Cold and flu in pregnancy
A cold or flu can be especially uncomfortable when you’re pregnant. The immune system of pregnant women is already under strain. Pregnant women should also be very careful with medication. dr medical Peter Potthoff, specialist in gynecology and obstetrics, answers the most important questions.
Why is the flu dangerous during pregnancy?
dr medical Peter Potthoff: The pregnant woman has to be viewed as a system. This system is impaired during pregnancy. The productivity of a pregnant woman is reduced, since she has to take care of two bodies at the same time. Pregnant women are in a border area. You have fewer red blood cells. Pregnancy also makes it harder to breathe, for example. A flu or cold is therefore a double burden.
What should be considered when administering non-prescription medication for the flu during pregnancy?
dr medical Peter Potthoff: It is important to tell the pharmacist immediately that you are pregnant. In this way, the doctor can select the right drug and rule out contraindications. You should also be careful with tactile stimuli during pregnancy. Warm baths, for example, can affect pregnancy. The heat could induce labor or open the cervix. In general, pregnant women should always be careful when heat or cold are involved in applications.
What are the side effects of taking antibiotics during pregnancy?
dr medical Peter Potthoff: Antibiotics that are approved for pregnant women also have no side effects for them. Others should not be used during pregnancy. The doctor in charge knows which antibiotic is suitable for his pregnant patient. Depending on the disease and the age of the pregnancy, the wrong antibiotic can cause problems. In the first few weeks of pregnancy, for example, the child may develop deformities. Growth can also be disrupted. An impairment of the birth would also be possible. However, this is different for each drug and cannot be said in general.
Are there alternatives to administering antibiotics?
dr medical Peter Potthoff: No, because if you really need an antibiotic, there is no alternative. Antibiotics must be used for infectious diseases.
What is the best way to protect yourself from infection during pregnancy?
dr medical Peter Potthoff: A healthy lifestyle is the be-all and end-all, especially during pregnancy. A healthy diet and regular exercise are also important during pregnancy. Prophylaxis is also crucial: Pregnant women should avoid mass events such as cinemas or theaters and also the tram. This reduces the risk of infection. It is also essential to avoid raw meat, mussels, raw eggs or sushi. In this way, pregnant women avoid possible ingestion of pathogens.
Otherwise, the doctor should be consulted at the first sign of flu during pregnancy. This can give the pregnant woman security that it is really just a harmless cold. So it’s better to see a doctor too early than too late.