Зміст
Flu during pregnancy can be a problem for expectant mothers and should not be ignored. Although the condition can occur at any age or condition, it can be extremely serious during pregnancy, and you should see a doctor who can help you prescribe appropriate treatment.
Flu can appear both at the beginning and in the 9th month of pregnancy. If left untreated, it can pose a threat to the developing baby. It is much more severe than in non-pregnant people and may last longer.
Flu during pregnancy – how to recognize it?
Flu symptoms are usually more severe during pregnancy. Therefore, the expectant mother should pay special attention to her health. This also applies to women with naturally high levels of immunity, although a healthy lifestyle will not always protect against microorganisms that may contribute to the disease. Pregnancy, unfortunately, favors various infections – during this period a cold, fungal infection or flu may occur.
Flu during pregnancy, as well as outside pregnancy, is caused by viruses. The first symptoms appear suddenly, while a cold develops relatively slowly. Influenza can be diagnosed when a high body temperature appears – up to 39 °C. Accompanied by muscle and joint pain, headache, a feeling of general weakness and the so-called falls. A cough, runny nose and loss of appetite appear. Problems with the intestines or stomach are unlikely to occur.
Can the flu be a sign of pregnancy?
The disease itself is not directly related to fertilization. Although the flu is not a sign of pregnancy, it is worth realizing that fever, nausea, lack of appetite or dizziness may actually mean that a woman is becoming a mother.
Flu during pregnancy – is it harmful to the baby?
Influenza at the beginning of pregnancy, i.e., when it appears in the first trimester and is accompanied by chills and high fever, causes contractions of the uterus in a woman and, as a result, miscarriage. Flu in the 9th month of pregnancy can contribute to premature birth. When the first symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. Flu and pregnancy pose a very dangerous relationship: the virus can damage the baby’s heart and bones, as well as his digestive and nervous systems, and cause low birth weight. This can also lead to fetal death.
Flu and pregnancy – how to protect yourself?
The flu virus is spread through the air, so to protect yourself from it, you should avoid being around people who have a runny nose or cough, which are potential flu symptoms. It is unfavorable to be in public transport, shopping centers or large groups of people. Be especially careful when touching handrails, door handles or computer keyboards, for example in the workplace. Even in such places, the flu virus can remain active for up to 24 hours. You should not put your hands near your mouth and eyes, as these are also ways the virus can enter the body.
If a woman has not been vaccinated against the influenza virus before pregnancy, then she can receive such a vaccine after conception. However, you should not act in this case on your own; you should consult a doctor about such a procedure. Based on tests and general health, the expectant mother is told what effect the vaccine will have on her body.
If there is a need for such vaccination, it should be scheduled at a time when cases of influenza are not yet common. Full immunity is achieved only 2 weeks after the protective injection. It should be performed in the 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy. A good solution could be the so-called homeopathic vaccine – its prescription is also decided by the doctor, and it allows you to naturally increase the level of immunity of the pregnant woman.
Flu during pregnancy – diet
During pregnancy, women usually change their eating habits to healthier ones. The diet of expectant mothers is then rich in vitamins and microelements. To protect yourself from the flu, you should eat foods high in vitamin C, which reduces the susceptibility of body cells to various infections. Such products include rosehip and blackcurrant jam. It is also worth introducing sauerkraut into your diet. Garlic, which can be called a natural antibiotic, will also be useful. It helps fight pathogens and does not harm the body.
It is worth supplementing your diet with a healthy lifestyle and avoiding stress, which often causes a decrease in immunity. You need enough sleep – at least 8 hours a day. The good condition of a pregnant woman is not a contraindication for outdoor sports, so unless the doctor advises otherwise, it is worth going for a walk. It is also important to ventilate the apartment, especially before going to bed.
