face and rinsing your nose after going outside helps. If you have to be in crowded places, then you don’t need to touch your nose with your hands or rub your eyes. Also, do not forget about a balanced diet and sufficient fluid intake.

Regarding influenza vaccination, doctors' opinions are divided. The decision to administer a vaccination and the choice of vaccine should be made by a doctor, based on the wishes of the pregnant woman, general health, the presence of an allergic reaction, etc.

Every woman who gets sick during pregnancy always worries about how her illness will affect the child. This is natural, because taking care of the health of your baby is the most important task for parents. At different stages of pregnancy, colds affect the baby and mother differently. Let's consider what a cold can mean during pregnancy in the second trimester.

The second trimester of pregnancy lasts from 12 to 24 weeks after conception. During this period, you can breathe a sigh of relief, since viral infections can no longer cause such a strong blow to the baby’s health as in the first trimester. The fact is that the fetus is already protected by the placenta, which serves as a conductor of nutrients, oxygen, and is a kind of barrier from the negative influences of the outside world. But a cold can attack this shield. Feto-placental insufficiency occurs, in which the transfer of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus is difficult. The baby may be born prematurely, weighing below normal. In the second trimester, the baby’s nervous system may suffer, since during this period it is actively developing.

What else is dangerous about a cold in the 2nd trimester?

If you get a cold at week 14, there is a possibility of miscarriage or changes in the endocrine system. If this happens at 16-17 weeks, the fetus may not develop bone tissue properly. When a woman is expecting a girl, special attention to her health should be paid during the period of 19-20 weeks. At this time, the formation of eggs occurs, and the virus can disrupt the correct process, which will lead to infertility in future women.

Sometimes expectant mothers, without hesitation, start taking antibiotics and antipyretics for colds. This should not be done under any circumstances, because the medications will definitely harm the baby. Therefore, if a woman falls ill in the 2nd trimester, she should not make any attempts at self-medication, but consult a doctor and follow his recommendations. A common mistake made by pregnant women, in addition to taking antibiotics, is the uncontrolled use of homeopathic medicines. It is believed that herbs cannot harm the body, but this is not always the case. Many herbal preparations have side effects and can cause miscarriage or agitation of the mother's nervous system.

Consequences of a cold in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and its dangers

The reassuring factor is that colds at the end of pregnancy are less dangerous than at the beginning. For example, if a cold at 31 weeks of pregnancy provokes premature birth, then with the help of modern technologies the baby can be saved. But still, colds should be avoided, as there is a danger of miscarriage.

A cold at 30 weeks of pregnancy can also happen and should not be taken lightly. A cold in late pregnancy greatly affects the condition of the placenta, it begins to age ahead of time and the fetus is deprived of protection. In general, the entire danger of contracting a viral infection in the third trimester is associated with the condition of the placenta.

As you know, it is she who protects the child throughout pregnancy. But in recent weeks it has been aging and becoming permeable to all kinds of viruses. That is, the child cannot get sick, but toxins and medications that the mother takes during illness can penetrate to him. So, if you have a cold at 33 weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s undeveloped immune system and placenta do not sufficiently protect it from infections, so the fetus becomes very vulnerable to disease.

A cold at 34 weeks of pregnancy can disrupt hormonal levels, which at this time begin to activate the production of breast milk. The fact is that the hormones of the placenta are responsible for this, which experiences enormous stress during a cold.

Catching a cold at 35 weeks of pregnancy is associated with the risk of premature labor and complications of its course. At 36 weeks of pregnancy, colds and high temperatures can cause complications such as placental abruption and premature rupture of amniotic fluid. And already at 37 weeks of pregnancy, a cold becomes dangerous because infections can penetrate into the amniotic fluid, which the baby often drinks.

A cold in the ninth month of pregnancy is dangerous, because after birth the baby will immediately enter the world of viruses and will have to fight them. In addition, a viral cold at 39 weeks of pregnancy is very unpleasant for the mother.

A cold during pregnancy at 38 weeks requires a lot of attention. The baby is still protected by the mother’s body and encountering a foreign infection, which he faces during childbirth, is completely unnecessary. Therefore, if a woman has a cold, it is important to get cured before giving birth so as not to expose the baby to unnecessary danger.

The fact is that all women in labor who are admitted with acute respiratory viral infections are placed in a department where women who are not registered for pregnancy are kept. After giving birth, the baby is isolated from his mother, and this deprives him of the long-awaited wonderful first minutes of communication with his daughter or son. If a woman gets a cold at 40 weeks of pregnancy, the baby will inevitably become infected, and sometimes the child’s weak body cannot cope with the infection, which can lead to the most disastrous consequences.

Treatment of colds in the second and third trimesters

No matter how careful a woman is, the danger of becoming infected still exists. And if viruses have entered the body, then we need to sound the alarm. You cannot ignore alarming symptoms; it is better to consult a doctor immediately. It is strictly forbidden to carry a cold on your feet. Adequate rest and bed rest are necessary. Self-medication during pregnancy is undesirable, this applies to both medications and herbal remedies.

A cold is accompanied by fever, runny nose, and cough. And they need to be treated competently, avoiding medications if possible. A doctor's consultation is required.

Temperature

An increase in temperature in the 2nd trimester is quite common. This is due to the release of large amounts of the hormone progesterone, which affects the thermoregulation center located in the cerebral cortex. If the temperature is slightly elevated (up to 38 degrees), then there is no need to bring it down. And when the thermometer shows above 38, then treatment must begin. To begin with, a woman should try traditional methods: tea with raspberries, warm milk, diaphoretics. Do not forget about linden blossom infusion, which is a leader in the treatment of colds, especially during pregnancy. Rosehip decoctions, fruit drinks and dried fruit compotes are perfect.

Fever is a symptom of many diseases, both viral and infectious. Only a doctor can prescribe the necessary tests and, based on their results, identify the causative agent of the infection. If the temperature persists for quite a long time, this can provoke pathology of the placenta in the second trimester and even poses a risk of infection of the fetus. Therefore, it is better to hospitalize the expectant mother in a hospital, under the supervision of experienced doctors.

Runny nose

A runny nose is dangerous for pregnant women because the baby will not have enough oxygen. But nasal drops can only be used under the strict supervision of a doctor. Initially, you can try lubricating your nasal passages with tea tree or eucalyptus oil. There are also nasal rinses that are very good for getting rid of a runny nose.

Cough

This scourge should also be gotten rid of as quickly as possible. Here, too, such folk remedies as honey will come to the rescue, with the help of which they do inhalation (dissolve 1 part honey in 5 parts water at a temperature of about 49 degrees. Inhale the vapors alternately through one and the other nostril, then through the mouth). If you have a persistent dry cough, you should gargle with decoctions of sage, eucalyptus and calendula herbs mixed in equal parts. Even a simple soda inhalation will perfectly relieve a dry cough, and sputum will begin to separate effectively.

Drug therapy is contraindicated for pregnant women, but sometimes the risk from viral infections is much greater than from drugs, so it becomes necessary to choose pills that are safer. For example, aspirin and askofen lead to blood thinning, which can lead to bleeding. Levomycetin can cause cardiovascular collapse in newborns if the expectant mother took it in the last months of pregnancy.

Cold prevention

How to protect yourself from colds in the 2nd and 3rd trimester?

Prevention must begin before conception. No matter how trivial it may sound, it is important for the expectant mother to drink a complex of special vitamins, cleanse the body, and lose excess weight. But this is not enough. It is necessary that the immune system can cope with viruses throughout pregnancy. This can be done with a contrast shower, which should be taken every day, alternating cool and warm water. Finish with cool water. After water procedures, rub yourself with a hard towel until pleasant warmth appears. This seemingly simple procedure, familiar to everyone since childhood, can improve the condition of the body and strengthen the immune system.

Winter is rightfully considered the season of colds, of which the flu is perhaps the most insidious. How dangerous is it for the expectant mother and what are the features of its treatment in an “interesting situation”?

Influenza is an acute, highly contagious disease transmitted by airborne droplets and caused by viruses types A, B and C. Influenza is characterized by fever, symptoms of intoxication and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.

Influenza viruses are characterized by genetic lability - constant and progressive variability in their structure (that is, the structure of the genes contained in influenza viruses changes), which explains the emergence of new varieties to which the population has no immunity. Influenza A virus is the most variable. Type B virus is characterized by less variability. No antigenic variability was detected in type C virus.

In the last months of pregnancy and before giving birth, pregnant women are less resistant to infections, and therefore more prone to getting the flu. The sensitivity and susceptibility of expectant mothers to infectious diseases is increased; severe and complicated forms of influenza are more often recorded in them. Under the influence of influenza infection, a pregnant woman's body's resistance sharply decreases, the functions of the endocrine and immune systems are disrupted, which contributes to the activation of chronic diseases (exacerbation of tonsillitis, pyelonephritis, etc.) during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Flu symptoms

A characteristic feature of the acute period of influenza is the severity of intoxication with mild symptoms. The incubation period of the disease is short - from several hours to 1-2 days.

The vast majority of patients experience an acute onset of influenza, accompanied by a rapid increase in temperature to high. The highest temperature (up to 39-40°C) is observed in the first two days of illness, then it rapidly decreases. The duration of the febrile period usually does not exceed 2-4 days. In some patients, 1-2 days after the temperature drops, it again increases for 1-2 days (second wave of influenza). By the end of the first day, there is already a detailed picture of the disease, the distinctive feature of which is the predominance of general symptoms of intoxication (headaches, muscle pain, a characteristic feeling of aching muscles), the most constant early symptom of influenza is redness and dryness of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, nasal congestion (mucous discharge appears on the 2-3rd day of illness). The granularity of the pharynx is also characteristic - the presence of small lymphatic follicles protruding above the surface of the mucous membrane, which persist even after the temperature drops, until the 7-8th day of illness. The back wall of the pharynx is also red, dry, often with coarse granularity. Simultaneously with the increase in temperature, headache, dizziness, pain when moving the eyes, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting (usually one-time), sleep disorders appear - almost constant symptoms of the first day of influenza. A patient with influenza has a characteristic appearance: puffiness, severe pallor, sometimes brightly colored cheeks; cyanosis (bluish tint) of the nasolabial triangle and lips.

Effect of the virus

The pathogenic effect of the virus is associated primarily with its biological properties: primary damage to the mucous membrane lining the respiratory tract and toxicity.

The virus penetrates the respiratory tract, settles on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, especially the trachea, and begins to release toxins (a kind of poison), which are carried through the bloodstream throughout the body. Penetrating through the placenta, damaging it, the virus enters the fetal circulatory system through the bloodstream.

Effect of influenza on the fetus

Much here depends on the timing of pregnancy. Thus, in the first trimester of pregnancy (before), when the formation of internal organs is intense, the influence of the virus can have a detrimental effect on the formation of the systems and organs of the fetus. There is a risk of developmental defects and even intrauterine fetal death. There is evidence that the influenza virus has a greater effect on the nervous tissue of the embryo, causing malformations of the central nervous system.

At later stages of pregnancy, the virus is still capable of causing infection of the fetus, leading to an unfavorable course of pregnancy and threatening miscarriage, but less so than in the first trimester.

Damage to the placenta can lead to the development of circulatory failure in the placenta. More often than not, this disorder is treatable. In these cases, the pregnancy may end in timely delivery of a viable child. However, intrauterine growth restriction is possible. As a result, the baby is born with a small weight.

A study of the adaptation of newborns and young children infected in utero with the influenza virus showed that 60% of them had developmental disorders. Many children experienced delayed teething, endocrine disorders, skin-allergic diseases, acute respiratory infections during the newborn period, and pneumonia due to a viral infection.

Diagnosis of influenza

More often, the diagnosis is made on the basis of characteristic clinical signs, but if it is difficult to make a diagnosis, the nature of the disease can be clarified using additional research methods.

Currently, to confirm the diagnosis of influenza in medical institutions, the method of fluorescent (glowing) antibodies is used to detect viral antibodies in infected material (for the study, the doctor takes it from the nose or pharynx).

Glossary of terms

Bronchitis- inflammation of the bronchi.
Intoxication- poisoning of the body by toxic substances formed within itself or received from outside.
Contagiousness- contagiousness.
Pandemic- an epidemic characterized by the spread of an infectious disease throughout the entire country, the territory of neighboring states, and sometimes many countries of the world (for example, cholera, influenza).
Pyelonephritis- bacterial inflammation of the urinary part of one or both kidneys.
Tonsillitis- inflammation of the tonsils.
Tracheitis- inflammation of the tracheal mucosa.
Epidemic- the spread of any human infectious disease, significantly exceeding the level of normal (sporadic) morbidity in a given territory.

If you had the flu in the first half of pregnancy, it is recommended to do the so-called “triple test” on time - for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin () and estriol (you must take three hormones, since you can assess the risk by two or one pathologies is often impossible). These tests suggest the presence of fetal malformations. However, we must remember that the results of this test are indicative and if abnormalities are identified, a number of further studies are carried out, as well as a consultation with a geneticist. Along with recovery, an ultrasound examination is performed. Depending on the results of the “triple” test and ultrasound, you can either calm down or be examined further.

More often, the diagnosis is made on the basis of characteristic clinical signs.

Further examination includes the procedure of amniocentesis. During amniocentesis, a sample of amniotic fluid is taken and examined for any pathologies in the baby. Although the procedure is performed very quickly, almost painlessly, under ultrasound guidance, in approximately 1-2% of cases there is a risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

If the flu was suffered in the second half of pregnancy, then to clarify the condition of the fetus, it is also necessary to conduct an ultrasound examination, Dopplerography - a study of blood flow in the vessels of the fetus, placenta, umbilical cord, cardiotocography - a study of the fetal cardiac activity.

Flu treatment

Treatment of a pregnant woman with the flu is carried out at home.

The patient is provided with bed rest. The room is ventilated (preferably every hour), it is regularly wet cleaned, and personal utensils of a person with the flu must be rinsed with boiling water.

A pregnant woman should be provided with a balanced diet; the diet should be complete and rich in vitamins. It is desirable to predominate dairy-carbohydrate foods with limited salt content (fermented milk products are recommended). In the absence of edema, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids (fruit juice, compote, fruit juices, etc.). It is necessary to remove toxins from the body.

Treatment of influenza during pregnancy is carried out at home, the patient is provided with bed rest.

In case of high temperature (above 38°C) and severe pain (headache, muscle pain), it is recommended PARACETAMOL. However, you should not abuse antipyretic drugs - you should not use them more than once every 4-6 hours, limiting the number of doses per day to 4 times. It should be remembered that fever contributes to the speedy death of the influenza virus.

It is recommended to use a solution for gargling FURACILINA. You can purchase a ready-made solution at the pharmacy and dilute it at a rate of 1:1 (half a glass of solution to half a glass of warm water) or make the solution yourself, at a rate of 4 tablets FURACILINA for 800 ml of water. Pour boiling water over the tablets and wait until they are completely dissolved.

You can also rinse with baking soda - 1 teaspoon per glass of water.

For a runny nose, you can use vasoconstrictor drops. When coughing, an expectorant mixture containing thermopsis or marshmallow root is prescribed, a tablespoon is prescribed 4 times a day.

There is a misconception that antibiotics help against all diseases, and the “stronger” the drug, the better. You cannot use antibacterial agents on your own! The use of antibiotics for influenza is generally irrational, since antibacterial drugs do not act on viruses that are located in the nucleus of cells - antibiotics cannot reach the virus. At the same time, the use of antibacterial agents leads to the formation of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms and is accompanied by a large number of undesirable side effects. Antibiotics are prescribed only by a doctor, and they are necessary only for bacterial complications of influenza such as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, encephalitis, and otitis media.

Herbal medicine will help

• chamomile infusion(Pour 1 tablespoon of boiling water over a glass, boil for 10 minutes, then strain the resulting solution and gargle);
• calendula infusion(the method of preparing the infusion is the same as for chamomile);
• infusion of sage(Brew 1 tablespoon of crushed leaves with 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, strain the solution and gargle);
• infusion of Siberian elderberry(Pour 3-4 tablespoons of flowers with a glass of boiling water, simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, then strain and gargle).

The use of immunomodulatory drugs by a pregnant woman should be discussed with the attending physician in each specific case, since the issue of their use still remains controversial.

Hospitalization of a pregnant woman in a hospital is carried out in severe forms of the disease:

• in the presence of complications (pneumonia, damage to the nervous system, etc.);
• in the presence of aggravated concomitant diseases (chronic pneumonia, chronic tonsillitis, pyelonephritis, cardiovascular diseases, etc.);
• if it is not possible to provide good care and the necessary sanitary regime at home.

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 into crowded places, especially during an epidemic, lubricate your nose 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 accompanying leaflet found 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.

About vaccinations

Vaccination is the main method. It is carried out in medical institutions at will during epidemics. Modern vaccines contain inactivated (killed) influenza virus, so it is considered safe for both mother and child. However, if your pregnancy is less than , then you should not do it! In addition, no flu shot guarantees that you will definitely not get the disease, since the flu vaccine is highly effective against viruses that are antigenically similar to those used to produce the vaccine, but does not work against other types of viruses. The composition of the vaccines changes every year in order to provide maximum protection against the virus, depending on WHO forecasts (what type of virus will circulate in the next season). The high variability of influenza viruses does not allow for complete protection, although the appearance in the new season of varieties that are significantly different from their predecessors is not a frequent occurrence. Thus, there still remains a small but unpleasant possibility of suffering from the flu, often in an erased form, so increasing immunity will not be superfluous. And this includes hardening, a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and physical activity.

Olga Georginova,
Resident Doctor, Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Moscow State University. M.V. Lomonosova