The common cold is a viral illness of the nose and throat that is typically innocuous. An essential thing to remember is that cold viruses have no influence on a baby’s development and, as a result, the symptoms of this illness will not directly damage the fetus.
Regardless of how well the expecting woman takes care of herself during her pregnancy, when the cold comes, catarrhal symptoms such as sore throat, itchy nose, runny nose, cough, and so on are typical. We must be cautious with the drugs we take at this time since they may have an adverse effect on fetal growth.
We must keep in mind that the cold is a normal process that lasts a week and will not be reduced even if drugs are used. It’s probable that time will be extended a bit more throughout pregnancy.
There are a lot of natural therapies that may assist ease symptoms and help you get over the cold faster, such as:
- Increase your water intake to aid in the removal of the virus and the replenishment of fluids.
- Try to get as much rest as possible and stay away from stressful situations.
- Sore throats and coughs may be relieved by drinking hot milk with honey and lemon.
- Smoky and dry areas should be avoided.
- Make eucalyptus vapours, use humidifiers to soften secretions, and expand the airways to aid mucus ejection.
- Use a saline solution or salt water to cleanse your nose.
- Sleep with your head slightly up in the bed.
Influenza in pregnancy
Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that has a high infectious potential. It spreads from person to person by saliva droplets that come out while speaking, coughing, sneezing, or through hand contact with infected things.
Because a pregnant woman’s immune system has a harder time combating infections during pregnancy, she is more likely to get the flu and other ailments.
Pregnant women are more likely to have the flu and develop complications from flu-related symptoms than non-pregnant women of the same age. As a result, it’s essential to take measures, particularly during flu season, and to get the flu vaccination to protect the mother and baby from injury.
The precautions that a prospective mother with the flu should take to ensure that the virus has the least potential impact on the baby are as follows:
- Take care of your diet: Despite your lack of appetite induced by the virus, you should continue to consume the nutrients required for the pregnancy’s appropriate growth.
- Avoid dehydration: Increase your fluid intake, which should include not just water but also hot broths, vegetable purees, or vitamin C-rich juices to help boost your immune system.
- Control the temperature: It is vital to keep the temperature of the pregnant lady below 38-38.5 degrees Celsius. The influence of maternal temperature on fetal well-being is uncertain.
- Keep the airways free: Nasal washes may help prevent the buildup of mucus that might aggravate sinusitis.
- Ensure a good rest: To guarantee a quick recovery, remain at home and relax as much as possible in bed.
