Treatment of acute respiratory viral infections in pregnant women

Acute respiratory viral infections during pregnancy are one of the most common reasons for expectant mothers to see a doctor. Treatment of acute respiratory viral infections in pregnant women requires a special approach: the immune system works differently during this period. The body intentionally reduces some of the immune responses so as not to reject the fetus. That is why pregnant women get acute respiratory viral infections more often and often suffer it more severely than before pregnancy.

It is important to understand that many of the usual medications are contraindicated at this time, and self-medication can harm not only the mother, but also the child.

What is the danger of acute respiratory viral infections during pregnancy?

By itself, a mild form of SARS, as a rule, does not pose a threat to the fetus. However, a number of factors require close attention.

High fever is one of the main risk factors, especially in the first trimester. By data Studies have shown that fever above 38.5°C in early pregnancy may increase the risk of disorders in the development of the neural tube of the fetus. Therefore, if the temperature rises significantly during pregnancy, it is necessary to act quickly and not wait for it to subside on its own.

It is equally important to monitor the condition in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy: during this period, the load on the cardiovascular system and lungs increases, and even moderate acute respiratory viral infections may require closer monitoring.

Treatment of acute respiratory viral infections during pregnancy. What is allowed?

At the reception, expectant mothers often ask how to treat acute respiratory viral infections during pregnancy and for which drugs there are contraindications. The main principle is a minimum of medications, a maximum of safe symptomatic measures.

Antipyretics

Paracetamol is the only antipyretic drug that is allowed at all stages of pregnancy. It is considered the safest choice when it is necessary to lower the temperature. It should be taken at the minimum effective dose and no longer than necessary.

Local therapy

Gargling with saline solution is a safe and effective method for sore throat and tickling. It can be used for any length of time. Rinsing the nose helps with nasal congestion; it also has no contraindications during pregnancy.

What is recommended to drink for pregnant women with acute respiratory viral infections

Drinking plenty of warm water is one of the main treatment tools. Warm tea, mors, broth, and plain water help maintain water balance, reduce intoxication, and alleviate symptoms. You need to consume liquid in small portions, but often.

Mode

Bed rest in the early days of the disease helps the body to cope with the viral disease faster and reduces the risk of complications.

What can not be taken with acute respiratory viral infections in pregnant women

Ibuprofen, aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should not be used during pregnancy, starting from the 20th week — they can do more harm than the disease itself: disrupt fetal kidney function and cause premature closure of the arterial duct. This is one of the key prohibitions that is important to keep in mind.

Svetlana Kravchenko, obstetrician-gynecologist at the Kandinsky Clinic:

"Many patients are convinced that the usual medicines for colds are harmless — and this is understandable, because they took them before pregnancy. But during pregnancy, the body works differently, and what used to help without consequences can now do harm. Even if it's over-the-counter herbal preparations. Therefore, any treatment, including those that seem harmless, should be coordinated with a doctor."

Here is a broader list of medications and remedies that are prohibited or require caution.:

• Vasoconstrictor nasal drops — many of them are contraindicated,
• Combined medications for colds and flu — most contain components with unexplored or negative effects during pregnancy;
• Antibiotics are prescribed only by a doctor if a bacterial infection has joined the viruses.;
• Most antiviral drugs — there is insufficient data on their safety during pregnancy, the appointment is possible only according to strict indications.

If you have contracted SARS and do not know if it is possible to cure the infection on your own, the best choice in such cases is to consult a doctor before taking anything.

What can pregnant women do with acute respiratory viral infections: by trimester

The approach to treatment depends on the duration of pregnancy.

The first trimester — the most vulnerable period: at this time, all the organs of the fetus are formed. In the first trimester, it is especially important to avoid any medications unless absolutely necessary. Acceptable: paracetamol according to indications, saline solutions for the nose and throat, heavy drinking, bed rest.

Second trimester — a period of relative stability. The list of permitted drugs is somewhat broader, but still limited. Medications are prescribed by a doctor.

Third trimester — in the third trimester of pregnancy, special care should be taken with NSAIDs and a number of other medications. The fetus has already formed during these weeks, however, some substances may affect its functional state.

Acute respiratory viral infections are treated symptomatically, and safe measures such as copious drinking or rinsing, rather than self-selection of pills, will help alleviate them.

Flu during pregnancy: the more dangerous it is than SARS

The flu is also a viral infection of the respiratory tract, but it stands alone. Their flu is more severe than that of non-pregnant people of the same age.: There is a higher risk of pneumonia, hospitalization, and premature birth.

What should I do if I have the flu during pregnancy? The main thing is to see a doctor as soon as possible. In some cases, he may prescribe antiviral therapy (for example, oseltamivir) — this is a drug allowed during pregnancy, which is recommended to be started in the early days of the disease. At the same time, you should also act symptomatically: drink more, lower the temperature with paracetamol.

Vaccination against influenza during pregnancy

World Health Organization (WHO) Recommends All pregnant women should be vaccinated against influenza at any stage of pregnancy.

The flu vaccine is safe during pregnancy because confirmed data from a systematic review and meta-analysis. It protects not only the mother, but also the baby in the first months of life, when he himself cannot be vaccinated yet. It is better to decide when to get vaccinated, taking into account your age, together with your doctor.

Prevention of acute respiratory viral infections during pregnancy

It is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of contracting acute respiratory infections, but it is realistic to reduce it. Here's what you should do for that.:

• Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly is a key way to reduce virus transmission.
• Avoid crowded areas during the seasonal increase in morbidity, especially in the first trimester.
• Ventilate the premises — dry conditioned air reduces the protective properties of the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa.
• Do not contact patients during vulnerable periods of pregnancy.
• Discussing flu vaccination with your doctor is the most effective measure to prevent severe illness during pregnancy.

When to see a doctor urgently

Pregnant women with colds and acute respiratory viral infections should not delay contacting a doctor, especially if the symptoms increase or do not go away for more than five days.

During pregnancy, it is important to exclude complications that may threaten the health of the mother and child in a timely manner.

Symptoms that require immediate medical attention:

• the temperature is above 38.5 ° C, which does not decrease after taking paracetamol;
• shortness of breath, shortness of breath;
• severe cough with chest pain;
• Symptoms do not improve in 5-7 days.;
• the appearance of unusual discharge, pain in the lower abdomen, decreased fetal activity.

Acute respiratory viral infections during pregnancy in Dubai

Life in Dubai creates specific conditions: air—conditioned air all year round, sudden temperature fluctuations between the street and the room - all this increases the risk of contracting SARS, even in the summer.

This is especially true for expectant mothers: in conditions of reduced immunity, it is important to be more attentive to the first symptoms of a cold during pregnancy and not ignore any discomfort.

Help with acute respiratory viral infections in pregnant women at the Kandinsky Clinic

At the Kandinsky Clinic in Dubai, expectant mothers can receive recommendations from experienced specialists in Russian — a gynecologist, therapist, ENT and other specialized doctors.

The doctor will help you figure out how to treat acute respiratory viral infections safely, if necessary, prescribe tests that can be performed in the clinic's own laboratory, and select therapy based on the duration of pregnancy and individual health characteristics.

More information about the work of specialists and the available time to make an appointment for a consultation can be found on the clinic's website.

Arrange make an appointment with a therapist You can use WhatsApp or by phone +97145631200.

Sources

1. NHS. Paracetamol in pregnancy.
2. FDA. NSAIDs and pregnancy: drug safety communication.
3. CDC. Recommendations for obstetric care providers related to use of antiviral medications for influenza.
4. WHO. Flu (seasonal).

Disclaimer: The article has been prepared for educational purposes and does not replace a face-to-face consultation with a doctor. The decision on diagnosis and treatment should be made jointly with a specialist.