Effects of a cold on the fetus

Cold is a common symptom and a health problem that troubles many people. For some pregnant women, it is also easier to develop cold symptoms. Of course, since the resistance of the fetus in the pregnant woman's belly is relatively poor, pregnant women must not take medication at will after catching a cold, otherwise it will have a certain impact on the fetus. Next, I will introduce to you some relevant knowledge about colds in pregnant women!

1. What is a cold in pregnant women?

Cold is a common and frequently occurring disease. When a person is pregnant, the mucous membranes of the nose, pharynx, trachea and other respiratory tracts become thickened, edematous and congested, and the disease resistance decreases, making it easy to catch a cold.

Most colds are caused by common cold viruses, and some are also caused by influenza viruses. Mild cases only have headache, low fever, poor appetite, nasal congestion and runny nose. Severe cases can cause high fever of over 39°C and last for several days. When the fever is high, the toxins produced may enter the fetus through the placenta and affect the development of fetal brain cells, especially in the early stages of pregnancy.

2. Causes of colds in pregnant women

Respiratory function changes in early pregnancy. At 18 weeks, the pregnant woman's oxygen consumption increases by 10-20% (50% of which is consumed by the fetus). The lung ventilation volume increases by 40%. In order to meet the oxygen demand of the pregnant woman herself and the fetus, pregnant women often hyperventilate. The fetus has no respiratory function in the mother's body and relies entirely on the mother to inhale oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, so pregnant women often feel shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Due to excessive ventilation, more dust is inhaled, and the congestion and edema of the respiratory mucosa such as the nose, pharynx, and trachea of ​​pregnant women make them prone to upper respiratory tract infection.

3. Does a cold during pregnancy affect the fetus?

The common cold has mild symptoms, such as clear runny nose and sneezing. It has little effect on the fetus and there is no need to take medicine. You will be fine after a few days of rest. However, during the second trimester (April-July), the fetus's embryonic development and organ formation are at a critical time. If you catch influenza and your symptoms are severe, it will have a greater impact on the fetus. Taking medication during this period also poses a greater risk to the fetus. Fever over 39°C. If the fever exceeds 39°C, it may cause fetal disability or miscarriage. In addition, sometimes cold-like symptoms may be pyelonephritis.