What should I do if I catch a cold during pregnancy? How should I take care of myself?

Pregnant mothers all know that they cannot take medicine casually during pregnancy. Taking medicine during pregnancy may affect the fetus, so pregnant mothers are always cautious and cautious during pregnancy. However, even if pregnant mothers pay attention to protection in daily life, they may accidentally "get infected" at some point. So what should I do if I catch a cold during pregnancy? Can I take medicine? This question is a bit confusing. Today, let's take a look at what pregnant mothers should do if they catch a cold during pregnancy?

1. Causes of colds in pregnant women

There are many reasons why pregnant women catch colds, including the following:

1. Viral infection: The most common cause of colds in pregnant women is viral infection, such as influenza virus or common cold virus. These viruses are transmitted through droplets in the air, direct contact with people with colds, or contact with objects contaminated by the virus.

2. Changes in the immune system: The immune system of pregnant women will undergo some changes during pregnancy. It is relatively weak during pregnancy and is more susceptible to influenza virus attack.

3. Physiological changes during pregnancy: The body of a pregnant woman undergoes many changes during pregnancy, including changes in hormone levels, narrowing of the airways, nasal congestion, etc. These changes may make pregnant women more susceptible to viral infection.

4. Seasonal changes and environmental factors: Especially in autumn and winter, colds are more common and it is easier to get infected in crowded places. In addition, prolonged exposure to cold air may also increase the risk of catching a cold.

5. Cold: After pregnancy, women are more likely to catch cold, which can cause colds and other discomfort. Changes in hormone levels and adjustments in the blood circulation system in pregnant women lead to changes in the body's temperature regulation function, making it easy for pregnant women to have blood stasis below the waist and poor blood circulation. These physiological changes make pregnant women's bodies more sensitive to temperature changes, thereby increasing the risk of catching colds.

2. How to deal with colds in pregnant women

Pregnant women need to be extra careful when they catch a cold, because the pregnancy period is special and the choice of medicine is different from that of ordinary people.

1. Seek medical advice: First of all, you should seek medical advice in time and consult your doctor for appropriate treatment options. The doctor will determine whether medication is needed and which medications are safe based on the specific situation of the pregnant woman. Avoid buying over-the-counter drugs or using customary drugs on your own.

2. Rest: Pregnant women need to get enough rest when they have a cold and avoid overwork, which will help their bodies recover.

3. Diet adjustment: Drink plenty of clean and warm water to stay hydrated, eat easily digestible food, and consume fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C to enhance immunity.

4. Gargle and rinse your nose with salt water: You can gargle and rinse your nose with light salt water, which helps clean your mouth and nasal cavity and relieve discomfort.

5. Humidifier: Using a humidifier indoors can keep the air moist and help relieve symptoms such as dry throat and cough.

6. Warm protection: Keep your body warm, especially the waist, feet and other parts that are easily affected by cold, and avoid staying in cold and humid environments.

7. Symptom monitoring: Pay attention to changes in your own symptoms. If you experience difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, vomiting or other serious symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

3. Is a cold harmful to the fetus?

The thing that most pregnant mothers worry about most after catching a cold is whether it will affect the fetus in their belly. Generally speaking, the impact of a cold in pregnant women on the fetus is usually small. Reports show that there are more than a dozen viruses that cause colds. Most of the viruses are harmless to the baby, but a small number of viruses have been confirmed to have obvious teratogenic effects on the baby, so a cold in pregnant mothers generally does not directly pose a serious threat to the fetus. However, the cold virus may cause the pregnant woman's body temperature to rise and cause some discomfort symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, headache and fatigue. These discomforts will affect the comfort and sleep quality of the pregnant mother.

4. What to eat when you have a cold during pregnancy

Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is important for relieving cold symptoms and maintaining good health. Drinking enough water helps maintain water balance, thins mucus, and relieves throat discomfort.

Warm soups: such as chicken soup, vegetable soup or clear soup, help keep the body warm, provide nutrition and replenish physical strength.

And easily digestible food: Choose simple and easily digestible food, such as rice, noodles, porridge, vegetables, etc., avoid greasy and irritating food, which will help reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.

Ginger and honey: Ginger has the effect of warming the body and promoting circulation, while honey has antibacterial and throat-soothing effects. You can try drinking ginger tea or honey water to relieve symptoms.

Avoid irritating foods: such as spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol, which may aggravate cold symptoms or have adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract.

In general, pregnant women with colds need to be treated with caution, but pregnant mothers should not panic too much. They should follow the doctor's advice and pay attention to adjusting their lifestyle and eating habits to promote recovery. The views in this article only represent personal opinions. When pregnant mothers have a serious cold or a viral cold, they should seek medical treatment in time and actively cooperate with the doctor for treatment to ensure the health of themselves and their babies. (Cui Xiaoying, Lingshou County People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province)